the forgotten commencement speech 2010

 I found my lost commencement speech while searching through my files on my external.  I love the perspective of what I was thinking 3 years ago- afraid, over tired, and over caffeinated- just waiting for everything to happen. I was one of 5 students in my graduating class to submit a speech and even though mine was not selected I do not regret the time it took to write and compose it.

We first had to write why we wanted to speak- what inspired us etc;

I remember the moment I first fell in love- the Girl With A Pearl Earring by Vermeer. From that moment on I knew what I wanted to do, become an artist and transform others in the awe inspired state she made me feel. I knew two things I wanted to accomplish as a child, become an artist and attend CCS. My life has been saturated with art- it is intertwined with the very core of my being. While the way in which I choose to express my emotion had changed mediums and disciples from environmental, industrial and fine art what remains consistent is the idea that I can express emotion and feeling in my work. They are extensions of me. To be given this opportunity would really be a great honor and be the icing on my experience here at CCS. I truly am sadden by the idea of leaving. This has been the best four years of my life. Thank you for your consideration.

And now for the speech:  

“The White canvas is like a layer of dust that covers up the real painting. It is just a matter of cleaning it. I have a little brush to clear away the blue, another for the red and another for the green. Another when I’ve finished cleaning, the picture is all there.” George Braque.

We gather here today to celebrate the journey we all endeavored. One of the most challenging endeavours we will ever face.

We all converged here with various under paintings- with various talents but the journey of self evolution as artists and designers has lead to one signal notion- we dare to color outside the lines, to convey emotion out of form, not to except things for face value, to question, to dream, to innovate, to change the world.

Each year we revel another layer of paint- our canvas grow in complexity. The studios challenge us far beyond what we imagined possible. We faced intense deadlines, embraced self doubt, experienced frustration, challenged preconceived notions.

We have learned to absorb, expand and to question. We have allowed our work to make extraordinary demands on us. We have learned to think beyond the expected. To not only live life without limitations also to design without limitations.

While individual intensities of passion, vision, and design may vary CCS has nurtured and molded us in various ways into more daring creators. We look at art and life in a renewed way. At CCS we have gained a love and respect for those who have come before us who paved the way- by daring to be more innovative.

We are all threaded to the history of CCS forever entangled.

Through form language we imagine, we realize through various mediums.

We are the innovators we are the visionaries of the future. We carry on the creative torch.

CCS has taught us that it is not enough to be talented, we must also be passionate. Let your passion rein, let your desire be known, be willing to go out on a limb.

“If I wish to be remembered for anything other than ordinary than I must go further. In art. In Life In everything. Dali.

Go further CCS. Innovate. Inspire. Cause Debate.

Me and my sister Callie- thankfully we had a year we both attended CCS- notice the intensity on my face and the stress lol. Another all nighter on the 9th floor.