NORTHERN TODAY 8 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS Q&A Artist in Residence in Ceramics Gratia Brown Hometown: I was born in New Haven, Conn., but spent most my adult life in Pittsburgh, Pa. Family: I moved to Aberdeen with my significant other, Spencer Dobson, and our three cats. Spencer is a stand-up comic (www. spencerdobsoncomedy.com) who performs around the country. Title and involvement at NSU: I am the artist in residence in ceramics at NSU. I maintain a studio off the ceramics classroom and teach the ceramics courses. Q. How long have you worked at NSU? A. We just moved here in July, and I started working this semester. Q. What brought you to Northern? A. The artist in residence position is a wonderful opportunity to continue my studio work and be involved in an academic and arts community. Q. What is the best part of working at Northern? A. I could not ask for better people to work with, both students and faculty. There is a wonderful energy at Northern. The students are open and incredibly focused in the studio. Faculty members are supportive, friendly and really went out of their way to make both Spencer and me feel welcome and part of the community in Aberdeen. Q. What is the best career advice you have ever received? A. All the advice I’ve received boils down to get back to the studio and produce. Be persistent and search for an audience for your work and connections will be made. Q. What advice would you like to share with students? A. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible, but don’t feel like you have to make every life decision before graduation. For art students: NSU has wonderful facilities – explore as many disciplines as you can and open up to your professors. Research opportunities that will allow you to network and discover the options that you have as a young artist. Q. Are you involved with any organizations outside of work you want to mention? A. I’m hoping to work with the Aberdeen Empty Bowls while I am at NSU. This is a wonderful organization that provides an opportunity for the community to work with clay – making ceramic bowls. Bowls and food are then donated to a large dinner sometime in late spring, and the proceeds go to various area charities. I encourage everyone to look into participating and attending the dinner. (For more information about Empty Bowls, please see the Empty Bowls Aberdeen Facebook page.) Q. Do you have any hobbies you want to mention? A. I love horseback riding, hiking and exploring. I am an avid horse racing fan and a reluctant gambler!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzkyNTY=