Sara Inacio '17
MECA has played a major role in shaping me as an artist.
In 2015, Sara Inacio was awarded a Professional Development and Entrepreneurship Grant, which helps BFA, MFA, and MAT students to advance their studio and professional skills by accessing opportunities and experiences beyond the MECA&D classroom. She is using her funds to participate in a project conducted by Braddock Tiles, a community based artisanal micro‐factory located in a formerly abandoned church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania initiated by the artist Swoon who specializes in life‐size wheat paste prints and paper cutouts of human figures.
Describe a body of work that you are currently working on.
I am currently working with Printmaking and Ceramics. I have been exploring ways in which sculpture/installation can relate to print. Lately I have become very interested in Biblical concepts and ideas. In my current work I have been using the lamb as a symbol of purity and sacrifice. I am working on a life size porcelain lamb that will open for people to interact with by writing/drawing with charcoal directly on it. Once the lamb is completely covered, I am planning on glaze firing it so that all of the charcoal will burn off, giving the lamb a new, clean, and glossy surface. This piece will be about renewal, and the beauty that comes from this idea of offering, or letting go of something.
What’s your background?
My initial intended major was Painting, but after exploring several programs at MECA&D, I found that Printmaking was the best fit for me. I have become interested in working in many different mediums, and Printmaking can easily be combined with any of them. I find Printmaking to be a very flexible medium that allows me to keep exploring new ways of making and combining different mediums and materials. It also allows me to work in multiples and to bring my work into many different contexts. I was drawn to the sense of community throughout the department, and the collaborative aspect of it. The department overall works very well in combination with my Public Engagement Minor.
How has your education at MECA&D shaped you as an artist?
MECA&D has played a major role in shaping me as an artist, and it has really encouraged my practice to change over time. I spent my first two years exploring as many programs as I could, including Printmaking, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Illustration. All of these programs, along with Foundation, has helped to build up my skill set. My work has changed drastically from the beginning of my MECA&D education, and it continues to change and improve as I learn how to apply the skills I have learned along with what I am learning.
What inspires you?
All of my inspiration and what really drives me to create is God’s love for people and his love in me. All of my work is inspired by his love, and I believe that he is the one who gives me the ability and motivation to create.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I am not sure of exactly what career I would like pursue once I graduate. I just know that I would like to continue to make art, and to keep doing collaborative and community based work. Although I don’t have any specific career goals, I am confident that the range of skills and experience I have been gaining during my education at MECA&D will open a lot of opportunities for me as an artist.