TALK THE TALK with Laura Scialdone '22, Masters in Fine Arts in Drawing
We interviewed Laura Scialdone ’22, Masters in Fine Arts in Drawing, for the April edition of the LOOP, which focused on Bachelors of Fine Art and Masters in Drawing programs. This dynamic student shared a lot with us about their experience here at PCA.
Scialdone told us what they value most about their studies at PCA. “While I certainly have improved on the technical skills aspect of my artistic practice, I have to say one of the most valuable things I have taken away from my program is how I conceptualize and talk about my work. I’m more confident and sure of myself as an artist, and that’s due to the rigorous practice, work and discussions we go through.” Scialdone has a background in theatre arts and seeing these art forms intertwine through their creative expression is a conversation in itself for their audience, and we know we want to hear everything Scialdone has to say. Check your paris.edu for the LOOP newsletter and see the full interview here!
Where do you call home?
I call a few places home by this point. I grew up in the United States, on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi so in one sense that is home. After I received my bachelors degree in Theatre Arts, I lived in Washington D.C for three years and that still feels like home. By now, I’ve been in Paris for almost three years, and I can say it now feels like a home to me as well.
What inspired you to study at PCA?
The Drawing Program is unique in the way that it is very open minded about it’s approaches and concepts of what drawing can mean and the various intersections within art making. This especially shows true to the diverse background of students in the cohorts, whereas many of us did not originally come from a Fine Arts background – so this, in a way, frees us and allows ourselves to be curious. Because of that, I’ve been able to intertwine my theatre background into performance art which has been a really gratifying revelation.
What do you feel is the most valuable thing you’ve learned or what has moved you the most about your program at PCA?
While I certainly have improved on the technical skilled aspect of my artistic practice, I have to say one of the most valuable things I have taken away from my program is how to I conceptualize and talk about my work. I’m more confident and sure of myself as an artist, and that’s due to the rigorous practice, work and discussions we go through.
What is the most interesting or exciting element to you in regard to living & studying in Paris?
The access to museums, really great art supply stores, being surrounded by multiple cultures; being able to easily and affordably travel within Europe.