This week’s Artist Corner features: Josh Allen-Silvia
Q: Basic Information?
A: I’m From East Lyme Connecticut. I have a passion for all kinds of art, music, and soccer. I grew up knowing art was what I wanted to spend my life doing. Now, I’m a senior in UConn’s Fine Arts program with a concentration in Sculpture/Ceramics. During the summers I blow glass in Stonington, Connecticut with glass artist Jeffrey Pan.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Very controlled. My style can sometimes be minimal but everything is intentional and clean. My peers actually tell me I need to loosen up, but I like the control.
Q: In what ways has the UConn Art Program helped you develop your own personal style?
A: Working so closely with the other students and professors in the program has helped me realize what my style is and what has influenced it. I’ve been exposed to much more art history, and art in general, than ever before which has helped me develop the style I have now. Also access to better supplies and learning new techniques has allowed me to grow and become a better artist.
Q: Do you think this (the UConn Art Program) is something all students should be exposed to at least once in their college careers? Why?
A: Personally, I think art is something everyone can and should be exposed to. It can provide you with another way of thinking or problem solving, or can just be a nice break from the books. I think people just approach it in such a critical way so they think they can’t do something but it’s good to learn to work through things.
Q: In what ways does your artwork express “you” that other ways—verbal, written, or other communications—can’t?
A: I’m not much of talker, so my art allows me to have a voice although some may not understand what it is I’m trying to convey. But overall my art is me, it is a representation of my thoughts or feelings and it provides me with a vehicle for  self exploration.
Q: What do you love most about art? Whether creating or observing.
A: I love both observing art and creating it but I think I prefer creating more than anything. I have to be creating almost 24/7 and I think it’s that constant exploration and experimentation that helps me grow the most as a person.
Q: Is there anything you would change about the Art Department? (This may be anything from promoting more of the UConn Art Department to other students, or adding a café).
A: A lot. It’s hard to narrow down because there’s so much but some of the main issues are the disappearing number of student artists and with that the lack of funding the entire program receives. Both the Art building as well as the Ceramics studio could use some serious remodeling and new equipment/technology.
Q: Are there certain artist stereotypes you feel are present at UConn as well as nationwide or universally that you wish you could disprove? Are there positive ones?
A: I feel like people don’t take me seriously when I tell them I’m an art major. People think it’s an easy major or that I’m a burnout who doesn’t know much, but there’s actually a lot of science involved, especially in ceramics, and I spend countless hours working on several projects at a time. So it’s definitely not an easy major. There’s also the stereotype that I won’t get a job, which may be true, but I don’t want the kind of job a Business degree will get me. The only positive stereotype I can think of is when I tell people I’m a sculptor, they assume I’m good with my hands. I am.
Q: Do you have a favorite artist? Why this one?
A: There’s so much art in the world it’s so hard for me to pick a favorite artist but I’d have to say the most influential artists for me are probably Max Bill, a Swiss designer who paved the way for industrial art and concretism/neoconcretism, and my mentor Jeffery Pan because we are very similar as artists and working so closely with him has helped me develop my own style and work ethic.
Q: What can the UConn community do to get involved with the arts or support our local artists?
A:Â Come visit the art building! We almost always have student work on display and there are tons of people who would love if people outside the Art community came to view their work. Also be aware of any shows or fundraisers we put on throughout the semester. There are several gallery spaces on campus that display our work and are free for students to visit. We also usually have an end of the semester Open Studio/Sale in the Ceramics Studio which is a lot of fun and free for anyone to attend.
All images are from Josh’s instagram account, @jasilv…hit him with a follow
and his soundcloud:Â https://soundcloud.com/official-jas-musicÂ
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