1. Where did you go to grad school? What interested you in the program? How many years was the program?
- I attended The University of Oklahoma, I was drawn to the program because the studios were HUGE, their presses were enormous (at the time I was doing a lot of woodcuts). I made a connection with my professor and his wife and felt close to them which made the experience and the move not so intimidating. The program is three years long.
2. Tell me about your thesis show... What was the thought process that brought you to the work you created?
-I've always enjoyed things that are campy, tacky, and humorous, so when I saw Jersey Shore for the first time I saw art within the show and knew I was going to make work based on the absurd characters. I loved how everyone was a cartoon of who they are in real life and they were getting paid to get wasted drunk every night of the week. I was shocked AND jealous at the same time. I was drawn to Snooki the most, her gender role on the show and her cultural identity. Snooki was born in Chile and adopted by Italian-American parents. She proclaims she is a "guidette". Snooki's sexuality was very extreme too, on the show she was sexually aggressive and verbal about her wants and needs. To me, she was simply a (somewhat) sexually liberated woman and I enjoyed her forward nature.
-While making the work many people who say "That Jersey Shore show is so stupid" or "I can't even bare to watch it". Saying the Jersey Shore is stupid is like telling me that WWF wresting is not real. I know the Jersey Shore is "stupid" and "obnoxious", but why not take a closer and more educated look at a pocket of American sub culture that has many rich themes jam pack into it? Obviously the Jersey Shore is not for everyone, and defiantly not for the faint of heart. It was funny how I accidentally became a pop culture ambassador for one of the most ridiculous shows in television history. 
3. What is the media? How did the media work with what you were creating?
-The media played a huge role in my whole thesis project. Obviously I was doing a lot a research on modern feminism, cultural identity and consumerism within fashion culture so I was constantly going to my university's libraries page and various gossip sites to keep up with Snooki. Throughout my graduate career the Jersey Shore ran all 5 seasons. During the start of my thesis semester they aired their final season and rumors of Snooki being pregnant was all over the tabloids. I enjoyed when people would tell me stories they heard of her online of saw on the new stand. It was interesting making work on a personality that was constantly being blasted in all forms of media.
-That's a million dollar question... I'm going to apply to various teaching jobs and roll the academic dice like everyone else. I love teaching and luckily got some experience in while in school but I'd rather just get paid being fabulous.
4. What is next for you? Any future plans?
-That's a million dollar question... I'm going to apply to various teaching jobs and roll the academic dice like everyone else. I love teaching and luckily got some experience in while in school but I'd rather just get paid being fabulous.
5. Where can we find you on the internet?
katyseals.com all the way
6. Any advice for students looking for grad programs?
-Yes, I would suggest to look at location. Pick a place where you'd like to be. There are nice people everywhere so chose a place where you know you'll enjoy the environment. Also do research on the institution, it may be a dump or the professors might be ax murderers. Go visit and and the faculty can place a name with a face, also the visit might allow you to fall in love more with the school you're interested in or you may realize it is not what it's cracked up to be. Also look at what places are awarding scholarships, funding and teaching positions.
Katy also made this incredible video where she created her own Snookie Superstar. Take a look!
Check out Katy's website for more goodies. I really can't express enough how proud and excited I am for Katy and her awesome show and talent. Thanks, Katy!
1 comment:
Yay! Congrats, Seals! Thanks for doing these posts, Ann. Makes me feel like I was there.
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