* Lauren Duckworth: Her newest art exhibit opens Feb. 4 at Cornerstone Gallery. In the past her art has been shown at the Student Art Space in the Commons, Anderson Gallery and Piedmont Virginia Community College
* Stats: senior art student
Q: What was the history of your collaboration (with Madeline)?
A: Lauren Duckworth: First, it was in a group of 13 people called “Lady Fest” at Chop Suey books. In September we had a show in the Commons.
Q: What is printmaking and how you got the idea for the show?
A: Contemporary printmaking is more experimental. We were experimenting with lithograph, and monograph. Lithograph is an ancient form of printmaking off stone/alumninum. Monoprint is often done on Plexiglas.
Q: Why be an artist, given the stereotype of the starving artist?
A: It’s really fun, and what I spend most of my time doing. It’s what I like to do.
Q: What artists inspired you the most?
A: Sally Bowring, David Freed, and Barbara Tisserat.
Q: If you could go back in any period, what would you be?
A: An assistant to Durer. There’s an exhibit about him at VMFA.
Q: How did you get into the Piedmont Community College competition?
There was a call for different works. It was an invitational exhibit. I sent 15 slides, and my resume. The competition was from all over VA. I was the youngest person there; the oldest was 60.
* Madeline Hoch: Last month she showed a hand-painted and bound book.did at ADA Gallery.
* Stats: Native of Philidelphia, Has lived in Chicago and NYC, Senior art student
Q: Why did you collaborate (with Lauren)?
A: We always admired each other’s work.
Q: How did you realize what you wanted to specialize in?
A: I always liked paper, and 2-D [art work], and love to draw.
Q: What do you think when you hear the stereotype about the starving artist?
A: I don’t want to starve. There are things you can do in the community. There is a bit of that romantic ideal that comes into play, but I hate it when people assume that is all there is for artists.
Q: Do you have any advice for high school students who want to go to VCU?
A: Get to know your professors. Keep drawing!
Q: If you could go back to any period, where would you go?
A: I like present-day India the most. I’m planning on going in 1-2 years with my mom. I love the aesthetic, and tradition of their crafts. I find it interesting. Bollywood, the Indian movie industry, does a great job of showing contemporary culture. It’s nice to see the two contrasting sides of tradition, and contemporary culture. I listen to the crazy ideals of love and happiness that is so easy to subcribe to in images and the music.
Q: What do you hope to do after graduating?
A: Teach at the university level. I always thought it was a great supplement to making art. I have also an interest in the not-for-profit sector.