printmaking coordinator profile

Maria Santiago

Coordinator, Printmaking
MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
BS, Nazareth College of Rochester, NY

Teaches
Introduction to Printmaking, Intaglio, Relief/Monotype

What does CVA do better than other art and design schools?

What's unique about CVA? CVA is a gem of a school. For a school this size we have a great deal of balance in the curriculum. Our students are exposed to a well-rounded experience that includes a formative Foundation year, liberal arts studies, theoretical and technical course work, and they are encouraged in cross-disciplinary and experimental work. Throughout their years here students are exposed to exhibitions, panels, and learning opportunities throughout the cities. This comes to full expression in the final capstone of a written thesis and body of work. Challenging programs, devoted instructors, and small class size make it possible for all motivated students to benefit from this balanced curriculum. Undoubtedly the personal attention given to students is an important factor in the student’s success.

How would you describe your discipline to an
incoming student?

The discipline of printmaking will provide a new skill set that bridges and brings together many other disciplines, e.g. fine art, drawing, and painting with illustrative prints, graphic design with letterpress, and photography with most of the print techniques. Printmaking builds upon what is learned in first year Foundation courses and going forward, it provides alternative mark making techniques and formats to express yourself and your ideas. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from studying printmaking that will contribute to being an educated, creative worker.

What do you hope to teach a CVA student?

I would like to help students connect with their own reality through art-making and art appreciation. I hope students find that internal sense of order that they already possess and combine it with knowledge of our cultural/artistic heritage including meaning in art, techniques, history and contemporary issues so they can take their place in the world as artists and develop a useful form language and their own voice.

How do you prepare your students for their
professional practice?

We practice now! Our students are entering professional competitions and student generated exhibitions, making presentations in class, writing statements and documenting work, learning various formats for presenting artwork, seeing videos with influential critics, curators, and printmakers discussing the field, and also by gaining exposure to visiting artists.

In addition to teaching you're also a practicing artist. Tell us about that.

In my long art career I have submerged myself in metalwork, installation sculpture, painting, and printmaking. These areas of interest have informed each other and enriched my teaching. My interest in geometry, cultural identity, and spirituality is evident in all my artwork.