FORM Spotlight:

Name: Raven Epstein

Year: Senior

Major: English Literature

How would you describe your collection?

The focal point of my collection in the gallery is a tile mural. The inspiration for it came from a Latvian folk tale I remembered and rediscovered. I also have on display 30 out of the 50 porcelain bowls I did for my independent study, three sculptures which speak to the theme I tried to communicate with my Rose and some other thrown forms that I felt fit in.

How did you get started as an artist?

I've always enjoyed trying a little bit of this and some of that since I was a little kid-crocheting, painting, playing with clay, photography, etc. It wasn't until I came here to Hofstra that I started to pursue ceramics and photography more seriously. It was mainly a need to find a minor that I enjoyed, but the more classes I took, the more impassioned I became.

What are your inspirations?

For the most part, my inspiration comes from literature-fictional and informative. My friends' work, artists that I stumble upon online or in a gallery, memories, almost anything is up for grabs. I'm usually most inspired by something that shocks me.

What other activities are you involved in?

Besides FORM, I work in the Ceramics Studio, and part-time I run a business development database for a CRO. But my life this semester has essentially been the Studio.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Will art continue to be a big part of your life?

After graduation, I hope to be going to grad school for education and working, hopefully for another ceramics studio. Essentially, above all else, I want to continue creating, learning and teaching. Art will always be a big part of my life.