Mandeep Kaur, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department PhD Candidate, 5th Year
This is a painting of a battlefield where the enemy is within, war is against our own obstructing thoughts and victory is the wisdom that sets you (the horse) free.
Throughout medical school, pottery became a source of self-care for me. I am not a pottery expert and am lucky to get something off the wheel. However, I made wonderful memories with friends trying to create different pieces, got a well-deserved break from studying, and made a few things I’m really proud of- like this red vase here. I highly recommend pottery and the KC Clay Guild to anyone hoping to pursue pottery as a fun hobby!
I took up painting again during the pandemic, a hobby I loved in high school. It has been a profound outlet for my creativity, and it gives me a moment to relax and be present. My favorite part of painting is the process- playing around with the colors, blending the paints, and troubleshooting my next moves.
The concept of light is a common theme throughout my paintings. This time, I was inspired by Pinterest mason jars full of fairy lights. It is such a simple and comforting concept. To me, it evokes feelings of hope and wonder, like the giddy feeling you get when looking at Christmas lights or watching fireflies twinkle in June.
Zoo photography is a popular genre of wildlife photography that involves capturing images of animals in captivity. This experience has provided me with an opportunity to observe and photograph a wide range of species up close, without the challenges of venturing into the wild. Capturing the moment is an important aspect of zoo photography, and it requires a keen eye and a quick trigger finger. As a photographer with a passion for capturing the moment, I understand the importance of being patient and ready to capture a perfect shot at any given moment. Whether I’m photographing a majestic elephant or a playful monkey, my passion for capturing the moment can help create beautiful images that tell a story.
This piece of art is very close to my heart. I made it when I joined the graduate school. When everything seemed overwhelming including the classes, the lab research, being new to US and its culture, I painted all my mind out on canvas and I call it “Finding order in chaos”.
I enjoyed fashion and accessorizing from a young age. As my baby became more curious and dextrous, he began to pull and chew my necklaces. I was worried about his safety, as well as potential damage to my necklaces, but was sad at the prospect of no longer being able to wear one. I combed Etsy looking for baby and toddler-friendly necklaces and couldn’t find anything that I felt fit my style and didn’t look cheesy. I found a company that sells nontoxic silicone beads designed for chewing, and started designing my own kiddo-friendly necklaces, also known as “chewelry.” I started just making pieces for myself, then friends, then started a small shop on Etsy, ChewtiqueUnique. You can also follow ChewtiqueUnique on Instagram to see a variety of the designs I have made.
I started doing paper quilling a couple of years ago. Quilling uses rolled, thin strips of paper to make 2D or 3D art. I really enjoy making miniature designs and 3D figurines and objects. In this picture, the fairies, table, teapot, and teacups are all made solely of paper and glue. For scale, the teacups are less than 4mm tall.