Throughout his time at PNCA, Aries Brock BFA’24 has never truly been alone. The collaborative environment he found at PNCA made Aries feel supported and inspired.
“I feel like it was almost hard to work and feel alone while working so closely with other people who think like me,” Aries says of his fellow students and professors. “There’s so many facilities and fellow artists that I’ve been able to interact with to help my growth as an artist, which I don’t think I would’ve been able to find if I were just on my own or would have taken me a long time to gain these skills.
Aries gained another kind of creative community as one of the Argyle Art of Sparkling recipients. By participating in PNCA’s unique and long-running partnership with Argyle Winery, the artist gained professional experience while watching his ideas come to life. “Being able to collaborate with such an established brand, and artists of a different field, is truly one of my highlights while attending PNCA,” Aries says.
He recently presented his senior thesis project, “Forgetfulness in Color,” in which the artist displays “my blurred memory of my childhood with themes of past, present, and future.” The work combines pastels with sewn fabric garments. Even in such a high-stakes situation, Aries experienced strong support from his peers and mentors, which he says helped him to be vulnerable and expressive in his work.
Aries connected with so many professors during his time that he finds it hard to choose which faculty played the biggest role in his success, but two mentors stand out. Associate Professor of Painting Michelle Ross helped introduce Aries to new approaches and techniques. “I would have found it hard if I had to do it alone,” Aries says.
In Assistant Professor Georgina Ruff, Aries found a strong thesis mentor. “Having her in my corner while I make the most important art of my college career is such an honor,” Aries says of Ruff. “She has pushed my boundaries in such a thoughtful and growth-oriented way that I will always be thankful for.”
Aries has learned from his mentors and peers alike during his time at PNCA. “I would say that without PNCA I wouldn’t know the artistic skills that I have now,” Aries says.
As his four years of school ends, Aries is looking to find the same sense of community he found at PNCA.
“I am hoping to find a job that will allow me to flourish artistically while also being able to live comfortably. Which I know is not easy, but I sure can dream,” Aries says. “One of my main goals is to find an environment where I am able to collaborate with other artists in a way that is beneficial to my practice and as well as my growth as a person.”
Read more featured graduate stories
Aries is one of Willamette University’s 2024 featured graduates. To read more inspiring stories about our graduating students, click here. From student athletes and scientists to aspiring artists and attorneys, these students represent just a few of the incredible members of our Willamette community.
Please join us in congratulating the entire Willamette University class of 2024 for their accomplishments! Learn more about Willamette's 2024 commencement ceremonies.
Photo Credit: Mario Gallucci MFA'14
