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Department of Art & Art History
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Microgrant Proposal: Resilient Foundations for Abstract Exploration

Applicant Statement

As a second-year graduate student in the MFA Art Practices program at the ��ƷSM����ӰƬ, I am seeking $750 from the Center for Humanities & the Arts’ MFA Excellence in Creative Research Microgrant to support my painting practice. This grant will provide essential materials for the preparation of eight large-scale canvases, which will serve as the foundation for my third-year thesis exhibition.

Specifically, I am requesting funding for a roll of unprimed linen, along with priming materials such as gesso, PVA size, and oil ground. These materials are crucial for creating resilient, enduring surfaces that can support the complex layering techniques central to my work.

Project Description

My painting process is grounded in a meticulous approach to surface preparation, as the quality of the canvas directly influences the depth and nuance of each piece. By using linen—the most resilient and enduring option available—I can stretch canvases capable of withstanding multiple layers of oil paint. This attention to surface quality enables me to achieve the intricate textures and subtle color shifts that define my artistic practice.

I will stretch and prime these canvases using stretcher bars I have already acquired, allowing me to devote the summer and my final year of the MFA program to the continued evolution of these paintings.

This project is integral to the development of my thesis, which explores the intersection of abstraction, queer identity, and digital space through traditional oil painting techniques. My process-oriented approach involves layering washes of paint—pouring, squishing, and manipulating them to form complex textures and unexpected color combinations. Each painting evolves gradually, responding to environmental shifts such as light, seasons, and mood, resulting in surfaces that invite immersive, close inspection.

The subject matter draws from personal themes of sanctuary, inspired by the virtual landscapes of cartoons and video games, where these imaginative worlds provided refuge during my youth. Through the continuous addition and removal of layers, I evoke a sense of tension and ambiguity, mirroring the interplay between structure and chaos within my lived experiences.

The refined surfaces created with linen will enhance these themes, offering a foundation where subtle shifts in texture and light can emerge and unfold throughout the painting’s lifespan. Examples of my recent work, demonstrating these techniques and visual concepts, can be viewed at [insert link].

The high-quality materials I plan to acquire with this grant will enable me to create paintings that are not only visually intricate but also built to last. Linen’s fine weave and archival properties ensure that the layers of paint I apply will remain stable and preserved for years to come. By securing these materials, I can confidently focus on the creative aspects of my thesis, knowing that my paintings are built on reliable foundations.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this microgrant. The support provided will directly contribute to the realization of my thesis, advancing my artistic practice in meaningful ways. I look forward to sharing these works with the wider community during my final exhibition.

Timeline

Budget

Requested microgrant amount: $750

Subtotal (before tax): $739.79
+ Tax 10%
Grant Total (after tax): $813.77

(See example photos on following page)

Sincerely,

MFA Art Practices, Drawing & Painting
Department of Art & Art History
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