Mountain Scholar
Mountain Scholar is an open access repository service that collects, preserves, and provides access to digitized library collections and other scholarly and creative works from Colorado State University and the University Press of Colorado. It also serves as a dark archive for the Open Textbook Library.
Communities in Mountain Scholar
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Explore the Colorado State University community’s scholarly output as well as items from the University at large and the CSU Libraries.
- Access is limited to Open Textbook Library staff only. Visit the Open Textbook Library at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks.
- Access is limited to University Press of Colorado members. Non-members: to purchase books, please visit https://upcolorado.com/.
Recent Submissions
Sara Ramirez: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Ramirez, Sara, artist
The artist's statement: For this final presentation, 4-2-5, I am showing what I have learned throughout my time in the Pottery department. I came to the Pottery with no prior knowledge about and within two weeks of taking the class I decided this was the direction I wanted to go in. Through my time, I learned multiple techniques such as throwing on the wheel and hand building with terracotta. Making plates, cups, bowls and other tableware such as napkin holders, coasters, and even some serving plates became the focus of my work. Terracotta is an earthenware clay body that is fired at a lower temperature compared to other bodies such as porcelain. After working mostly with stoneware, the switch to terracotta required lots of troubleshooting and testing. I had to learn how to handle the clay on the wheel and also learn to make new glazes for my work. In the end, I chose a stable yellow glaze and terra sigillata which gave the clay body a finished look without a glaze.The inspiration for this body of work comes from my Mexican culture. Some of the shapes, like the cups for example, are often seen in Mexican pottery. In addition, the surface design motifs were inspired by talavera and puebla barro pottery. These Mexican pottery designs are sometimes seen in blue and white or in simple terracotta. I grew up eating out of and using terracotta pottery. In my home my mom used these pots for special occasions. Making this dinnerware set was a process. It gave me a sense of comfort to connect my roots and memories of family and gatherings to the forms and colors I have chosen to place on the table.
Julianna Shrode: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Shrode, Julianna, artist
The artist's statement: My work explores the two modern facets of design: the digital and the analog. I like to play with the marriage between the screen, and the press, and the movement between the two. My perfectionism in Graphic Design contrasted with the organic nature of Printmaking combine to effectively and entertainingly visually communicate. I use digital processes such as procreate and Adobe Illustrator to create my images. Then, moving into the traditional print space, turning those images into relief carvings and photosensitive exposures. Occasionally, then scanning those prints back into the digital spaces to further manipulate. My goal with any piece I produce is to relay a message to my audience with an aesthetically pleasing approach. I use Printmaking to embrace the imperfections embedded within it and implement that liberty into my design. I believe Printmaking is the predecessor to Graphic Design, and the knowledge of one immensely supplements the other.
Hannah Quinn: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Quinn, Hannah, artist
The artist's statement: I create paintings of what in the world I find beautiful, and my work, the process and final product, functions as a cathartic release of emotions, good or bad. My art pays homage to the natural world and the celestial bodies beyond. The stars, the sun, and the moon, as well as natural elements of the Earth like mountains, deserts, trees, plants, and bones are often incorporated into my work, most commonly adorning or complimenting a portrait or a depiction of the human figure. I also take inspiration from mythology and folklore, and enjoy incorporating a sense of spirituality and mystique into my work. Ideas for a piece come to me at random through music, movies, other people’s art, nature, and everyday life. Or ideas slowly build as time passes until they are conceptual enough to be translated into art. Recently, my work has been mainly inspired by personal experiences, and this inspiration leads me into creating large, surreal, and elaborate pieces, where every image and detail are intentional. After trying many techniques of painting and learning through trial and error, I have found my preferred process, which is building my paintings in layers. I begin with a canvas toned by a transparent wash of raw umber or red ochre. This creates the foundation of my underpaintings which helps me establish the placement of highlights and shadows. From there I begin adding colors, and by working carefully and patiently with the paint, layer after layer, my vision slowly becomes a reality. For me, the creative process is very meditative and personal.
Charles Cohen: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Cohen, Charles, artist
The artist's statement: I'm Charlie Cohen, a graphic designer from Colorado State University with over 4 years of professional experience. I am captivated by finding new ways to solve problems, prioritizing functionality and experimentation in my designs. Design isn't just a job for me; it's how I interpret the world. Seeking junior positions in graphic design and motion graphics.
Theo Conover: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Conover, Theo, artist
The artist's statement: Good design uses visual elements to convey deeper meanings that may always not be noticed consciously, but feels comfortable at a subconscious level; more simply, good design is invisible and feels seamless. My name is Theo Conover! I am a graphic designer who is passionate about combining the logical aspect of marketing with the artistic side of visual art. In my free time, I love hiking with my dog, rock climbing, and building computers! In my designs, I strive to create pieces that feel visually intuitive and seamless while being creative enough to stand out at the same time. I try to use a combination of digital and analog tools when drafting or creating final pieces, since relying entirely on digital means can sometimes make everything look or feel the same. In my designs, I make sure to pay close attention to typography, hierarchy of information, and composition in order to guide the viewer through the design. Clean, conceptual, and creative are different words that could describe my overall style. In terms of growth as an artist, I feel inspired to push my own typography by people like Jessica Hische and Louise Fili, who are able to hand-letter their own type in very creative ways.