Senior Artist Dana Hyma Opens Show

By: Rebecca Eve Schweitzer

Posted: 4/12/07

What genre of art are you showing?
I am concentrating in graphic design and photography, so my show will be a combination of the two.
?What/who has influenced you the most as you have studied art?
My inspiration comes from good design. That can be anything from layout designs to advertising, posters to brochures. I get excited about designs that are executed well. I can't name one person or agency in particular.
?When did you first start becoming interested in Art?
I started drawing when I was young, and I watched both of my parents do their own work. My parents are both artists, so I was exposed to their creativity and I suppose it just rubbed off on me.
?How did you decide on your concentration?
I enjoy working on the computer, and being behind the camera. So it was pretty easy deciding what direction I was going to take.
?What is the theme of your show?
It's hard to have an overall theme in graphic design, the work is created for the client, not for the artist. I try to do a little bit of everything, so that my body of work is well rounded. I want to be as marketable as possible.
?What is your goal with your artwork?
Like I said previously, graphic design is rarely created for the artist, it is for someone else. I try to incorporate something personal within my designs, so that even though the general public might not realize that I have a personal connection to what I have created, I still know. I still have that satisfaction.
?What is your favorite piece? Why?
I don't have any favorites in particular because graphic work tends to be pumped out as quickly as possible. There isn't always time to get really attached to anything. I did, however, enjoy working on pieces when my friends and loved ones volunteered their time so that they could model for me. Those were fun experiences.
??What was the most rewarding and/or stressful thing about putting this show together?
Rewarding: getting positive feedback, and possibly even a smile, from the faculty. That is always a good feeling. Stressful: computers behaving badly, printers not responding, files being corrupted. Everything that has room to go wrong, will. I have that kind of luck.
?What will you do after your show is out of the way?
Sleep. Not spend any more money for a long time. Hang out with friends, family, and loved ones. Definitely the latter; I have had to put my work before everyone else for the last four years, so I will have time to put them at the top of my list again.
?What are your plans for the future?
I have the opportunity to be involved with a family business, making jewelry. This will play into the path I want to take with my education in art. I plan on using my broad education and exploring different avenues within the art world. I will always be involved in graphic design and photography, doing freelance work on the side, but I don't want it to define me. I plan on getting involved in residential design, and perhaps working someday with my father, who is an architect.
?Any suggestions for art majors in future years?
Eat, sleep, and breathe art. If your work doesn't mean everything to you, it certainly won't mean anything to anyone else. You have to be passionate. Otherwise it's a complete waste of time. And once you do make the commitment for excellence, you will realize that it's all worth it.
??Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Constantly surround yourselves with things that you find inspiring. This will always keep you thinking of new and creative things you could be working on, and will keep your ideas fresh. Listen to music, and lots of it. You would be amazed at how it can spur on creativity. Read good books, it's good for the imagination... but not too many, you have work to do!