Meet Our Alumni

Jordan Funk

BFA in Studio Art with a focus in Photography, SP 2019

Magna Cum Laude

What did you get most out of your time and your VA program at TWU?

TWU's critique environment was one of the most beneficial things about the program for me. There is a delicate balance when discussing someone's artwork because you want to be honest about what is and isn't working. You also want to keep the artist's feelings in mind. The goal of giving feedback to your peers is not to tear down their ideas but rather to help them develop a stronger foundation and deeper appreciation for what art can do. Likewise, TWU's Visual Arts program's embrace of artistic failure never made me feel inadequate or ashamed about my art. Failing and learning from failure are two of the most important aspects of being an artist, but they can sting. I was allowed to stumble and meander with my art. Instead of forcing me into a box, I was guided and pointed in better directions. The faculty was wise enough to know that learning from ourselves is one of the most beneficial ways someone can learn.

How did your classes and peers influence your work and you as an artist, at that time?

From the very first class, there was an emphasis on exposing the students to women artists and artists of color. I genuinely believe this exposure to various artists, artworks, and working methods made me a more well-rounded person; I'm not sure I would have my current perspective on art if I hadn't come to TWU. My peers were mainly women like me, which was so refreshing and a wonderful experience. I miss the sense of community that I felt every time I walked into the VA Building. I think we as artists underestimate the power of community sometimes. I never felt dread to go to class or like I was unwelcome in the department. I still try to keep in touch with my former professors and classmates because I treasure my time there and in that community.

What advice would you give to a new student in the same degree plan you accomplished?

My biggest advice to someone going into the same degree plan I accomplished would be to step out of your comfort zone and try as many things as you can while you’re at TWU. The faculty are ready and willing to help you accomplish what you want, and your peers are there to help you just as much as you are there to help them. The more you put into the program, the more you get out of it. The faculty is great at being able to identify what students’ strengths are and help challenge them without making them struggle alone. Be ready to make mistakes and be frustrated, that’s normal, but also be willing to accept that just because you didn’t succeed the first time doesn’t mean that you will only ever fail. Sometimes you just have to learn from your mistakes until you get to where you want to be.

Humna Raza

BFA in Painting and Drawing, SP 2019

What did you get most out of your time and your VA program at TWU?

I look back at my time at TWU very fondly. Throughout my time there, I gained incredibly valuable friendships, the chance to grow as an artist, and the opportunity to work under some of the most amazing faculty. Even though I was a painting/drawing major, TWU taught me so much more than just paint-to-canvas. I came out as a much more well-rounded artist who could delve into various mediums, which has been an important part of my current graduate work.

How did your classes and peers influence your work and you as an artist, at that time?

The best thing about TWU is its size. The smaller campus and class sizes really allow one to get to know all the different professors and students better no matter their area of concentration. Even the graduate and undergraduate students were friends with one another, which was amazing because the graduate students were always helpful, knowledgeable, and resourceful.

The environment at the art building was one that I also always enjoyed and miss dearly. It was always so lively even late at night. One of my favorite things to do was grabbing my friends and going to the 010 receptions to see work done by my fellow artists.

I have always been fortunate enough to receive beneficial constructive criticism and feedback from my peers and professors while I was there. The encouragement and suggestions I received always helped me push further.

How did your opportunity at TWU prepare you for the position you hold now?

My opportunity at TWU really opened the art world to me. My time there was the starting point for me to really consider myself a real artist. I picked up on great strategies and techniques in the varying mediums/classes I pursued.

Being a part of Delta Phi Delta was a big one too. I was always a shy and soft-spoken person but my position in DPD really forced me to take charge and learn how to lead and speak to students. Thanks to that I feel a lot more confident while I am teaching my current Drawing students.

What advice would you give to a new student in the same degree plan you accomplished?

I believe the degree plan has changed since I left. But if you are a painting/drawing/studio arts student I would advise you to make friends or acquaintances with students from all the different areas of concentration. They will help you see a lot of things in your work that you might have not noticed before. Also, go beyond your comfort zone; take a class that is not your specialty and see where it takes you. For me, that was taking Alternative Process Photography. Lastly, talk to your professors about the ideas you have for your work no matter how crazy they may sound. I am sure they will lead you in the direction of success.

Anything else you want to say about TWU?

I attended TWU as a transfer student starting in the Fall of 2017 and graduated with my BFA in Painting/Drawing in the Spring of 2019. I also served as Delta Phi Delta’s President for a year. Following my graduation from TWU I joined the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) as an MFA Candidate in their Intermedia program. I am currently a second-year graduate student and Instructor of Record (GTA) for Drawing there. I would not have made it as far as I have without the support of my fellow peers and beloved faculty from TWU.