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When considering his senior capstone project, studio art major Levi Robertson hoped to draw inspiration from his childhood. Grants offered through the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts made it possible for Robertson to bring his vision to life.
When Robertson first became interested in using glass for his senior capstone project for the School of Art, Art History and Design, he knew there would be a few hurdles he’d need to clear in order to bring his vision to life.
Earning both a research and creative activity grant and an Elgas Project grant helped Robertson jumpstart the process of pursuing the work that inspires him.
“When I started thinking about my capstone, I knew early on that I wanted to do something with glass work,” he said. “I also knew it would be a pretty complicated endeavor since the process requires special equipment. With these grants, I’m able to get my hands on the glass and tools I need — things that can typically get pretty expensive.”
Awarded through the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, Robertson is one of many Husker artists whose work has been supported by these and other grants available through the college. The awards have also helped Robertson make a personal connection from his past into his work.
“A big draw for me to explore working with glass is my grandma," Robertson said. "She was really into antique glass that came in all these interesting forms and colors — she even made a glass bottle tree for me when I was really little. Getting the opportunity to explore that connection in my capstone is really meaningful.”
Throughout the application process, Robertson found lots of support and helpful feedback from his program.
“Our professors are very vocal about encouraging us to take advantage of these grant opportunities and helping us keep track of deadlines," he said. "My sculpture professor and a graduate student both gave me amazing critiques on my application that really helped me improve it before sending it in.”
Grant applications are a big part of being a working artist, and Robertson said that gaining this experience is just one more aspect of the program that’s helped him mature in his practice.
"Everyone in the school — from the professors to the grad students — has been very supportive and are so good at pointing you in the right direction. I'd say I’ve grown into a completely different artist today than I was when I came in here,” he said.
