Help make it possible for me to pursue my art in New York!

Freya Monteith Start Date: Jan 8, 2025 - End Date: Jul 7, 2025
  • New York, NY, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Freya Monteith Start Date: Jan 8, 2025 - End Date: Jul 7, 2025
As a 24-year-old artist (and sometimes waitress, depending on the hour) from South Australia, I find myself both captivated and challenged by the expressive power of faces. My fascination with the intricate language of human emotion has led me to embrace the ballpoint pen as my primary tool for creating realism art. This medium, often dismissed as ordinary, has revealed itself to be a powerful vehicle for conveying texture and depth. While seemingly inflexible, it offers an exploration of expressional nuances, capturing moments that resonate with both the subject and the viewer.
 
Throughout my journey as an artist, realism has served not only as a mode of expression but also as a coping mechanism through the various forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder I have navigated while growing up. The attention to detail required in my work mirrors my own propensity to observe the world with precision. In a way, each stroke of the pen allows me to transform the compulsions that have sometimes felt overwhelming into something beautiful and celebrate the intricacies of life rather than view them as a source of frustration. It is in this meticulous process that I have learned to embrace my brain's obsessive tendencies, recognising them as a gift that enables me to create.
 
Despite the joy and fulfilment I derive from realism, I have found myself at a crossroads. While I value the skill that my portraiture showcases, I seek to transcend the mere replication of pre-existing images. My move to New York is fuelled by the vibrant energy of a city that celebrates art so loudly. I seek to immerse myself in an environment that encourages experimentation and pushes boundaries, where I can explore abstraction and sentimentality, elements that I believe will deepen my artistic voice. The New York Academy of the Arts stands out as a beacon of creative exploration, offering a platform where I can challenge my current practices and expand my understanding of art as a reflection of my individuality.
 
As I move into this next chapter, I envision my future beyond the Master of Fine Arts program filled with collaboration and play. I am particularly interested in partnering with photographers to delve into themes that pique my curiosity about the human mind, specifically, phenomena like synesthesia. I hope to weave together visual narratives that reflect the interaction between perception, emotion, and experience, transforming these ideas into tangible art that speaks to others.
 
In essence, my artistic journey is not just about mastery; it’s about finding my voice amid the clamour of expectations and influences. NYAA and the dynamic culture of New York offer the perfect backdrop for this exploration. I am excited to engage with fellow artists and mentors who can help guide me as I navigate this transformative phase of my practice. By embracing both the intricate details of realism and the expansive potential of abstraction, I hope to craft a body of work that truly embodies my essence and fosters connections with others.

Now to the financial aspect! As a student who is supporting myself through a full-time study load, renting and living expenses, I will need some help in funding my tuition while in New York. The city and program is so important to me, and would be a signficant catalyst in establishing my career. Without support, unfortunately it will not be possible for me to accept my offer to study at the New York Academy of Art, so I will value beyond words any contribution you have to offer! 
 
Sincerely,
 
Freya Monteith.
  • New York, NY, United States of America