About Phoebe

Class of 2026, English & Studio Art

I'm from New Paltz, New York—a small college town a couple hours from the city. Aside from art and writing I enjoy dancing (mostly modern/contemporary), roller skating (I'm not very good), playing music on my WOZQ radio show, and hanging out with my cats, Chamomile and Earl Gray. I am working on being bad at things and not freaking out about it! I believe art is also a crucial component of activist movements in all its forms. Coming together with other activists to paint banners, make signs, compile zines and write statements is such a meaningful means of creative engagement.

I am an artist focusing on drawing, mix media and photography, and a writer who dabbles in everything. Recently I've gotten into making zines too, which combine all of that.

I chose the pieces I made this past year that I'm most proud of and want people to see. These were all for classes at Smith, actually. My professors were very inspiring and gave assignments that I was actually excited to complete, their encouragement has been so affirming.

I'm inspired by my aunt Lisa who is an amazing painter and media I consume. For my recent photography project I drew inspiration from the tarot tradition, something I've been really into recently. I'm slowly trying to teach myself the meaning of all the cards in my deck. Anything can inspire me: my favorite songs, movies, a scene I see in my day-to-day life that I have to draw or write about. Joni Mitchell has been a consistent creative role model for me. I love her music but also her paintings. I admire her refusal to be tied down to one creative medium and constant creativity.

Visual art helps me process my emotions when words don't do them justice. On the other hand, writing is great to express abstract concepts I can't figure out how to convey visually. I love to find the right words for things, it's so rewarding to be able to get your point or vision across to other people. I recently got into photography, especially film, when I took a photography class in high school. There's something deeply satisfying and tactile about the darkroom process and seeing a print come alive. I take photos to memorialize moments I don't want to forget, especially with my friends.

The world would be so boring without art! I think humans have an innate drive to create and consume others' creations. Art is a universal language and something myself and many others turn to in times of turmoil, hate, fear, division, and sadness. It's also a way to express appreciation and love! I firmly believe in art's capacity to change the world. Every major social justice movement has used art in some form to propel their cause: music, dance, writing, painting, printmaking.

I've been drawing since I was really little, it's a great way to keep my hands busy. I think I started writing because I read so much especially when I was younger and the stuff I was reading inspired me. Then it just became integral to my life and has only grown more essential. I want to be able to contribute to the radical tradition of art even in the smallest way.