Practical art is often thought of as “less than” the typical art one might find in a museum. However, it lives all around us, from the mug you use every morning to auto mechanic repairs. We live in a world that is brimming with art all around. One WSU student has been taking advantage of her love for practical art.
First-year animal science major Ellie Schoch recently found a love for mini art mediums. Schoch enrolled in an art class this semester to satisfy her UCORE requirement and quickly became entranced with the creativity she found within the classroom, leading to her continuing her work outside the classroom.
“I like making stuff,” Schoch said. “I like the idea that there’s nothing else that will look the same or be the same as what I make.”
Schoch has branched out in several different art mediums, including graphite, watercolors, woodworking and blacksmithing.
Schoch draws most of her inspiration from nature and wildlife. She has painted several different watercolor pieces featuring birds, elk, horses and buffalo.
“A lot of my inspiration comes from looking around. It comes from being here at school but also from back home,” she said. “At home, we have horses that I’ve drawn inspiration from. I’ve also taken pictures that I’ve recreated through watercolor.”
Some of the more unique art forms Schoch has taken up have been woodworking and blacksmithing. Woodworking is a craft where decorative pieces or functional items are most often created. People use handheld tools or power tools to carve, trim and shape wood into whatever they please.
“I first got into woodworking because I really wanted to try it. It was after that storm had happened here, when all the trees had fallen and there were branches everywhere,” Schoch said. “I walked outside and grabbed a stick.”
So far, Schoch has made several utensils and a model bird made from a stick.
“When I want to start a new project, I start by sketching the outline of the top, front and side views,” Schoch said. “I then carve each side out, and I use a blade to smooth the edges or a sander, depending on the project.”
Schoch hopes to polish her woodworking skills and then create a dinner set and more household items.
She has also been working on her blacksmithing skills. Blacksmithing is when you use heat and tools to shape steel and iron. People typically create art pieces, tools and decorative pieces.
So far, Schoch has made a knife, coat hangers and nails.
“I like making practical things. I like getting to use what I make and seeing it being used for its intended purpose,” Schoch said. “If I ever create a sideshop, I like knowing what I make will be used and not just completely sit there.”
Schoch plans to take a ceramics class next semester and hopes to further her artistry. She hopes to get into pottery as well.
