POST 1 - INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASS

 Shayna Pullo - Post 1

My name is Shayna Pullo. I am currently a junior here. I’m someone who enjoys exploring ideas through visual and digital design, and I mainly work with logos, posters, and digital layouts. I’m drawn to both minimal design and bolder visual designs, as long as they feel intentional and cohesive. Rather than focusing on historical art, my influences come from current visual culture, where art and design are constantly evolving and shaped by how people interact with brands and products.

1) Two quotes from the Smart History article, Why art history isn’t like math

1) “It’s tempting to want the work of art ‘explained,’ but that term implies that we have solved all the complexities and contradictions inherent in the work of art and come to some final ‘answer’ about what it means.”

- For me, this quote means that art never has only one correct answer. It is not like math or a problem that can be solved. When I look at a work of art, I can feel different things and think about different ideas, and that is okay. Art is not something that needs to be “fixed” or fully explained. I like this idea because it leaves space for personal interpretation.

2) “Though we may wish otherwise, art history does not ‘explain’ a work of art the way the Pythagorean theorem explains the relationship between the sides of right triangles. Instead, it exposes what human beings have done with, for, and against images in order to communicate ideas that are important to them and to their society.”

- This quote stood out to me because it explains that art is connected to people and society, not to strict rules or formulas. Art has meaning because people create it to communicate ideas and emotions that matter to them. I like this perspective because art feels more human and alive, not technical or limited.

2) Choose at least one artist that influences your artwork 

An artist that influences my work is Barbara Kruger. I like how she uses text and strong visuals to communicate ideas. Her work feels clear and powerful, which inspires how I think about design. I’m beginning to explore art history more through contemporary artists. I’m interested in learning more about art that connects design, communication, and modern culture.

3) 5+ images of my artwork that shows your artistic style and interests.

I would like to share my first artworks, where I realized that I enjoyed painting, drawing, designing, and creating. 

Huancayo, Peru 

Machu Picchu, Peru 

This next section shows my more recent digital work, including logos and posters.

GISHIKY Branding Project 

Branding and packaging for a matcha product.

 

4) Write 2-3 paragraphs about yourself...

I am studying graphic design, and my work focuses on visual and digital design. I enjoy creating logos, posters, branding, and packaging, and exploring how design can communicate ideas and identity. My creative process is motivated by experimentation and by seeing how simple design choices can create strong visual impact.

One artist that influences my work is Barbara Kruger because she uses text and images to communicate strong messages. Her work inspires me to think about design as a way to tell stories and share ideas. I’m interested in visual culture, identity, and communication, and I enjoy exploring how design can connect with people and everyday life.