By Aliiyah Cole
Reflection
When reflecting, what stands out to me now is the passion I had during the creative process and how my main goal was to execute a piece where others could learn Italian while improving my own familiarity with the language. I think that the CANAL project helped to guide me towards embracing my Italian heritage and background through honoring different family members through portraiture. Moreover, I am currently a scholarship student at the Academy of Realist Art Boston which has come to fruition after the project and influenced my studies since every student learns traditional methods from old Italian masters. I am incredibly grateful for the experience to be a part of such an incredible project and hope that the piece can provide students or anyone else support in their learning journey.
Biographical Statement - Aliiyah Cole
I currently reside in Boston and am continuing my studies at the Academy of Realist Art Boston. My hopes are to finish the entire Atelier program, potentially teach at the Academy, continue teaching over the summer at the Essex Art Center, and do figure modeling for art classes which I have been doing a little bit on the side of my artistic journey.