By Cameron Walsh
Reflection
Undergraduate studies can truly be foundational to your life, work, and career.
My research in CANAL on 14th–18th-century European playing cards emerged from my connection to tarot cards. As a Fine Arts major, each deck was like a collection of paintings to me, and I was fascinated by the spiritual, divinatory nature of the cards. This subject has remained a pillar in my life, connecting me to people, art, travel, spirit, and culture.
Working with CANAL and a mentor will change how you approach things. You will learn to research with vigor, to write with impact, and work with a publisher. You will form a perspective, which, for me, was combining scholarship with passion (and maybe a little bit of magic).
I believe research and a unique point of view make for great work. This mindset shaped my CANAL project, expanding my understanding of the historical and social value of playing cards, including the study of an original 18th-century Minchiate deck at Harvard Art Museums.
After graduating, that same mindset helped me land my first design job in the travel industry, which expanded my access to art museums globally. I encountered many of the artworks referenced in my publication throughout my travels.
I think the real opportunity in CANAL was the experience gained and ushering that development into the exploration of new perspectives.
When you make something out of the things you admire, the road paves itself forward.
Read “Florentine Minchiate: The Fool’s Journey” Canal Issue II (2018).
Biographical Statement - Cameron Walsh
Cameron Walsh is a Boston-based creative and the founder of Walsh Design Co. Most recently he led creative initiatives for EF Ultimate Break, shaping campaigns for Gen Z and Millennial travelers. His personal visual style blends contemporary street-art influences and all things mystical with clean, modern design. He holds the belief that great work comes from uncovering the magic of the human spirit. Cameron Walsh, Class of 2019, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design, Minor in Art History.