Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship

Freedom of creative expression is important because it helps me express my emotions and tell my stories in art. In my art, I've always prioritized having a facet of myself in my work. As someone who was always left alone as a child, I've found art to be my emotional outlet and source of self-expression. Despite all the mediums I'm passionate about, photography is where I feel most confident. My camera is where I capture and express my identity, emotions, and stories. My DSLR camera has been instrumental in capturing every aspect of my identity. In the photo below, you can see a part of me I cherish the most: my deep emotional attachment to objects. This image is a piece of my soul and a testament to the power of photography in expressing the most intimate parts of myself. The stuffed bunny toy has been a necessity during my most vulnerable moments, including anxiety attacks. The ribbons on the bunny's ears symbolize my enduring childlike attachment to it. The Converse is me, finding the bunny when I felt lost. The lack of colors in the photo represents my anxiety, and the color in the leaves symbolizes my hope after seeing the bunny. This photo is a visual representation of my anxiety and how my attachment to particular objects helps me manage it. This photo also represents my love for photography. I was about to quit, feeling utterly useless. While editing this photo, I realized the power of my creativity. I discovered I could use my camera to channel my imagination and express my emotions and stories in anything I shoot. This photo was a turning point, showing me that photography can be a guiding light even in the darkest creative moments, encouraging me to continue my artistic journey.

In an industry where only 3% of designers are black (reported in an AIGA Census Report), I am propelled by the profound impact I can make as a black woman in design, challenging the status quo and amplifying underrepresented voices. As a black woman, it is my motivation to enter the field of design, where I can challenge norms, reshape narratives, and create a more inclusive creative landscape. As a designer, I understand the importance of challenging these norms and using design to redefine social opinion. Through my work, I want to explore the boundaries of design and technology and shed light on global issues. As a queer person, a black person, and a woman, I want to create accessible works that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive world. I strive to make a positive impact by pushing the boundaries of design, leveraging technology, and acting as a visual voice for marginalized communities. Motivated by my personal experiences as a queer person, a black person, and a woman, I aspire to contribute to my field by creating accessible works that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities. Through design, I aim to shed light on global issues and foster a more inclusive world where everyone's story is heard and celebrated. I bring a distinct voice and lived experiences that contribute to the diversity and richness of creative discourse. Receiving a scholarship would provide the support and resources needed to explore new artistic horizons and leverage technology to create impactful pieces. With this scholarship, I can act as a visual voice for those whose stories are often overlooked, challenging the status quo and promoting inclusivity in the creative industry.