Where are you from?
I’m from Latvia. My hometown is Riga.
Why did you choose PAFA?
Because of its funny, huge space and Cast Hall; traditional, classical art teaching and the Museum. It’s also really awesome to get your own studio space to work on your creative art passion.
How has being in the US/Philadelphia inspired you and your work?
It’s a nice opportunity to be involved in different sketching and painting workshops around the area. Mural paintings in Philadelphia make an impact for portrait drawing and painting and there are plenty of museums, not only in Philadelphia, but also Washington, DC, and NYC.
What do you love about PAFA?
I like the space of the Hamilton Building. It’s so nice to look at the work of the faculty and the students. I love the variety of sculptures everywhere: the Cast Hall, even on top of the bookshelves on the Library. This place inspires you!
One piece of advice for an international student at PAFA?
Bring your best masterpiece, make it better and later expose it on the walls of PAFA. Draw, paint, cast—anything you can, try it!