Describe your artistic practice in three words.Respect, love and conversation. I’ve been looking at my artwork through the lenses of respect, love and conversation. Much of my work is inspired by conversations I have with people close to me. Sometimes it’s super chill, but other times, those conversations can be quite heavy. I always hope that the person or idea I’m painting is represented in a respectful light and crafted with love.I also rely heavily on research when it comes to my artwork, considering social and historical origins, and how those origins were extracted. I seek to draw out a person’s story or identity and paint them in a way that feels as if nothing was taken from them, but rather that they were able to share it honestly and mutually.What energizes you most about being a UT Austin Studio Art student?I’m energized by the diverse sources of knowledge and the myriad opportunities available to art students at The University of Texas at Austin. While I had the option to attend an art school, I was drawn to UT because of the experiences to be had outside of the studio. It’s easy to get focused on the materials and the aura and culture of Fine Arts, but I’ve also found great inspiration and made meaningful connections away from that comfort zone, particularly with people in engineering or STEM-related programs. This opportunity—creating a live artwork for the College of Pharmacy based on conversations about medicine and healthcare—was a really cool experiment in cross-sector collaboration, inviting new and creative perspectives for all involved. Me included!Where is your favorite place to find inspiration and indulge your mind?My studio. Provided to me by my Painting IV class, this space is a reflection of who I am—I’ve decorated it and made it my own. Outside of the studio, moments of inspiration can strike from anywhere. As long as I have my tiny sketchbook and pencils or pens to doodle or journal, I’m good.
Pierce working on the painting during the College of Pharmacy Faculty Retreat in January 2024.
Last year you created a painting inspired by the discussion topics during the College of Pharmacy Faculty Retreat. Tell us more about this experience and how it came to be. I first heard about the opportunity through an arts opportunities email sent to all College of Fine Arts students. These emails typically list upcoming events or Calls for Artists across campus. I had never painted live at an event before or attended a University Faculty Retreat, so I was intrigued. With the deadline looming, I decided to express my interest and was selected shortly after. The College of Pharmacy provided funds to cover the materials and invited me to sit in on important discussions between Deans Claudia Lucchinetti (Dell Medical School), David Vanden Bout (College of Natural Sciences), Eun-Ok Im (School of Nursing) and Sam Poloyac (College of Pharmacy) about their vision for interdisciplinary collaborations across their colleges and schools, which I then interpreted into an artwork.In the room, I was set up on stage next to the speakers which was a bit nerve-wracking. However, once the conversations got going it created a good flow and I settled into the experience.Is there anything that surprised or delighted you most about that day? I was delighted by the genuine curiosity of the attendees and the questions they asked about me and my work. I think a lot of folks were interested to see how their discussions would translate to the canvas and what their words may have inspired. Why do you think it’s important to explore the intersection of the arts and healthcare?Exploring and working within the intersection of the arts and healthcare can provide new ways of seeing, processing and encouraging innovative thinking. I believe healing can also take place at this junction—healing in the physical, mental and spiritual realms. Many communities, including those from where I come, need this. Right now, I’m taking a course called ‘Aesthetics of Health’ with Megan Hildebrandt, M.F.A and Susan Rather, Ph.D., where they explore the intersections of art history, medicine and different aspects of healthcare. We discuss how artists can engage in conversations with people in these fields. It reinforces my position and strengths, showing how working together and leveraging others’ strengths can lead to meaningful work and discovery.
The finished piece now proudly hangs in the dean’s office suite (PHR 5.112).
What does the year ahead hold for you creatively?I am excited to announce that I will be graduating this semester! Over the next few months, I have a full course load and will be working on a series based on in-depth conversations about people’s intentions with their tattoos. Pierce’s artwork is featured on the Spring 2025 cover of Focus, The Magazine of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Explore more of her work here.