Wrocław 

Wrocław is a city located in southern Poland known for its art and history. This year the students were given the opportunity to visit the city and the University of Wrocław. During their time in the city the students visited several cultural sites and museums as well as experiencing the local cuisine. This video highlights the time spent in Poland and some of the art that influenced Monique Nevarez on her exhibit at New Mexico Highlands University. . 

Quarry Visits Part 1

2022 Videos

Quarry Visits Part 3

Quarry Visits Part 2

Prague 2022 

The city of Prague is home to Charles University and the Czech Geological Survey. Both of these institutions are close collaborators on the IRES project which makes Prague one of the more important locations for this project. The city is also home to countless historical sites, stunning architecture, incredible food and beautiful culture. All the students who have participated on this project have been taken back by the beauty of the city and this group is no different. This video showcases some of the experiences the students had in Prague.  

NMHU Geology

Reading the Earth: The Czech Experience

Over the summer of 2022, Monique Nevarez was chosen to join the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) cohort to Czechia. As a Fine Arts undergraduate, she traveled along with geologists Michael Petronis PhD and several students from New Mexico Highlands University. They conducted research on volcanic formations in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. MoniqueI used her technical ability in the arts to help illustrate scientific diagrams of lava flows found in various quarries. In doing so she was able to help depict the field sites from a different perspective to offer other insights that may have otherwise been overlooked. The illustrations were an alternative way to document visual observations. The IRES grant provided the opportunity for Monique to apply her talent in a real-world situation outside of an art studio.

Dissociation of Color and Form

This collection is about finding myself and representing my journey to create for the sake of creation. It is common for people to find solace in our environment. Thus, my intuitive approach to sculpture has inherently developed an organic feel. Many of these ceramic works relate to our living world. The simplification of objects and application of color conceptualize my sculptures. I have always gravitated toward vibrant pigment. Though rare and almost artificial, these colors can all be found in nature. Highlighting them is a metaphoric appreciation of the aesthetics we can uncover if we look closely at everyday life.