Robert Timberline

2018 Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Robert is deeply passionate about art and considers expressing himself through artistic endeavors to be like a drug that he is addicted to. He feels a strong commitment to his art and desires to work on his projects continuously, often disregarding other activities. However, he faces a conflict as his teachers, peers, and parents prioritize academic performance over his artistic pursuits, which stifles his passion for art.

To address this, Robert sees the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College art program as a perfect opportunity for him. The program spans six weeks and offers a variety of art media. It boasts a faculty of accomplished artists who have experience teaching teenagers, as well as in higher education settings. The program's structure, including morning and afternoon classes, provides Robert with ample time to create art in an inspiring environment with supportive teachers. Additionally, the program offers workshops, open studios, and portfolio reviews, allowing him to pursue his goals even outside of class.

Robert's current goal is to diversify his artistic skills while achieving success in each area he explores. He envisions producing work that defies categorization, combining sculpture, animation, performance art, and fashion design. To achieve this ambition, he believes in mastering fundamental artistic principles such as light, color, texture, and space. The program at Carnegie Mellon would provide him with the ideal environment to challenge himself and attempt ambitious projects that he has previously only sketched. Interacting with peers and mentors with diverse artistic experiences would expand his creative possibilities and push the boundaries of his creations.

Participating in the program would offer Robert a transformative experience, shaping his approach to creating and perceiving art. It may even lead him to transcend the fundamentals and focus on art in its pure, theoretical nature, which is his ultimate aspiration.