Story co-written/ produced with Rachel Lepine and Jessica Stephens.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but why not master them all? WCU student, Gillian Kaminski, seems to be doing just that with her artwork.
Kaminski is a sophomore at WCU. She is an art education major with a passion for creating different types of art. Some of the different techniques Kaminski uses include photography, fiber crafting (knit, crochet, sew, embroider), classroom arts (draw, paint, sculpt), woodworking, metalworking, wire working, jewelry making, glass blowing, ceramics, writing, music, theater, and dance.
Her favorite type to work with is mixed media art which is the art of combining different materials into one piece. It requires many different skill sets to create something.
See more about her different materials in video below!
Kaminski has a very busy schedule. She instructs a fiber crafting class on Wednesdays from 11:30-3:00 p.m. at Bardo Arts Center, plays percussion for the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, and works in Franklin doing visual arts.
Kaminski tried different careers that would not involve art but realized that she would not be happy if she was not doing art. She plans to teach high school art after being inspired by her own high school art teacher.
“She was one of the most encouraging and caring people that I had ever had in my life, specifically in my artist life. She just let me do whatever, she let me create whatever I wanted to,” said Kaminski.
She started her art journey as a child in school but continued to fall in love with it as she grew. Her high school art teacher allowed her to try different things which started the ball rolling toward the long list of skills that Kaminski can now claim. Art is a passion in her life and brings her joy. She wants others to be able to find the joy that she has through it.
“Anyone who wants to learn art, regardless of the discipline, there are ways to do it and there are people who want to teach you,” said Kaminski.
She has started teaching others with the Fiber Folk class which was funded by a grant through the art department. People are welcome to come and learn how to do different fiber crafts and converse with others.
You can check out Kaminski’s jewelry and other art on her Instagram @glln.kmnsk.
