The art of breaking the mold
Jackie Andrews ’20 is a sculptor and jeweler, an aficionado of both art and culinary history, and an alumna of the tight knit family in TU’s art department.
Andrews decided in high school that she preferred to attend a university rather than art school. “I wanted a place that would allow me to pursue my interdisciplinary interests in a rigorous way. Towson University fit that vision.” After taking a 3D process class, Andrews gravitated from painting to three-dimensional works, found a niche and four influential mentors.
“ The strong personal connections I have with my mentoring professors is something that makes the Towson art program special to me. ”
Andrews says Jon Lundak, her sculpture mentor, encourages her to be unapologetically herself in her artwork and her life. Professor Nancy Siegel’s expertise in both art history and culinary history further expanded Andrews’ interdisciplinary interests in those areas and bolstered her writing skills. Luci Jockel, area coordinator of the TU metalsmithing and jewelry program, provided guidance and support both pre- and post-graduation. Leslie Boyd, former metalsmithing and jewelry professor, lent a great deal of personal and professional support as well.
The close relationships with her professors have provided a steadfast source of advice and guidance related to the creative process, artistic expression and life. “The strong personal connections I have with my mentoring professors is something that makes the Towson art program special to me.”
Andrews was awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Grant during the summer of 2020 for her project titled Gastronaut, which she described as the perfect combination of her interests in culinary history, art history and studio art.
Since graduating, Andrews has pursued freelance writing and has published writing in Metalsmith Magazine. In August 2021, Andrews joined the NYC Jewelry Week team as the editor-in-chief of Future Heirloom, their new blog and writing platform.