We’ve recently begun student interviews in order to give prospective students a better understanding of the environment and education we provide at SORA. The interviews are designed to inform visitors about the diverse student backgrounds and personal experiences of individual students who attend school here. We hope you will enjoy reading about the students’ perspectives and see how each person has learned different skills from their studies at SORA.

Interview with Karen Becker, 3^rd year student

Karen Becker at work on her Long Pose

1. What brought you to SORA?

I had been freelancing as a graphic designer for 15 years and a project I worked on inspired me to get back to my roots in fine art and make creative work again. I didn’t have a painting background, so SORA offered me the chance to learn how to paint.

2. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned at SORA and how does it affect your artistic style or development?

Learning how to take a drawing to a higher finish was something I never experienced back in college. Even with my background in drawing, I never had the chance to refine my work to such a high degree. When one realizes that one can do that, it gives the person a full scope of his or her potential and skills. To realize that there is always room to learn and achieve more accuracy and beauty in one’s drawing opens up a whole new world to the student.

3. What advice would you give to students interested in studying at SORA?

Be patient in the beginning. The progress may seem slow but you will see dramatic improvements by the end of your first year and be amazed. The beginning is slow and frustrating, but just draw as much as you can; draw all the time! Have fun!