Meet Art History MA Student Nadia Apa
Nadia Apa is a San Antonio, Texas native pursuing a Master’s in Art History at John Cabot University. As part of Professor Cornelia Lauf‘s Fabricating Rome class, Nadia conducted an interview with a local stained glass artist, before designing and producing an original stained glass piece.
Nadia Apa
What brought you to Rome and to JCU specifically?
I decided I wanted to get my M.A. in Art History because I got my bachelor’s in International Studies but I ended up taking a lot of Art History classes and I fell in love with it. I have a background in studio art and so it was interesting to discover the historical side of art. When I was deciding on getting a master’s, I knew I wanted to learn more about Art History and I decided on John Cabot because of its location in Rome. Something that was important to me was the first-hand experience of seeing the artifacts, many of which are within walking distance.
Tell us about your project for the Fabricating Rome course.
The nature of our assignment for the Fabricating Rome class was fairly open. We were tasked with choosing a particular medium, such as stained glass, jewelry, or knitwear, and shedding light on the artisans keeping the traditions of these crafts alive in Rome. I chose to focus on stained glass not only because of my personal involvement with it back home in Texas but also because I was curious to see the state of the craft in Rome, home to many ancient churches.
One of the first aspects I focused on when formulating my project was the shape I wanted it to take. I knew I wanted it to be informative, but also somewhat interactive. That is why I decided to break my project up into three distinct parts. The first part is a brief history of stained glass, the second part is an interview with a local stained glass artist, and the third part is the instructions for making a stained glass piece. My ambitions for the project were bigger than what I actually ended up producing. I definitely plan to add to the project in my own personal time, since stained glass is something that I am greatly interested in and hope to learn more about.
Nadia Apa’s Cobblestone Stained Glass
What was your background in art before you started doing stained glass?
Even before stained glass, I have always been really interested in art. I come from an artist family; my great-grandfather in Mexico painted churches so I have always been surrounded by his art. My mom and uncle do art and I have always been interested in keeping that tradition. I started out with drawing, then I got into painting, and then I went to stained glass.
What do you think is the importance of creating art?
I think art is important for everyone because it is a good outlet for mental health. If you feel stressed it’s good to calm down and do something physical like stained glass. It is also a way to express yourself and it’s nice to feel accomplished at the end of a piece.
Do you plan to pursue stained glass after you graduate?
I would like to, but I am also not forcing it. I am not too sure where I could take it so it might just stay on the side as a hobby. I am open to the idea of it because I do like the physicality of it. I always tell everybody who asks me why I decided to get my master’s in Art History that I feel like I am in between two worlds – part of me likes art history, but part of me still wants to do studio art. I think even if I go more with art history and work in a museum, I will always have studio art on the side.
Do you have any advice for prospective Art History students who are looking at the program?
Everyone has a different passion for art. In the M.A. program, we are all coming in with such different backgrounds. I did not get my undergraduate degree in Art History, so I don’t think there is one expectation for getting into the program. There are always opportunities to follow your passion, even later in life. I recently joined JCU’s Fashion Club because I have always considered fashion and art and I would like to learn more about it. There is something in art for everyone.
