Student showcase: Ethan Ho
FOURTH-YEAR, B.F.A. SCULPTURE
INTERVIEWED BY HELENA AIDOO-MORRISON | PORTRAIT BY JAZMIN SAUNDERS
What drives your passion for sculpture?
A lot of the time that we see sculpture in a film involving character or props they are usually computer-generated. I believe digital artwork is amazing but the wow factor is not matched to when something is physically in front of you. It’s important that people don’t forget about how extraordinary something like practical effects is and what we can accomplish with it.
Tell us about your artistic process.
I always begin by sculpting multiple maquette for my next project and try to make sure that I am making the most creative work possible. Then I look at what is realistic or possible and decide on what materials would be best suited for the project that I have in mind. Afterward, I create a schedule and make sure I have enough time to execute my work. I also have critiques so something that I may have missed or not thought about can be brought up. This way I know I created my best possible work and can be proud if what I accomplished.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned since being at SCAD?
The most valuable thing I have learned from SCAD is time management. SCAD quarters are already intense but if you ass on to the idea of sculpture you’re taking on a whole new level. Most sculptural processes can take weeks to complete and a majority of time is spent troubleshooting ideas on how to make it work before you create the final piece. On top of that, our studio space is not open 24/7 like other buildings at SCAD due to power tools we have in there. So if you don’t manage your time properly, you can fall behind pretty quickly — which is how the industry is like so I am thankful for the preparation.
What are your short- and long-term career goals?
For now, I plan to try and gather as much knowledge and experience as I can from multiple sources. This could be from either special effects shops or even scenic shops for theme parks. Afterward, in my long-term plan, I want to make my mark in the industry and hopefully run my own shop once I have learned enough to pass on.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Don’t wait to be discovered or recognized. We are taking a chance that not many people are willing to take so we have to work as hard as we can and differentiate ourselves from others. My work was recognized at the Rooster Teeth Expo in Austin, Texas in 2018 during a cosplay competition. To be acknowledged by professionals in my field was amazing and the reaction of the audience was unforgettable. It is still a reminder of why I pursue this kind of work.
