MJ Cook is a University of Cincinnati student studying Fine Arts at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Alongside her Fine Arts degree, she will be receiving a minor in Art History and certificates in Historic Preservation and Museum Studies. Through the use of fiber sculpture as well as observational painting and drawing, Cook focuses on using the art making process itself to analyze, document, and reflect her experiences and emotions. Using bright color and simplified shapes, Cook introduces a sense of whimsy to her work that makes the difficult topics of loss, fear, and mental instability more approachable.

Cook has worked for local Cincinnati non-profits including Manifest Creative Research Gallery & Drawing Center as well as ArtWorks. Her original artwork is featured as part of Camp Washington’s ‘Planet Love’ mural. Cook also exhibited work in Camp Washington’s 2023 iteration of Made In Camp, where she collaborated to construct an inflatable sculpture.

Alongside being a practicing artist, she is interested in art history and the preservation of art. Cook’s experience in art making gives her a unique insight into the museum world. She intends to work in museums or exhibition spaces and aspires to proceed to graduate school after completing her B.F.A. to further explore interests in art history and art museums. She plans to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree with a focus in Archival Studies. 

In my practice I use a diaristic and self-reflective approach to analyze, document, and reflect on the ways in which the sense of self is experienced and represented through modes of creation, particularly through fiber art and drawing/painting.  

Through making work that processes my experience of early adulthood as a female presenting person, I aim to feel more equipped to face change and combat the challenges and changes this has brough for my sense of self. These challenges include a disconnect between myself and the idea of who I am, as well as shifting ideas of myself, my values, and the world. Through my work I also seek to use art making as a way to combat imposter syndrome and solidify my personal identity - both as a woman and an artist. I have observed parallels that exist between my experience and my mother’s own experience. Seeking validation in my selfhood, I use my work to deconstruct and subsequently begin to reconstruct my sense of myself. 

I use fiber and the process of hand sewing to identify with this classically feminine artform that has been passed down to me by the women in my family. I employ sewing to appreciate my personal history, one of the building blocks that my sense of self is composed of. Through my use of color, texture, and stylized forms I use whimsy to make difficult experiences and subject matter easier to engage with. 

Exhibitions:

October 2023 - Made In Camp, Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corp., (Cincinnati, OH)

October 2023 - Planet LOVE Showcase, The Well (Cincinnati, OH)

Sophomore Research Studio Exhibition, DAAP Tabula Rasa (Cincinnati, OH)

Resume:

MJ Cook Resume

Email: cook2my@mail.uc.edu

Instagram: @mjcookarts