Ysabel Flores

Why FSU?

I chose to pursue a graduate degree to enrich my art experience, get connected to a creative community, and pursue greater work opportunities related to art after graduation. I chose FSU because of its interdisciplinary programs and resources being an R1 University. I was looking to expand my perspective of the world, and FSU has been a great place where all kinds of people internationally and nationally are able to gather and learn from one another. It's motivated me to think and create new artworks outside of my usual comfort zones and circles.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research, which revolves around my Filipino heritage and history, helps create a fuller view of my personal history, and it helps add clarity to how I have experienced the world. My work has often revolved around landscapes and places that feed my soul, but it has not always been easy to describe why they have such an impact on me. Through the extended time I spend learning about the history of other artists and thinkers in their relationships to nature, I am finding the words and images that I hope to incorporate into my work to join the conversation about personhood and place.

Who has been most influential in your graduate journey and why?

My fellow cohort, consisting of nine different members, has been the most influential in my graduate journey. We are able to share our experiences, our successes, and our failures with one another without judgement and without jealousy. With sheer joy and love, we live through and celebrate everything with one another.

Career aspirations

I am an artist at the moment, and I hope to maintain a prolific rhythm of art creation post-graduation. I enjoy observing life and researching as a daily practice, keeping track of new discoveries that I encounter. I also aspire to be a teacher at the college level and stay connected to the next generations of artists who want to explore the world of ideas in a visual and creative way. I hope this career of art, research, and teaching (also called a/r/tography by some arts-based researchers) will always be a part of my life.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

I would tell people to keep an open mind, an open heart, and a resilient passion for what you do. Graduate school can feel like an intense boot camp with little time for sleep and leisure, but make sure you find your community and find balance in rest. Sometimes it can be easy to lose motivation when everyone has an opinion on what you do. The feedback is great and necessary, but don't lose yourself in the midst of all the excitement that surrounds you.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am most proud of myself for presenting at my first conference at the international level (I hope it won't be my last). I am also proud of the growth I have made in the studio and for the sheer amount of new and experimental work I have attempted outside of my usual comfort zone. I am also a finalist for the 2025 HSF Graduate Student Excellence in the Visual Arts Award.