Taylor Bielecki

MFA — Painting

They told me Venice would be life changing, and they couldn't be more right. Once I heard about the Pratt in Venice Program, I knew I had to try to go. I did not know how I was going to get there but I knew I wanted to try. I knew I wanted to study with my mentor Michael Brennan one more time before graduation, and was honored to get the opportunity to learn from Joe Kopta, Diana, and Fay Ku for the first time, and assist in teaching Fay’s class. I sold my thesis show out, and the Venice Program assisted me, to ensure I was able to go. It would be my first time traveling alone, traveling internationally. I was terrified, but I knew I had to try. Venice seemed like a magical place. 

From day one, the trip was amazing. The sights, the boats, the water, everything was an inspiration to my painting practice. The faculty helped in nurturing that inspiration as we went on numerous trips to see amazing churches, art exhibitions, and cities such as Ravenna. They supported all of our interests and helped us both study and become immersed in Venetian culture. I was thrilled we got to live there. Having our own homes to stay in as we traveled to and from Scuola Grafica or UIA and everything in between for the Biennale or Arsenale, everyday was a new opportunity to learn something, experience a new food or custom, or get to see something entirely new. 

Getting to study works up close that I only got to see on a computer screen in art history lectures was wondrous, and best of all, getting to experience it all with this amazing cohort and faculty was the absolute best. I have found some of the best friends in this program and have found a place I truly love. Getting to go to Italy with my family was always amazing, but I’ll never forget Venice. Pratt in Venice gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to live like a Venetian, and Venice has become my home away from home. If anyone ever asks about the program, I will instantly say, go, ….it will be life changing. Where else can you study master works of art with the materials they use, and get the opportunity to paint and print some of your own work with some of the most inspiring professors and scholars? At the end of the program I was heartbroken to leave, but I carry with me everything I learned and experienced while I was there. Whether it was learning a new language, or a new printing technique from Alessia, the gifts of the program never stop for me. If I ever get the chance to return to Venice, I would absolutely go back in a heartbeat.