Shining Graduate Student Chelsea White (BFA - New Media '24)

Shining Graduate Student Chelsea White (BFA - New Media '24) is deeply interested in the intersections of artificial intelligence, art, agency and identity and how AI can operate as a collaborator in creative workflows. Continuing her studies with an MFA in New Media, Chelsea is exploring new video technologies like Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) for virtual sets, syncing them in Unreal Engine and using real-time compositing and camera tracking.

I am constantly in awe at the worlds people create, and always inspired to pursue my own ideas. I'm also inspired by the constantly evolving technology in new media, as new and evolving technology often sparks new ideas. The ability to always learn new things in order to create is a large part of my creative practice.

Meet Chelsea. Curious. Experimental. Creative.
Program: Master of Fine Arts | Major: New Media

Why did you choose to pursue fine arts at ULethbridge?

I grew up in a small town close to Lethbridge, and so I often attended the Experience Fine Arts days in high school. Even after I applied and got accepted into the University of Lethbridge for fine arts, I always took the opportunity to attend. Each time I went, I experienced the ways the faculty and staff supported and encouraged creativity and exploration within the arts. I knew from those experiences that ULethbridge would be my home!

What inspires your artistic/musical practice?

I am constantly inspired by all other forms of art around me, be it local at the University, online art spaces, video games, or TV shows. I am constantly in awe at the world's people create, and always inspired to pursue my own ideas. I'm also inspired by the constantly evolving technology in new media, as new and evolving technology often sparks new ideas. The ability to always learn new things in order to create is a large part of my creative practice.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge? Has your academic plan changed since you began your studies?

I had always known I wanted to pursue fine arts in general. When I first applied to the University, I originally started in a BFA - Art program. Once I learned about the New Media program, I swapped my degree to a BFA - New Media.

Initially I wanted to be a digital artist, but after taking Digital Video Production (NMED 2030) and Introduction to Cinema Studies (CINE 1000), I found my passion for cinematography and video arts. Within the last few years, my education has further encouraged me to explore evolving technology in the field, leading me to my MFA. I never imagined I'd be working on a thesis project, but it's exactly what I needed to be doing.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

I've had a lot of memorable experiences, but I think the stand out for me is my work on A Seussified Christmas Carol Mainstage production. I created deepfakes of two ghosts for the production, and it was a phenomenal experience! It was amazing to work with a larger team, and even better to include family and friends for opening night. Besides the production, I've helped in a few workshops recently with high school students. I really enjoy these workshops and the opportunities they provide to share what I know and love with younger people.

How have your professors or instructors impacted your education?

My professors have played a huge role in providing support and encouragement through the years, and I couldn't have made it this far without them. It's truly a pleasure to be able to take hands-on courses in smaller groups, as its allowed me to build relationships with faculty, who in turn encouraged me to keep pushing and do my best.

Their support during the beginning of my graduate program has been especially important, as they are always reminding me of what I've accomplished when I'm unsure or doubting myself. It's been so important to have a community around me who support and encourage me in my work!

Have you received any scholarships or awards? How have they impacted your education?

I have received a few different awards, from the University as well as external awards. These have made a positive impact, as it allows me to focus on my coursework entirely without worry. It's a great feeling to be able to put 100% of my focus on my research without worrying financially.

Tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning opportunities at ULethbridge and how these have enhanced your education?

The deepfakes for Seussified was one part of my internship experience, with the other being a research assistant for Bryn Hewko (MFA - '16), an assistant professor in the New Media department. Both of these projects allowed me to interact with, and explore, new and evolving generative AI technology in an artistic setting. Both of these projects sparked my passion for research-creation, and are a large part of why I chose to pursue graduate studies. The flexibility of internship options to allow me to engage in these projects is something I am still grateful for, and I still explore the technologies we utilized.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope that my research inspires a new wave of artists, and once I'm done my graduate studies I hope to teach in a university setting. I have so much passion to teach others, as well as continue learning. My hope is that one day, I can foster the same curiosity and creativity in emerging artists, much like the artists and community that inspire in me.

What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Don't be afraid to pursue your passions, and explore new things! The ability to explore different fields and ideas is valuable, so I always encourage people to take advantage of what we have here at the university.