For soldiers leaving the military, pursuing an art degree might not be the obvious next step. But it was the right choice for Mikhail Roque, an honors student in the UW School of Art + Art History + Design, and David Bonicillo, who earned a BFA in 3D4M (three-dimensional forum) in 2013. The veterans recently spoke with Perspectives editor Nancy Joseph about their military service, their art, and the relationship between the two.
Perspectives: Which came first, your interest in the military or your interest in art?
Mik Roque: Art has always been in me. My earliest memory is actually drawing with blue and yellow chalk all over newly painted white walls. I remember hearing my mom scream and my grandmother in the background laughing because she’s the one who bought…