The Tatia Cynae DePass Dean's Research Award at SMFA is being established in memory of Tatia Cynae DePass, a passionate creator who challenged the status quo. This Award aims to provide support and encouragement for SMFA students. It is funded by the many alumni, friends and family members who loved and cared about Tatia, as well as those who were inspired by her.

Tatia graduated in 2018 with a BFA from SMFA at Tufts. As a young creative force in Boston, she was dedicated to expanding her artistic vocabulary. She left behind an ambitious body of work and was determined to reach new heights. This prize encourages students to take creative risks and find their own voice.

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“For me, there is freedom in things that cannot be undone. Creation is born out of permanent marks and mistakes.”

"Sitting in front of a piece of paper I make a mark. This mark cannot be undone. For me, there is freedom in things that cannot be undone. Creation is born out of permanent marks and mistakes. I read, I watch, I listen. I apply that which I consume onto the paper and enjoy the adventure of navigating the chaos of a committed line. This type of drawing has become a spiritual practice for me, allowing me to speak to myself by bypassing language. I am as surprised by the content as anyone else. Sometimes the images don’t wait for me to understand them before they come. In many ways I am only a conduit." — Cynae