Meghan Cochran
Class of 2009
Freelance Artist in Japan
Hometown: Verdon, Nebraska
I graduated in 2009 with my BA in art history and a minor in studio art. I come at history from a very different perspective because I use my research to inform my work as a visual artist. While I was in college I worked at Perkins library and the art gallery so that I could further pursue my passions in both art and history.
Because of my experiences at Hastings College I was able to get a job after school at the Wyoming State Library. While there, I digitized Wyoming trademarks and I helped get the Wyoming Newspaper Project online. It was thrilling to work with historical documents that date back to the pioneer days and the founding of the state. I even used my research while there to inform my artwork.
Currently, my husband and I are stationed in Japan. While I am unemployed at the moment, I am still using my researching skills to help us adapt to this new country and experience. I am learning about the language and culture of Japan to help us thrive here. In the process, my learning continues to inform my artwork. I am excited to see what new works this experience will produce. Fundamentally, I believe that my history degree at Hastings College helped me to channel my natural curiosity into more effective researching and applicable skills.
