Clarissa Spackman — theBASEMENT

the BASEMENT

Publication #05

Ace of My Heart

Clarissa Spackman

Colored Pencil, 17x 21 in

2025

Most of my art is directly influenced by my environment and headspace. For a while, I focused on negative aspects and the emotions that they created. Recently, however, my work has shifted to exploring the more positive influences in my life- like my pets, friends, travels, and cherished memories.

Some of my most beloved memories are from studying abroad in Rome. Sometimes, I feel as though a piece of my heart is still there. I often long for sight visits, the excitement of exploring the city, and playing cards at dinner with my friends. I miss our messy and chaotic classroom and the view that accompanied it. I even miss trekking up the millions of stairs to get there. I mourn the version of me that I left behind in that city.

I made this piece for our exhibition in Rome. I think I was grieving my time there before I had even left. To commemorate this shared experience, I created an Ace of Hearts playing card with our view from campus and brought together some of my favorite things: playing cards, our campus, and Roman architecture.

concentration: Interdisciplinary Visual Art

@clarissa.jane.draws

find us here!
thebasementuw

submit your work here!
Want to showcase artwork that you have created during the school year? Look no further and check out the guidelines/requirements for submitting your work!