Artist's Reflection

Title: Elizabeth Seton

Medium: Linocut print

Creator: Elizabeth LaRocque, Class of 2027

Having grown up near Seton Hill University, the name Elizabeth Ann Seton wasn't merely historical but a spiritual connection, etched into the landscape of my youth. Her legacy,

her devotion to her beliefs, and her pioneering work in Catholic education were never far, both in distance and significance. My piece, “Elizabeth Seton,” is a small tribute to the strength and legacy of someone who lives on through the many students, professors, and practitioners who regularly visit Seton Hill.

In this relief print, I aimed to create a sense of timelessness and reverence. I rendered Elizabeth Ann Seton in strong contrast—her face radiant against the stained glass of Saint Joseph's Chapel, implying sanctity and structure. The upward glance and book held to her bosom represent not only her spiritual awareness but also her foundational role in education; a pose inspired by one of the many portraits of Elizabeth, which can be found around campus. This piece was both technically and emotionally challenging to create. I used the block printing

process to highlight the permanence of her legacy—each line cut out of the linoleum a metaphor for the undeniable mark she made on the country and even on my own experience. This piece is not only about a religious saint; it's about a person who influenced the identity of a place I consider home. It's a thank you from one student studying on the very same hillside that the sisters loved so dearly.