Meet Kit Boise-Cossart (CCS Art ’72)

February 24, 2020

Kit Boise-Cossart (CCS Art '72) remembers UCSB art, sun, and surf

Kit in his CCS studio 1971
Kit in his CCS studio 1971

I heard about the College of Creative Studies from a CCS student that lived with a friend of mine and had highly recommended CCS. After considering other options, it felt like I didn’t fit anywhere else. The College had a deep effect on my life. The faculty-student one-on-one mentoring was key to my experience and at the core of the College’s experiential learning. I studied studio art and art history alongside very self-motivated people: students, professors/lecturers (who were active artists), and visiting resident artists. My CCS involvement was foundational to maturing into the wider world. A memorable moment was saying hello to CCS Provost Marvin Mudrick as I was scared to death of him! Another memorable experience was Bay Area CCS resident artist Paul Wonner who guided my painting progress. Overall, UCSB was a positive blend of artistic development, sun, and surf.

My CCS involvement was foundational to maturing into the wider world.

After CCS, I was accepted into the UCSB Studio Art graduate program but backed out at the last minute as I decided to surf instead. Professionally, I focus on ‘green’ buildings as a general business contractor—my ‘day job.’ My parallel life is painting, drawing, and photography. In addition, my wife Beverly and I grow macadamia nuts on our farm in Gaviota as well as proud parents with grandchildren.

...be a sponge, and wring it out into your creations

I would advise current and future CCS students not to be afraid to admit ‘I don’t know.’ Ask questions, be a sponge, and wring it out into your creations. Reach out to fellow students and staff. You’ll be amazed at how much you actually share, and the inspiration you will give one another.