IIT GRAD ‘ENGINEERS’ SUCCESS AS AN ARTIST

Amy Lee Segami once thought her career path was a “done deal.” After graduating with honors from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) with both a bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering, she set out on a professional course at a Fortune 200 company, directing research projects, developing products and solving manufacturing problems.

But now, some 20 years later, utilizing her IIT training in technical fluids engineering, Segami has truly changed course, pursuing a dream and her own passion for meaning and expression. She is now considered America’s foremost artist of Suminagashi (pronounced sue-me-NAH-gah-she), an ancient art form originating in her native China more than 2,000 years ago, practiced by Japanese Shinto priests in the 12th century.

This week, Segami returned to her alma mater with a gift, donating one of her Suminagashi works to IIT’s Mechanical, Material and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) Department, part of the Armour College of Engineering and Science.

“I want it to be inspirational for students, representing the different ways to practice engineering,” Segami said. “Let this serve as a reminder of where an IIT education can lead you.”

The Suminagashi process involves applying acrylic paint with a pointed Chinese brush literally to a surface of water. The image is then lifted off the water surface with a sheet of rice paper, creating spectacular imagery and textures. Now an American citizen, Segami is credited with transforming Suminagashi into a contemporary art form.

“I discovered by adjusting the viscosity of the water, I can control the movement of the paint and hold the images that I design,” Segami said. “I find working with water very calming and soothing. It provides a tranquil environment for me to express a range of emotions and ideas.”

Segami’s donated work, titled Still Transformation, is now on display at the MMAE’s department office, Room 243 of the Engineering 1 Building, 10 W. 32nd Street on the IIT main campus.

Other Segami works are on display in the Fine Arts and State of Illinois Buildings in Chicago. Her art has appeared in magazines, compact disc covers and corporate brochures. Some of her Suminagashi works are also in the permanent collection of the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe. You can find out more information about Segami and Suminagashi at www.segami.com.

Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.