A faculty art exhibit is open through Oct. 3 in the Visual Arts Gallery, VA 120.
“Under the Influence” shows the work of several visual arts faculty in several media: concrete and muslin, ceramic, oil, acrylic and ready-made, surreal and abstract.
Each piece lists the artist’s motivation and explanation of their work.
Art student Juniper Vu attended a reception of the artwork on Sept. 11.
“I think it’s cool knowing that the professors here like to do art on their own time,” Vu said.
Artists walked the gallery, answering questions about their work at the reception.
The artists hosted a lecture in the VA building with dozens of students after the exhibit had opened. Three of the artists, Katie Grip, Cintia Segovia and Jennifer Rochlin, explained their process. Each artist had a different reasons for their creation
Grip said her own drawing style captures the body or face, and making it slightly off, creating an off balance look to her artwork.
“The artist might have one intention and the viewer sees something totally different,” Grip said. “It’s that funhouse in the middle where we can simultaneously appreciate our differences and where we connect.”
Segovia said she incorporate wit, comedy and her immigrant experience in her art pieces.
Citrus ceramics art professor Jennifer Rochlin said she enjoys the small imperfections that create her unique style. Her work was “called gnarly in the New York Times”,
Ceramics professor Mike Hillman said his inspiration was a method he learned called ‘coiling,’ in which he wraps and weaves long strands of clay. He learned the method from a high school teacher. He now teaches the method to his students.
Beginning drawing teacher Daniel Schmitt attended the exhibit, in which he is included.
“It’s kind of surreal seeing your artwork on display,” Schmitt said. “You go here, and you’re not sure if you’re going to make it. And now, my art is displayed here.”
The art exhibit will be on display in the Art Gallery in the VA building from Sept. 4 through Oct. 3.
