Artist Helen Brooks wrote, “In my journey to become a better artist, I have the continuing adventure of self discover, challenge, and excitement. Every painting is a new experience, a way to voice my feelings and ideas about beauty around me, and a constant motivation to find truly original expression. I consider my journey as one just begun because I will always have new ideas to express and new ways to express them!”
After reading this excerpt I set the artists’ statements down, felt my heart beat a little faster and smiled as I realized that my journey has only to begin. This spring I will no longer be a college student but instead an alumni. I will be moving, finding a job, making new friends and heinous of it all, becoming an adult .
I began to gaze upon the artwork as an intimate token from each artist and saw a representation of my own life reflected back at me. Nostalgia hit me like a two ton brick as Joy on My Table by Ann Rutledge brought memories of picking the best flowers I could for my mother on her birthday. The colors blended so well gave me the feeling that I could dip my fingers in this floating image and realize that the flowers were still liquid.
The little red-headed girl in Slap Happy by Sherry Hatton caught my eye. A blush rose in my cheeks as I identified a younger version of myself in this child. I could hear the thoughts running through this little girl’s head as she toyed with those floating nemeses just above her reach and control.
I knew I would miss Cleveland when I felt my stomach dip at the site of Lunch By the River by David Barber. The careful replication of the scene invoked that this was a treasured memory for the artist.
Then I started to get hungry.
Martha Williams’ Sea Grapes combined all my favorite elements: light, greenery, soft colors and the coast. I could smell the sea salt as I eyed this beautiful escape. I could feel the sand between my toes as anticipation of my future flooded my thoughts. Will I end up on the shore like I always planned? Which coast will I be at? How much is it to buy a beach house?
The artist, Mr. Barber, was right when he stated that “creating art is a gift, and an opportunity to capture the many aspects of this world we live in. ‘Do you see this… do you feel this…can you experience this with me?” His Dance of the Yellow Flowers passes on an energy from nature into a stationary platform. I could feel the movement these little flowers once possessed. I was able to experience the spirit that he captured and transmitted. All of a sudden I felt the dance of the yellow flowers come over me. Unfortunately I quickly disregarded this dance once I realized there were patrons near by.
As I passed from painting to painting, little details brought forth either a memory of the past, a current situation or an impending future. The pale hues and soft lines emanated an unusual light from each artwork that propelled me into thoughts of beginnings and newness. A feeling of excitement overtook me as I began counting the days till my graduation and then stopped in the middle as to not cause an anxiety attack-safety first!
As I let the exhibit doors close behind me I thought back to what Ms. Brooks said, “I consider my journey as one just begun.”
Dan Lutts
Lisa
Jennifer
rebeccarmiller
