In the first conversation about the theme of this year’s Art Education Show, we reflected on what our art has looked like since leaving campus in March.  We talked about grit and resilience, passion, fire, and social engagement, and the importance of feeling connected with other people. Ultimately we wanted our show to capture and share a moment of comfort in the midst of chaos. Whether that means finding respite in the act of art making, depicting a fond memory, or sharing objects meant to ease the mind.

As you scroll through the exhibition please feel free to add comments on the artwork that resonates with you!

Hold Me 2020, Bronze and Scrap Fabric, 3×6″

Soft Ring 2020, Wool, Copper, and Thread, 2×2″

Worry Stone Necklace 2020, Copper

Light Hunting 2019, Digital Photography

This work focuses on the physical qualities of things and places you look for in a moment of  comfort, distraction, and quiet. These objects and environments were built to invite interaction in a world where most artwork is marked with the sign “don’t touch.” Hold Me was designed as an object to fit well in the hand no matter how it is held, with a smooth surface and enough weight to feel solid and soft at the same time. Soft Ring built off the shape of its bronze counterpart, but made with hand dyed and felted wool to focus on a different comforting texture. Worry Stone Necklace emphasizes the ritual of holding and interacting with pieces of jewelry we wear every day, being polished by our own touch.  Finally, Light Hunting is a new exploration of a comfortable and familiar environment.

Autumn Woods Oil Paint on 18×24 Canvas

Everyone can agree that 2020 has been stressful and quarantine has made us deprived of the outside world. I have found that something as simple as going on an easy hike through a park rejuvenates my spirits and  fresh air cleanses me. Going outside and being with nature has been my comfort during this insane year. Fall is a great time to unwind and observe nature due to its changing leaves and crisp air. Even with the uncertainties of this year, fall will always be consistent and come on time. It is something we can rely on which is comforting to me.

Tiger in the Closet, Chalk Pastel on 18×24 Paper

The inspiration for this piece comes from the pleasure of remaining in your comfort zone. Remaining in your comfort zone is not necessarily a good thing, but sometimes the fear of leaving is petrifying. The tiger in my drawing is guarding the comfort zone in the closet. He is not necessarily fierce, but is protecting that area. Comfort zones are dangerous because they prevent us from fully being ourselves, even if they are comfortable.

Early Monday Evening,  Oil Paint on 36×48 Canvas

This piece depicts the view from outside my bedroom door in my home specifically when the sun is first starting to set. This piece is meant to be reminiscent of when I would come out of my bedroom on Monday evenings as a kid to the sounds and smells of my grandma preparing that night’s spaghetti and meatballs in the kitchen downstairs. This smell is still very comforting to me because it signifies the soon coming hot meal and time with family. Even after my grandma’s passing we still continue the tradition of monday night spaghetti dinners. Food is a great way to bring people together especially when it is prepared by the ones you love.

Cat Nap,  Pen on 5×7 Paper

This is a piece I completed for Inktober last month. Cats are somehow able to fall asleep almost anywhere at any time. As Long as they feel somewhat comfortable they can drift away into their snooze and stay that way for hours. In my home, we have one indoor cat and two outdoor ones that we have claimed as our own. Seeing a cat sleep has the effect to relax passers bye because it usually means that whenever you are, it is somewhat safe and fit enough for our suborn pets. Sometimes we all need to get comfortable and take a little cat nap.

Growing Into Myself, 2020
Handmade Pot Made from Jute Fiber and Kona Pulp With Add-ins of Dried Summer Gold Flower
Petals; Dried Lavender, Eucalyptus, Soil Included in Pot; Linoleum Cut Figure Drawing Printed on
Jute Fiber, Linoleum Cut Flowers Printed on Hemp Fiber
3 1⁄2 in. x 6 1⁄2 in.

Metamorphosis, 2019
Linoleum Carving on Handmade Recycled Paper with Lavender Inclusions

War Against One-self, 2020
Drypoint Etching, Mixed Media

For my work, I have been trying to expand on the idea of growth in a way that shows a personal connection with my inner self while trying to connect with the world. Many, if not all of my work emphasized the personal struggles I have experienced with mental health. These specific works invite you into a journey of self-discovery and being comfortable in your own skin. I wanted to share the intimate relationship I have been building with myself. I am comfortable where I am- I am always growing, yet not fully bloomed.

Escape

  This piece I call Escape because recently my turtle escaped from his huge tank, and I don’t know how in the world he did it but he managed it. My brother and I searched for hours on end to look for him and we couldn’t find him. We didn’t know how long he’s been gone for either. I was getting worried that he might have gotten stuck somewhere. We almost gave up, but I said I must make one more search around the house. We finally found him underneath my brother’s dresser eating a Cheeto…. Yes, you heard that right, a Cheeto. Finding him gave me such a sense of relief, comfort, and happiness. I decided to create this piece for my printmaking class to always remember this moment and always cherish my turtle Milo.