The exhibit featured paintings by Melissa Foster, BA in Art: Fine Arts Emphasis, who graduated in December 2016, and an installation by Taylor Helfrich, a candidate for the BFA in Studio Art: Graphic Design Emphasis. Ms. Foster and Ms. Helfrich each received exhibition honors in the Fall 2016 Senior BA/BFA exhibition in the Baum Gallery of Fine Art.
Artist statement by Melissa Foster: “My work is a mental self portrait, the process in which I make art depends on my mental state. Where words fail me, I process my anxieties and problems through chaotic colors, organic shapes, and loose mark-making. My method starts with a watercolor wash, a form that allows me to follow my instincts and react to the materials. More watercolor layers and gel pens are used to organize the chaos that comes from mind to paper. My goal is to make what feels like safe spaces for me with detail and color. Iridescent inks and sparkling colors allow me to enter a calmer state of mind by getting lost in the moment.”
Artist statement by Taylor Helfrich:
“Do I start with me or them?
I am fabricating a glimpse into my obsessive fantasy.
This obsessive fantasy.
This obsession is crafted around a matchbox.
It’s filled with me.
Or them?
Frankie Blaze.
Guy Johnson.
She was a Lady Scout.
He sort of sucked.
Sort of didn’t.
They owned this art bar together forever.
I am the only one who shows up.
Together we grew.
Or grow?
I have gotten to know them very (kind of?) well.
They owned this inclusive art bar and they were both artists.
I think they were artists.”