Senior exhibit reflects variety of approaches

Buies Creek, N.C.-From a perfectly rendered foot complete with glossy red nail polish to an impressionistic interpretation of a bridge in Italy, Campbell University students display a variety of artistic styles and techniques. An exhibit featuring the works of senior art students Lauren Blackburn, Matt Connor, Mitchell Beasley and Travis Thornton is currently on display in the E.P Sauls Gallery of the Taylor Bott Rogers Fine Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

Lauren Blackburn, of Angier, N.C., sees art as not only a visual form of communication but a way to express emotion. “My paintings are modeled after the impressionism and expressionism styles,” she said. “My medium of choice is acrylic and my color pallet normally consists of the most vibrant hues possible. Art should be enjoyable and should enable the viewer to recognize and appreciate the moment.”

When Mitchell Beasley, of Erwin, arrived at Campbell in 2006, majoring in Graphic Design and Studio Art was the furthest thing from his mind. “I switched from criminal justice to art after my first semester,” Beasley said. “Once I started my entry-level design classes at Campbell, I knew that I was where God intended me to be.”

Beasley doesn’t like to be tied down to a particular style or medium. “I want to express my creativity through as many avenues as possible because the greatest thing about art is that it has no boundaries.”

His interest in art developed at a very young age, recalls Travis Thornton, of Clinton, N.C. “I remember back in elementary school drawing Ninja Turtles all over everything,” he said. “I am always doodling, I just can’t help it. I’m so glad my professors here at Campbell have allowed me to further my talents. They have been a real inspiration.”

Matt Connor, of Gastonia, N.C. infuses a message into his work. “My whole exhibit is about balance and how one element in a work affects another,” he said. Connor says his gallery of work is based on the human form and how the shape and function of inanimate objects have derived from it.

The Senior Exhibit will be on display until April 16. The E.P. Sauls Gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Photo Copy: “Foot” by Lauren Blackburn