Memory and pain: a peek into NGU faculty’s artistic inspiration
Abigail Dickerson, Visual Arts Editor
Joshua Billingsley, Staff Photographer
As a part of A Week in the Arts, North Greenville University art professors are bringing their creative passions to life in the Rosti Gallery as a part of a faculty art show from now until April 27, 2023. The artists include professors Haley De Gonzalez, Blake Smith, and Zac Buser.
Blake Smith
Smith is an associate professor of fine arts specializing in photography-based artworks. This means that, in some ways, photography and vintage photography are often used in personal artwork and teaching.
Smith’s inspiration varies in the different bodies of work. Scripture often inspires him, as well as history, phrases, and social ideas.
His recent work examines the idea of memory and loss of memory. These works tend to be more sculptural and physical than he has been doing in previous years.
“I think this work holds a special place for me as I have family beginning to lose their cognitive abilities,” said Smith. His art reflects the personal struggle
He views art as a great way for people to engage in discussion and dialog with the world they live in. Art is always a product of its time and place. It mirrors the world in which it was created and the people that created it.
“I think students need that now more than ever,” said Smith.
Zac Buser
Zac Buser is an art professor with NGU and teaches classes including printmaking, design, painting and art seminars. In the piece displayed at the faculty art show, he presents a sculptural piece that deals with the fragility of life.
Five structures at the top of the piece are modeled after the dimensions of the human spinal cord and the trachea.
“Holding each of those structures in my hands brought me to an almost paralyzing sense of preciousness as I considered their human reference,” said Buser.
He is provoked by the idea of dependent pairs of curiosity that seem to define human existence. His inspiration for the piece was the contrast between damage and restoration. For example, leaving a wound untreated brings damage, but applying a bandage when it is unnecessary brings a false desire for restoration.
In this piece, Buser used gauze and lead to represent this concept. He said that lead symbolizes injury, and gauze represents the desire for regeneration.
“I consider Psalm 19, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies show his handiwork.'” he said. Beauty can put people in touch with the metaphysical. This reminds people that more than simple matter and energy are present throughout life.
The faculty art show exhibit can be found in the Studio at Ole’414 next to the Runion art building in the front lobby. The show will be available until April 27, 2023
