On Tuesday, November 15, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., UTM art students Clint Mealer and Kayla Turner had their art showcased in Paul Meek Library, with pieces ranging from images of nature to human body to self.
Both students were pleased with the success of the show.
“There was a great turnout at the show. We both appreciated everyone coming to support us and our work. I think it was a success. … It exposed students to the art program who might have never taken the time to see the show elsewhere,” Mealer said.
“I was very surprised about the turnout. I never thought that many people would come out to see my and Clint’s artwork. It was a great success. I feel very accomplished to have put together such a great show for all to see. I hope that I put into perspective a different view on art and that my works inspired others,” Turner said.
Both Mealer and Turner have been artists since they were young, and have dreams of continuing art in their future careers.
“I have just always created art. Even when I was a child I would draw on everything. Teachers would complain I had more drawings on homework than actual work. I guess it is what I have always wanted. … As far as aspirations go, maybe I’ll sell a few pieces here and there or have my own studio or gallery,” Mealer said.
“I feel that I have always had a knack for capturing images of things. I constantly got in trouble in grade school for doodling and coloring in class. Plus, I have always excelled in my art classes. I guess it’s just what I was meant to do in my life. … I am an artist because that is what I like to do in this world. Nothing brings me more joy than to create likenesses of my imagination in medium to show to whomever wants to see. I hope to teach for a bit in the high school and college levels, and then one day own a gallery of my own. I hope that I can open up the minds of others to other perspectives of this world around us,” Turner said.
Both artists find inspiration in the world around them and find personal fulfillment through creating art.
“There is this amazing moment just before that first mark is made, the surface is clean and you know that the first mark is that defining moment of the piece. Maybe it is a bit of a god-complex, but I think for me, the inspiration is just knowing that I can create with my own hands and that even if I have no control over anything else in life, this I have control of. … The artwork is more for myself. I make art as a way to channel my thoughts and to just let go,” Mealer said.
“My inspirations come form my very world around and what my crazy imagination can cook up. I am very intrigued by weather, nature and dreams, which is a theme throughout my work. The artists that have inspired my style are J.W. Turner (not because of his last name), Monet, Van Gogh and others of the same impressionistic style,” Turner said.
Turner said that art is something that can positively affect anyone.
“No matter how good or bad someone is at creating, you can always appreciate art. It’s like life, there are going to be things that you dislike and things that you like, but looking at both, will open your mind to different things and strengthen your appreciation for you and the word around you,” Turner said.
