The artwork of fine arts majors Avery Herbert, Brielle Lott, and Liam Loveday is connected by one common thread: a desire to invoke emotions in viewers. Though they work individually, these three artists are being showcased together as part of the newest installation in the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs’ student art exhibition.
Avery Herbert’s piece, titled “Exiting Eden,” represents moments of transition in a person’s life. Humans regularly experience times when they must venture from the safety of the known world into uncertainty. Though these moments can be uncomfortable or even frightening, the piece carries an undercurrent of love and resilience that brings hope to the process of changing. “I created this piece as a reminder to trust the journey of leaving what was safe to find what is better,” Herbert said.
“Engulfed,” an oil painting by Brielle Lott, showcases a much darker side of humanity. Inspired by the ongoing destruction of the Amazon rainforest, this work embodies Lott’s personal feelings on the devastation humans have wrought on the planet, specifically this vast rainforest. “This piece represents the ugliest side of humanity and the destruction we cause because of our greed,” she said.
The last piece included in this display is “Insulated” by Liam Loveday. He shares that the inspiration came from a moment where “I was engaged in a conversation with my friends—one of which was situated opposite of me behind a vase of flowers—creating a very interesting visual composition inspiring me to turn the chance encounter into a painting.” The work for his senior thesis, including this one, plays with the concept of juxtaposing pessimism with beauty.
These pieces are currently on display in the EVPAA suite and are available for anyone who would like to view them. You can learn more about the artists in this Q&A.
Q: How have art classes at the U shaped you as an artist?
Herbert: The classes at the U have been monumentally influential in shaping my artistic voice. Before enrolling in painting classes, illustration classes and design classes, I didn’t have a strong understanding of how to express myself through my art. My professors were very helpful in pushing me to use my skills in realism to create more meaningful pieces that hold a story within.
Lott: Art classes at the U have really helped me explore creative freedom within my work. Because of the limitations that are put on assignments, I have been challenged to think outside of the box in a way that I never have before. This has led me to try out styles, color palettes and techniques that are new to me.
Loveday: There are a lot of different ways. I have definitely been thinking more critically of the conceptual ideas behind my work—also great insight on what it takes to present oneself as a professional artist, as in the importance of developing well thought-out series and having a solid body of work. One thing that was essential was having the ability to share work amongst students during critiques.
Q: What is something you hope people get out of your artwork?
Herbert: My sincerest hope is that when seeing my artwork, people are able to connect with the deepest parts of themselves. This artwork, and my others like it, are meant to inspire introspection and emotional clarity. I hope my artwork gives people space to understand their own stories a little better.
Lott: Something that I have always strived for in my work is to be able to depict and show raw emotion. I hope that people will be able to feel and understand the anger and sorrow that is represented within my piece.
Loveday: I think it’s quite fun to tread the line of attractive/appealing looking artwork, with a message of melancholy and/or dejection, one finds the longer they look at the piece. The body of work for my senior thesis encompasses existentialism and pessimism, but also the beautiful things that engage us with the world, even if they are subtle and seemingly minor.
Q: Who is your favorite artist and why?
Herbert: My favorite artist is James Gurney, a painter who creates fantastical worlds and illustrations that are so detailed they feel almost real. His work is impressively meticulous—combining various studies done on real-world places, animals and people to create one piece.
Lott: One of my favorite current artists is Tahlia Stanton. She’s an incredible oil and acrylic portrait painter, and I love how free and loose her paintings feel. She manages to blend abstract elements with realism flawlessly within her work.
Loveday: My favorite artist usually fluctuates based on what stories/histories I have been fixating on at a given time. Currently, I have a lot of interest in Franciso Goya’s work. His paintings seem to have an interesting dichotomy/bridge of the highly academic style of painting that led up to the 18th century, and a gestural style of painting that provides an engaging and energetic appeal.