There are twelve individuals receiving their Master of Fine Arts degrees this year. They have come to Pullman from places as far away as Massachusetts, Louisiana, Iowa, Colorado, Arizona, California, China, and as close as Washington. This diversity of geographical location is important to the department as these individuals bring aspects of their previous experience to the Palouse country. As images unfold out of their subconscious, clues as to the influence of place, geographical and/or sociological, are woven into the conceptual framework of their art. This group of artists represent the very best in terms of diversity of artistic styles and points of view. Their range of imagery speaks to a desire by the faculty to provide an open educational and artistic environment out of which the individual artist is able to find his/her own unique voice. The diversity of artistic style represented in this exhibition catalog demonstrates a commitment to individual expression.
Chris Andrus, works with objects from
popular culture, tying them together, in a vinyl and painted environment,
with humor and an underlying system or game. Ray Cooper, develops
complex psychological spaces, in painting, where images are recognizable
but operate in way that are not what they seem. Ray says that he
is a "humorist interested in conceptual symbolism." Patrick Despres,
explores the issue of time in his sculptures recording the effect of environment
on materials and surfaces. Rob Droessler, creates large amorphous
forms, in clay, that appear to float. His work suggests some inner
energy or spirit that is trying to reach out to someone. Catherine
Ellender, interprets the world of southern Louisiana, its culture, energy,
and dichotomies. Cynthia Gott, invokes magic from a mystical world
seen through the eye of her paintings. She states that "melding art
and ritual into a symbiosis of one is only natural. This is my living
mythology and underlying foundation of my art."
Jiayi Ling, explores her thoughts
about being an immigrant, what this means, what do you keep and what can
never be returned. Her installation analyzes her thoughts and feelings
about being "lost without a home."
Ron Medina, incorporates realistic
drawn images into large abstract field paintings--what are you observing
as you are being observed seems to be one of his underlying ideas.
Ron likes to look at people and how they "in some way convey their experience
of viewing a piece of art on a non-verbal level". Tom Nelson, reveals
a world that is psychological, dark, and urban in his paintings.
Lilli Riley presents images that seem to describe a world that speaks to
nature, liquid environments and space. She is "fascinated by the
relationship between the visceral, soft elements of nature and the
tough, unforgiving, and even dangerous" aspects of the natural world.
Her imaginary world is both beautiful and potentially hazardous.
Chris Sharp, combines images from pop culture with a high impasto painting
style--what is being revealed by what is being covered up? Keith
Wells, explores mythological hybrids in a highly crafted cast metal format.
The realism and care of detail presents the viewer with an image that isn't
quite what it seems. As Keith says, "I try to revisit the ideas of
the myths and add something from the present day that calls into question
the validity that we consider reason at this point in time."
This catalog stands as an important record of twelve young artists who are about to embark on many an adventure in the real world. Their trails will move off the Palouse hills and into other intriguing and challenging places. It will be very interesting to see how their work will continue to mature and unfold over time. My colleagues and I offer our warm congratulations and wish them well and good fortune in the future.
Christopher Watts, Chair
Department of Fine Arts