Answering an invitation to illustrate a children’s book pushed Hannah Mathis ’22, a B.A. Art alumna, out of her comfort zone. Her venture into creating original artwork for a storybook began when an email about an opportunity to work with local author Susan Coryell was sent to all Clemson art students.
Art Chair Valerie Zimany sent the proposal out and shared her thoughts on the request.
“We frequently receive external inquiries about working with our students on projects. They can be highly valuable as a learning opportunity to develop professional expectations and relationships in freelance, client-based work – for both our students and the community. Susan Coryell’s inquiry caught my attention as she included a detailed proposal and wrote ‘I taught secondary school English for thirty years and know the depth of student talents and that they can be enthusiastic about participating in creative projects.’ Susan was sincere in her thinking about the book as a collaboration, and how involvement could be beneficial to an interested student.”
Although her primary focus is on graphic design and coding, the chance to illustrate “Kiki’s Dream” intrigued Mathis. After meeting Coryell and learning about the heartfelt story behind the book, Mathis felt inspired to bring it to life through her illustrations.
Mathis recalls spending her childhood free time sculpting and drawing, always finding beauty in nature and the art around her. This early interest blossomed into a deeper love for graphic design and illustration during her college years at Clemson University. She aimed to merge her aesthetic sensibilities with functional design.
Reflecting on her experience at Clemson, Mathis said, “As I got to college, my passion extended to graphics and illustration, and I wanted to be able to create art that was both creative and practical.”
This interview with Hannah Mathis has been edited for length and clarity.
Art illustration by BFA Alumna Hannah Mathis featured in “Kiki’s Dream”
ClemsonNews: How did you become involved in illustrating this children’s book?
Mathis: For “Kiki’s Dream,” I received an email sent to all Clemson art students about an opportunity to illustrate for local author Susan Coryell. I hadn’t considered children’s illustration beforehand as my passion lies in graphic design and coding. However, I needed to take advantage of an opportunity to extend my skills and work with someone who shared a passion for creating. After responding and meeting with Susan, the story behind her book inspired me, and I wanted to help her make it a reality.
CN: Where do you draw inspiration for design catered towards children?
Mathis: Catering to children was a fun way to unlock my inner childhood memories and feelings. To illustrate this book, I looked back at previous children’s books I enjoyed as a kid, as well as toys and shows, and took inspiration from the bright colors, sketch-like style, and an overall sense of fun. I also added small details that kids could focus on to have plenty to observe and learn about.
CN: How do you hope your illustrations impact the children who read the book?
Mathis: I hope my illustrations inspire kids to follow their dreams and look forward to things in life they haven’t experienced before. They encourage creativity and exploration and even create artwork and drawings.
CN: Tell us about your current artwork.
Mathis: I’m open to more illustration projects in the future, whether they be children’s books, book covers, or even more in the scientific illustration realm. I focus on branding and app design, but any artistic style can inspire other works. As my connections and relationships grow with different people and artists, my skills will prosper alongside them.
According to Zimany, “All was quiet after the initial message I sent out to our majors. I was surprised and delighted to hear two years later that Susan’s book was published, and, according to Susan, many of the positive reviews mentioned Hannah’s colorful illustrations. Congratulations to both Susan and Hannah – a serendipitous connection led to a unique and successful professional opportunity.”
“Kiki’s Dream” is available in Clemson and the surrounding area at several locations: the Bee’s Knees, the Little Curiosities Shoppe, the Pendleton Book Shop, Clemson Variety and Frame, and First Chapter Bookstore. It is also available through all online bookstores. The publisher, formerly known as Two Sisters Press and now Golden Bridges Press, donates a portion of their proceeds to Maui wildfire relief.
After spending two decades raising her family and serving her community, Fleming Markel ’98 embarked on a new chapter by pursuing her passion for visual art. Accepted into Clemson University’s graduate visual art program, Markel defied expectations by earning her Master of Fine Arts degree just before age 50.
“At Clemson, I was presented with challenges and constructive criticism but also with encouragement,” she recalled. “Under the mentorship of an amazing faculty, I completed my MFA just before my fiftieth birthday. I was given my chance.”
Today, as the Director of Galleries at Greenville Technical College (GTC) in Greenville, S.C, Markel pays forward the support she received by guiding aspiring artists, particularly non-traditional visual art undergraduates hungry for opportunity. Even with shifts in the art faculty since her graduation 26 years ago, Markel affirms the program’s continued supportive atmosphere.
“Even though the Clemson art faculty has completely changed, the warmth and encouragement continue,” she affirmed. “I can recommend the Clemson Art Department to GTC transfer students, confident that they too will get their chance.”
Markel’s recent work includes a traveling solo exhibition, “Pent-up Pink,” which challenges entrenched notions of gender identity and cultural stereotypes. Through her art, she interrogates the pervasive influence of consumerism, language, and gender norms on our daily lives.
Drawing inspiration from everyday life in the South, Markel explores the “defining prescriptions” ingrained in girls and women from birth.
MFA Alumna Fleming Markel conversing near her sculpture entitled “Tuesday Afternoon” with art patrons Harold and Arlene Cheatam at the “As Good As Gold: 50 Years of the MFA at Clemson” exhibition reception located in the Lee Gallery
“I think that many of our culture’s prescriptive myths are perpetuated by marketing, advertising and packaging,” she explained.
Fleming Markel’s thought-provoking artwork serves as a beacon for societal evolution, confronting deeply rooted norms and urging critical introspection. By recontextualizing objects traditionally associated with femininity, Markel challenges stereotypes and invites a dialogue about the narratives they perpetuate. Her impact underscores the truth that the quest for knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.
Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.
The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.
Winston Wingo, ’80, an alumnus of Clemson University’s MFA program, has created sculptures that span borders, resonating with audiences across the United States, Canada, France, and Italy with over 40 solo exhibitions and participation in over 200 group competitions and invitational exhibitions.
He traces the roots of his connection with art back to his childhood.
“My interest and passion for art began as a small child,” Wingo reflected, acknowledging the formative impact of his elementary school years. “The support and encouragement from my teachers planted the seeds of creativity within me.”
However, it was during his junior high school days that Wingo’s fascination with sculpture took root and grew with the guidance of his mentor, Brooks Huggins.
“Mr. Huggins introduced me to sculpture,” Wingo recalled with fondness. “His bronze sculptures, proudly displayed in our classroom, ignited a fire within me, a passion for sculpting that continues to burn brightly to this day.”
The decision to pursue his MFA at Clemson University was influenced by a pivotal encounter during his junior high years.
“In 1970, I visited the School of Architecture at Clemson University to meet sculptor and art department chair John Acorn,” Wingo recounts. “His reputation preceded him, and I was captivated by his work showcased in various publications.”
The vibrant artistic community at Clemson, coupled with the mentorship of John Acorn, solidified Wingo’s decision to embark on a journey of advanced graduate studies in studio fine arts.
Looking back on his accomplishments after graduation, Wingo’s artistic impact has reached across continents.
“Following my time at Clemson, I pursued postgraduate studies at Instituto Statute d’Arte, Italy,” Wingo said. “Subsequent travels and explorations led me to bronze foundries in Tuscany, Italy, where I honed my craft.”
MFA Alumnus Winston Wingo’s ’90 sculpture in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8
Wingo’s commitment to fostering creativity as an artist and educator remains unwavering.
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching art at undergraduate and graduate levels in South Carolina,” Wingo said. “My studio serves as a sanctuary for artistic exploration, where I continue to create and innovate.”
In his Spartanburg studio, Wingo delves into the complexities of contemporary African American social and cultural narratives.
“My ongoing work reflects the intersections between science, technology, art, and humanity,” Wingo explains. “It’s a commentary on the dynamic forces shaping our world and a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and evoke emotion.”
Winston Wingo’s artistic path, from humble beginnings through Clemson’s MFA Program to international acclaim, continues to demonstrate how his artistry transcends boundaries.
Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.
The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.
Deighton Abrams’ ’16 artistic journey has taken him coast-to-coast, from his upbringing in Alaska to his recent endeavors as an instructor within the renowned ceramics program at Harvard University.
“I come from a very creative family,” he reminisced, “so making and enjoying art in its many forms has been a constant throughout my life.”
His mother’s gift for crafting and his father’s literary pursuits provided fuel for Abrams’ artistic inclinations.
“Initially studying to become an illustrator, I found my love of ceramics late in my undergraduate degree, and it completely changed my artistic trajectory,” he recounted.
His decision to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree led him to Clemson University, a choice shaped by both academic aspirations and personal connections.
“Following my partner, who was accepted into Clemson’s astrophysics Ph.D. program, I visited the Art Department knowing little about the program, but eager to be challenged,” he explained.
Under the tutelage of mentors like Department Chair and Professor in Ceramics Valerie Zimany, Abrams honed his practice and expanded his artistic horizons.
“The dedication and mentoring of my advisor broadened my view of the art world and sharpened my research skills,” he reflected.
Post-graduation, Abrams began navigating residencies, teaching engagements, and immersive studio explorations. His tenure at STARworks in Star, N.C., further enriched his studio practice.
“I was lucky to jump into a ceramics residency at STARworks, which furthered the expansion of my studio skills and gave me an even wider view of the state of clay in the art world,” he noted.
Ceramic artwork by Deighton Abrams displayed in the Lee Gallery until Mar. 8.
He has shown work nationally and internationally, including at the International Ceramic Symposium and Art Education Exchange Program, at a member Exhibition in Yixing, China and at ArtFields in Lake City, S.C., where he won a Merit Award for sculpture. With stints at institutions like Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. and Greenville Technical College in Greenville, teaching became a cornerstone of Abrams’ artistic path. His return to Clemson University, albeit briefly, to lead the General Education Art Appreciation course remains a cherished highlight.
Abrams currently lives in Boston, continuing to teach ceramics at community centers and universities, including Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Lesley University.
Recently, he completed a two-year residency at the ceramics program at Harvard University. His extensive teaching resume underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent.
Within his studio at Harvard’s ceramics program, Abrams embarks on a new artistic path by creating sculptural narratives.
“I am exploring a new body of sculptural work,” he said, “combining representational ceramic forms, abstracted landscapes, illustrated porcelain pottery and raw building materials.”
His latest series of porcelain urns reflects his commitment to environmental issues, blending beauty with meaning.
Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.
The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.
The lives of Clemson University MFA alumni Kat Hutter ’06 and Roger Lee ’07 have created a mosaic of personal and professional growth.
Hutter, with roots in the Midwest, and Lee, a Californian at heart, found themselves on a transformative journey through the Clemson MFA program. Their shared thirst for new environments and diverse perspectives brought them together as students, laying the foundation for a partnership that extends beyond canvas borders. As artists and proud owners of K+R Paint and Clay, Inc., they seamlessly navigate between the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, C.A., and the tranquil landscapes of Fond du Lac, W.I.
Choosing Clemson
Hutter and Lee echo a sentiment of gratitude when asked about their choice of Clemson for their MFA degree.
“The MFA graduate program at Clemson University granted each of us a fellowship and the opportunity to teach college-level courses,” Lee said.
Hutter added, “We met at Clemson, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Reflecting on their journey, the duo credits the Clemson Art faculty for shaping their careers.
“The Clemson Art faculty are all professional artists still practicing in their fields,” Hutter noted.
“They are an inspiration to any artist pursuing a professional career,” Lee added. “They provided a rigorous and nurturing learning experience that prepared us to go out and continue the work.”
MFA Alumni Kat Hutter and Roger Lee with their ceramic work
Sustaining artistic integrity
The duo’s venture into entrepreneurship with K+R Paint and Clay, Inc. has been transformative.
“Creating a business has strengthened our drive to continue this work,” Hutter reflects.
Lee emphasizes, “Being an artist is our profession. The business is how we keep our practice going. It’s an investment in ourselves and the integrity of our work.”
Advice for emerging artists
For aspiring artists, Hutter and Lee offer insightful advice. “Art is an expression of the individual, the artist,” Hutter said.
Lee encouraged artists to be patient. “It’s a career that invests in yourself, so take the time to make your own experiences and pave a path for opportunities that will shape your career,” he said. “Work hard and try to think of it more as a marathon than a sprint.”
As Hutter and Lee continue to mold the clay of their lives, their artistic partnership is fueled by passion, perseverance and a continuous journey of harmonious experiences.
Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program celebrates a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.
The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.
Clemson Master of Fine Arts (MFA) alumnus Jerry Gorman’s ’83 journey from road construction in Lordsburg, N.M., to accomplished fine arts painter is a story of passion, determination and uncertainty.
Before going to college, Gorman took a job working in road construction. But while watching the sun’s vibrant hues during evenings with the bridge crew, he made a life-altering decision to pursue art formally. In August 1972, Gorman’ enrolled at New Mexico State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1976.
Prompted by a move by his girlfriend after college, Gorman enrolled at Clemson University to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Here, he connected with John Acorn, former head of the Art Department. The prospect of studying in Genoa, Italy, further fueled Gorman’s decision to join Clemson’s MFA program.
Painting of Genoa, Italy by MFA Alumnus, Jerry Gorman ’83
Career at Sandia National Labs Post-graduation, Gorman began a career at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque.
“In 1983, Sandia National Labs was one of three nuclear weapons think tanks in the United States,” Gorman said. “My clients consisted of American Presidents, Congress, international foreign governments, engineers, scientists, physicists, and local and state government officials.”
Over 25 years, he held roles ranging from Technical Color Illustrator to Art Director/Project Manager, leaving an indelible mark. Simultaneously, Gorman explored the world of fine arts, exhibiting in galleries and achieving success as a Principal Member of the laboratory staff.
The painting studio of MFA Alumnus, Jerry Gorman ’83
Retirement and Beyond Retirement opened a new chapter for Gorman, now immersed in his studio for an upcoming exhibition at Goldenstein Art in Sedona, Arizona. Inspired by the Oak Creek Canyon National Park’s beauty, his paintings come alive. Three sketchbooks offer a glimpse into his creative mind, with roots in Genoa and playful animations in a digital sketchbook.
As Gorman captivates audiences with vibrant artwork, his journey from construction to artistic prominence is a testament to the transformative power of art.
About the Clemson MFA Program Clemson University’s Master of Fine Arts program is celebrating a half-century of art and learning with a three-part exhibition featuring a wide variety of art from its graduates and receptions featuring reflections from notable alumni and supporters of the MFA program. As part of this 50-year-long celebration, Clemson Visual Arts is featuring MFA Alumni this semester leading into the summer months.
The MFA is considered the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson’s program offers studio concentrations in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The program’s primary goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.
Visitor to the Lee Gallery viewing painting by MFA Alumnus, Jerry Gorman ’83
In the heart of Clemson, South Carolina, the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) showcases “Where I’m From,” an art exhibition that provokes thought and deep reflection by Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) alumna Felicia Gibbs Greenlee ’93. This compelling showcase offers a unique visual exploration of Southern upbringing, unveiling unnoticed aspects of life.
The Opening Reception on December 27 marked the commencement of the exhibition, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in Greenlee’s artwork that catalyzed her storytelling. The fusion of art and narrative layers reveals the South’s often-overlooked share of her unspoken truths.
Reflecting on her Southern roots, Greenlee said, “As I grew up here in the South, I noticed things that no one else seemed to notice and no one seemed to talk about. This feeling stayed with me throughout my life, and I felt compelled to share it in my work. The ‘Where I’m From’ Art Exhibition represents how I see America.”
Her wood collages pay homage to the resilience of the African American community, employing elements like chains and the American flag in abstract and figurative forms.
BFA alumna Felicia Gibbs Greenlee ’93 describes her exhibition to a visitor
Originally from Philadelphia, Greenlee’s relocation to Seneca, S.C., at the age of eight marked the beginning of her artistic journey. After earning her BFA in 1993 from Clemson University, she pursued a career as a textile designer while nurturing her unwavering passion for art.
Visitors are invited to explore the profound narrative within “Where I’m From,” providing a unique opportunity to engage with Greenlee’s observations and experiences. The exhibition runs until May 23, with gallery hours from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., located at 214 Butler Street in Clemson.
Greenlee’s interview with Clemson News has been edited for length and clarity.
Clemson News: What made you pursue a BFA degree at Clemson University?
Felicia Gibbs Greenlee: Several relatives worked at Clemson University, as well as my mother, now retired after 31 years. She would take my older brother and me to plays and other events on campus. My brother and I would explore the campus, and I put it out into the universe that I would attend Clemson University one day.
CN: When did you begin creating in wood?
FGG: In 1995, I received an opportunity to exhibit my work. All the pieces in the show were from my college years as a BFA student at Clemson University. During the show, I realized the few pieces I liked were those done in wood. After that show, I decided to focus on creating wood pieces. I took a departure from traditional canvas painting, but I continued drawing.
CN: What is your inspiration for the exhibition?
Good Times inspired me to become an artist. The television program led me to believe that the world saw me. As I got older, I noticed that the world did not see me at all. My ancestors and culture are absent from the history books and museums. The world did not think I would notice.
FGG: As a young girl, I was first introduced to art on the 70’s television show Good Times. I only watched the closing credits to see the camera pan over the painting “Sugar Shack” by Ernie Barnes. The figures in his painting seemed to come alive and move to the sounds of the music. After a couple of episodes, I realized there were more paintings revealed, and I began watching the entire show.
Clemson University Bachelor of Fine Arts alumna Felicia Gibbs Greenlee ’93
Jay KingJeanet S. Dreskin working on painting. Photos provided
When Greenville artist Jeanet Dreskin was born in New Orleans on September 29, 1921, Warren Harding was president, women’s suffrage was little more than a year old and aviation was a cutting-edge novelty.The world has changed dramatically in the century since, but the one constant in her life has been a soul-deep need to create art.
“I came into this world loving to draw and paint,” Dreskin says. “I’ve never had a time when I wasn’t involved in my art.”
Speaking from the mid-century modern home she and her late husband, Dr. Art Dreskin, built in 1960 in the Stone Lake community off Chick Springs Road, she says she was encouraged from childhood to pursue her artistic passion by her grandparents who raised her from infancy.
In particular, her grandmother, Rena — who was one of the rare women who drove a car in 1921 New Orleans — enrolled Jeanet in art classes in the French Quarter and did everything she could over the years to ensure Dreskin had the skills and opportunity to make art.
“This is part of my soul,” Dreskin says. “This is something I’ve done all my life.”
She says anyone with a passion for creating should keep working at their craft and never give up.
“Keep working,” Dreskin says. “Keep working and do as much as you can.”
Fascinated with science and the natural world, she would eventually train to become a medical illustrator. She illustrated several medical textbooks and children’s books while living in Chicago as her husband completed his medical residency.
Sandy Russ, owner of Hampton III Gallery in Taylors where Dreskin’s work will be on exhibit from July 8-August 21, says Dreskin’s scientific training is evident in her art.
She adds that Dreskin’s eye for detail and fascination with the natural world come through in her paintings and offer a glimpse of her character.
“She’s not painting for the market,” Russ says. “She’s not painting art to sell … she just kind of forged a path. Her influence is just huge in this area.”
That influence began when Dreskin moved to Greenville in 1950. With a growing family, Dreskin pursued her art during the day while her husband worked and her children were at school.
She became involved in the founding days of the Greenville County Art Museum and started an art school when the museum was located in the historic Gassaway Mansion.
Dreskin says her priorities were first to her husband and children and then to her art and is grateful her husband always supported her artistic pursuits.
Jan Dreskin-Haig, one of Dreskin’s four children and herself an artist in Dallas, says her mother’s art and positive attitude are likely reasons she’s had such a long life and made her and her siblings’ upbringing so nurturing.
Dreskin herself is amazed she’ll turn 100 this year.
“I’m still enjoying life,” she says. “I’m still making art. If I’m still breathing, I’m still working.”
For details about Dreskin’s exhibition and to see some of her art, visit hamptoniiigallery.com.
CLEMSON — The Clemson Visual Arts (CVA) at Clemson University is set to host an outstanding season of events this fall. From visiting artists to student exhibitions and seminars, the CVA calendar has unique and transformative experiences for all.
Artwork by Sculpture Faculty, Dave Detrich
LEE GALLERY EVENTS
The Lee Gallery is our flagship exhibit space that provides the university and surrounding community with access to regional, national and international artists through a variety of exhibitions and special events. This gallery is recognized as a significant venue that helps stimulate conversations surrounding contemporary art.
Natural History / Critical Condition
Aug. 30-Sept. 24 • Lee Gallery
M-Th, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m
Natural History/Critical Condition is a visual compendium of cautionary reflection. The 23 artists included in the portfolio, present a reflection on the natural environment that unveils a growing list of environmental concerns facing humanity. The exhibition points to disruptions in our environment such as ocean acidification, global warming, decline of critical food chain species, melting glaciers, animal extinctions, plastic detritus, and deforestation. Natural History/Critical Condition questions our capacity and willingness to see the changes taking place around us and muses on our ability to reconcile the destruction humanity is causing around the globe. It encourages the viewer to take action before conditions progress beyond our ability to make meaningful change.
Participating artists include: Lynne Allen, Dale Clifford – MFA ’89, Ashley Colangelo, Carmon Colangelo, Sydney A. Cross – Art Faculty in Printmaking Emeritus, Georgia Deal, Margaret Denk-Leigh – MFA ’99, Bill Fisher, Diane Fox, Adele Henderson, Patricia Thomas-Hunsinger, Anita Jung, Cima Katz, Kumi Korf, Robert Lazuka, Pamula Longobardi, Angela Oates ’94, Dennis O’Neil, Cynthia Osborne, Andy Rubin, Joe Sanders, Aaron Wilson and Anderson Wrangle – Art Faculty in Photography. The portfolio exchange was organized by Sydney A. Cross with funding from the Department of Art and the Clemson Advancement Foundation.
Artists Teaching : Teaching Artists
Sept. 28–Nov. 7 • Lee Gallery
M–Th, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Artist Talks:
M, Oct. 15, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
T, Oct. 16, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Th, Oct. 25, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Reception: F, Sept. 28, 6–8 p.m.
The Department of Art Faculty Exhibition “Artists Teaching : Teaching Artists” highlights artwork by Clemson University’s artist-educators. In each iteration, it symbolically connects our distinctive faculty research and experiences, which investigate complementary elements of place, media, technology, and visual language. We hold common ground in both our verdant upstate South Carolina location and our collaborative teaching values for all undergraduate and graduate students within our degree programs. For us this is an opportunity to share our most current creative research with our students, our fellow university colleagues, and the greater community. Our work represents multiplicity in communication, visual modes of practice, and systems of materiality. As artists, we voice a broad range of perspectives, and are willing to take risks to establish meaningful dialogue on contemporary art making in the 21st century.
The Department of Art’s award-winning faculty welcomes this occasion to exhibit at our flagship Lee Gallery on Clemson University’s main campus. We are grateful to our supporters from across the university and state who helped make this exhibition possible – forward-looking friends who inspire a legacy of creativity, and value the arts as cultural capital which generates thoughtful discourse in response to the opportunities and challenges of our present day.
Resources from the University over a faculty member’s career provides a unique autonomy for experimental, creative research that is unhindered and profound. Our location within a comprehensive, public university also fosters collaboration with other disciplines. Such relationships allow us as well as our students to locate important professional connections, as well as new sites of artistic inquiry.
As faculty, we value our role in guiding the next generation of Clemson artists, thinkers, and makers. This exhibition “Artists Teaching : Teaching Artists” provides a glimpse into the active practice of our studio art faculty. We invite your dialogue as a valuable component to build a community of critical inquiry for our programs and students.
GALLERY AND SHOWCASE SPACES
There are several gallery and showcase spaces on and off campus maintained by CVA. These spaces provide the University and regional community with programming that examines contemporary issues, and underscores our academic programs, while serving the broader university mission.
Near and Far: Recent Watercolors by James F. Barker, FAIA
Sept. 3 -Nov. 30, 2018 • Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby
M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Artist Talk and Reception: Sept. 11, 5:30–7pm
Near and Far: Recent watercolors by James F. Barker, FAIA juxtaposes three bodies of work exploring landscapes, architecture, and light. The exhibition includes a few of his signature campus works alongside seascapes to never before seen sketchbook pages from a recent trip to New Zealand. By comparing the three bodies of work visitors will witness the creative process through the various ways in which the artist uses watercolor to represents these different landscapes.
NextUp Invitational 3
Sept. 10 – Jan. 21, 2019 • CAAH Dean’s Gallery
M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Award Ceremony: Oct. 2, 3:30 -4:30 p.m.
NextUp Invitational 3 is an exhibition of work selected by the Clemson Curates Creative Inquiry team showcasing twenty three “up and coming” undergraduate art students enrolled in the Department of Art Bachelor of Fine Arts program. On view are works selected from over 230 submissions to the Foundations Review, which took place during the spring semester including drawings, painting and ceramics. Participating artists include: Joseph Alewine, Rachel Bader, Marilyn Baughan, Carrie Bull, Jiawei Deng, Katherine Eaves, Daniella Espinoza, David Gordon, Ethan Hajas, Meghan Hammel, Hannah Horowitz, Cassidy Mulligan, Tiffany Oliver, Emmy Packer, Hannah Rivers, Holly Rizer, Aislinn Rosier, Anthony Santucci-Curci, Ansleigh Sapp, Susan Sorohan, Nicole Stoudemire, Savannah Wood, Madeline Watkins.
Portrayed is an exhibition examining the ties between self-portrait and self-awareness. Curator Hannah Gardner ’17 invited Clemson University artists to create a self-portrait and choose one work to describe themselves. Artworks within the exhibition have the image created by the artists and the word to describe themselves layered upon each other to represent both the inside and outside of the person simultaneously. Participating Artists include: Mariana Aubad, Peter Barry, Hannah Cupp, Anna Davis, Lauren Davis, Zeez Egers, Nicole Embree, Katie Francis, Amanda Hazell, Caroline Herring, Clair Hicks, Geneva Hutchinson, Katherine Kesey, Kara Lerchenfeld, Connor Makris, Wilson Marshall, Mary Jo May, Cassidy Mulligan, Amanda Musick, Holly Rizer, Zoë Rogers, Hannah Sexton, Taylor Staaf, Michala Stewart, Anna Sullivan, Annamarie Williams, and Peden Wright.
Ink Travels
Currently on display until • CAAH Dean’s Gallery
M-F, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“Ink travels” refers to the constant challenge of keeping an active print shop clean. In the context of this exhibition, the term also refers to the wide-reaching influence of Professor Sydney A. Cross’s teaching and mentoring.
Similar to how “ink travels,” this exhibition showcases Cross’s legacy as an educator and illustrates the positive impact she has had on artists across the nation. The exhibition is a thoughtful tribute to the quality of Cross’s teaching and a reflection on the Clemson Family in the Visual Arts.
Again, Then Again
Currently on display until Sept. 12 • Sikes Hall Visual Arts Showcase
A Clemson Curates – Clemson University Creative Inquiry Project
This exhibit showcases recent creative research by Clemson Visual Arts alumni and current BFA and MFA students, examining the human condition through a range of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, and photography. Many of the works included in the exhibition are the newest and hottest pieces created by current MFA and BFA students as well as Clemson Visual Arts alumni. Works in the exhibition explore the echoes of self in relation to others, self-defined through technology, self-manifested through objects, and self-found in the places we inhabit.
Through the Lens
Currently on display until May 30, 2019 • CVA-Greenville Gallery, 5th Floor, ONE Building
M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
This exhibit is a collection of photography by three Clemson University MFA Alumni artists living and working in the Upstate. Participating artists are Amber Eckersley ‘17, Haley Floyd ‘16 and Zane Logan ’12.
Born and raised in Conway, SC, Eckersley’s work explores themes of memory and residue, utilizing various mediums including photography, scanning, video, and audio. Eckersley received her MFA in photography from Clemson University in 2017 and her BA in History from Coastal Carolina University in 2014. She is currently an adjunct instructor of photography at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, SC and at Lander University in Greenwood, SC.
Floyd has shown in numerous regional juried art exhibitions in the southeast, including the SPE Southeast Exhibition juried by Byron Wolfe as well as several local group and solo exhibitions. She received the Penland Award to attend a workshop with renowned photographer Nicholas Kahn through a special scholarship given by the Art Department at Clemson University. Floyd received her MFA in photography from Clemson University in 2016 where she held positions as Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Teacher of Record. She is currently an adjunct lecturer at Lander University in her hometown of Greenwood, SC.
Logan’swork has been exhibited throughout the United States in both solo and group shows, including at the Columbia Museum of Art, the Riverworks Gallery, the Redux Contemporary Art Center, and the PhotoPlace Gallery, amongst others. He is currently the Southeast chapter chair for the Society for Photographic Education, and lives in Inman, South Carolina. Logan was born in Pickens, SC. He earned his BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2007. In 2009, while employed as an adjunct instructor of photography, he began his graduate studies. He received his MFA in photography from Clemson University in 2012. He is a faculty member at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, SC.
SPECIAL SALE EVENT
Annual Ceramic Studio Bowl Sale
Lee Gallery Hallway
Nov. 15, Noon-5 p.m.
This popular annual sale is a fundraiser that supports student travel to the upcoming National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference as well as other professional activities that help further student research and collaboration. A selection of bowls and other functional works by ceramics undergraduate and graduate students and faculty will be available in a variety of price points. The Clemson Ceramics Association’s homemade soup will be served free with the purchase of a bowl between noon and 1 p.m.
About Clemson Visual Arts
The importance of the arts at Clemson University goes back to Thomas Green Clemson’s vision for a “high seminary of learning.” As an accomplished painter, an avid art collector, and an arts advocate, Clemson understood the importance of art to our nation and the world. Clemson University continues to carry out his vision by incorporating art throughout its facilities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with Clemson Visual Arts (CVA) by experiencing the exhibitions in the many gallery and showcase spaces, by viewing the public art found all over campus, and by attending special events. For more information and to access the full calendar of events, please visit clemson.edu/cva. #clemsonarts
Exhibitions, artist talks and receptions are free to the public thanks in part to the generous support given to the Clemson Visual Arts. To belong to the Friends of Clemson Visual Arts, visit cualumni.clemson.edu/give/cva.
Congrats to Erin MFA ’03 and Jason BFA ’01 Hall, husband-and-wife duo of Alberta Pottery in Greenville for being a Clemson World Magazine social media alumni feature!
Names: Erin and Jason Hall
Majors: Erin – MFA in ceramics, Jason – BFA with concentration in ceramics
Graduation Years: Erin – 2003, Jason – 2001
Current Roles: Owners of Alberta Pottery, LLC
We met in the clay studio at Clemson while Jason was finishing his BFA and I was starting my MFA. We went our separate ways after graduation, but seven years later, we ended up with studios next to each other in Greenville’s Village Arts District. We dated five years and were married in 2012. We’d both been making pottery part-time for several years before we decided to take the leap to begin making studio pottery full-time, exhibiting our work at national juried festivals, shows and galleries. We started Alberta Pottery, LLC in 2014.
–Erin, what is your favorite thing about creating pottery?
Playing in the mud! Seriously though, I love being a small part of someone’s day, that first cup of coffee in that favorite mug. There’s a form of intimacy present in clay objects that is not intrinsic to other art forms.
–Erin, what is your advice for recent grads?
It’s easier to steer a ship if it’s moving than when it’s dead in the water. Even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, it’s better to start moving in the general direction of your dream than do nothing at all waiting for the perfect job or circumstance to come along.
–Jason, what was a challenge that you had to overcome artistically that helped you get you to where you are now?
One of the biggest challenges for me to overcome was believing I could be a full-time artist. Everyone I knew was an engineer! Attending Clemson gave me a great foundation artistically, but I still found it be a challenge to believe in my own ability to find a market for my work.
It’s easier to steer a ship if it’s moving than when it’s dead in the water. Even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, it’s better to start moving in the general direction of your dream than do nothing at all waiting for the perfect job or circumstance to come along.
–Jason, what is your advice for young crafters and artists?
Someone gave us good advice recently: “Work the ground you’re given”. Stay focused and don’t get distracted or discouraged by what everyone else is doing (especially on social media, which is illusory at best). Practically speaking, we recommend keeping your overhead as low as possible. Set up a small studio, even if it’s in a corner of your apartment or in your parents’ garage (Erin’s was), and let it evolve over time. Stay out of debt if possible, and buy materials instead of renting space. Make as much art as you can, edit it and get the best of it out there!
–Both of you, what is your favorite Clemson tradition?
We love Clemson blue cheese and chocolate milkshakes!
