Clemson Visual Arts

Visual arts students artwork on full display this spring

Media Release

CLEMSON — Clemson University visual arts students will be on full display this spring in the Clemson University Center for Visual Art’s (CVA) gallery spaces.

The second half of the semester features a calendar full of student exhibitions. Both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) graduating students present a comprehensive show of artwork weeks prior to graduation. These exhibits are a special time for visual art students, allowing them to reflect on the transformational experience Clemson has provided and choose pieces that best personify the student’s creative achievements.

BFA senior exhibits and MFA thesis exhibits showcase the culmination of year-long research endeavors. Visual Arts students go through a series of critiques aimed at helping build a body of work of the students’ choosing. The public is invited to join the conversation by attending the artist talks, followed by the artists’ receptions. Join the CVA this spring to see the next generation of artists.

MFA Thesis Exhibit – Statera: A Place Between

 

Master of Fine Arts Thesis Students, Susan Vander Kooi and Carey Morton will present an exhibition illustrating the importance of interconnected relationships between people, landscape, and the natural world. Throughout history, there has been a deep human connection to the earth and recognition of our position within space that contemporary culture is potentially forgetting. This work acknowledges the tangible and intangible attributes of human dependence on, and relationship with, the land, nature, and visceral experience. Utilizing sculpture, the artists blur boundaries, explore the need for balance, and challenge viewer perception.

 

BFA Senior Exhibit #1 – Take Shape

Apr. 9–13, M–F, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Lee Gallery

Artist Talks and Reception – F, Apr. 13, 6–8 p.m.

Take Shape will feature works by Mariana Aubad, Leah Brazell, McKenize Fletcher, Hannah Gardner, Amanda Hazell, Kara Lerchenfeld, Cody Miller and Anna Rice.

 

BFA Senior Exhibit #2 – Existence

Apr. 18–25, M–F, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Lee Gallery

Artist Talks and Reception – F, Apr. 20, 6–8 p.m.

Existence will feature works by Lainee Craft, Caroline Herring, Mary Jo May, Zoe Rogers, Michala Stewart, Heather Suttles and Samantha Trivinia.

 

Additional student artwork currently on display until Apr. 19 is the Next Up Invitational Exhibit, Sikes Hall Showcase, Ground Floor.

Wrapping up the end of spring semester will be the Spring Ceramics Studio Sale and the Community Support Art (CSArt) Share Pick Up, Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. outside of the Lee Gallery along with the Foundation Review, Apr. 27. Students who have completed their Foundation studio courses in the Department of Art at Clemson University will showcase their creative efforts in the Lee Gallery. The showcase is a review of student progress and an opportunity for the Department to share the work of these art students with a local audience. Opening reception will be 6-8 p.m.

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The Center for Visual Arts
The Center for Visual Arts (CVA) at Clemson University is where students, visitors and scholars explore contemporary perspectives in art and culture through research, outreach programming and studio practice. With a mission to engage and render visible the creative process, the CVA is a dynamic intellectual and physical environment where art is created, exhibited and interpreted. It educates through academic research and practice with art at its core, drawing upon varied disciplines to examine critically cultural issues and artistic concerns.

Master’s candidates display final thesis via a ‘solastalgia’ exhibition

Media Release

Solastagia CU CalendarCLEMSON – “Solastalgia,” an exhibition by Clemson University Master of Fine Arts candidates Deighton Abrams and Haley Floyd opened this week and will run until Nov. 11 at the Center for Visual Arts-Lee Gallery. The public is invited to a reception with artist talks beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11.

Through the sculptural work of ceramist Abrams and photographs by Floyd, “Solastalgia” explores the physical, psychological and emotional relationship between the environment and human identity. Connected to the concepts of solace and desolation, solastalgia is used by environmental philosophers to describe the human distress associated with environmental sickness regarding home. Both artists reflect on this relationship through their personal experiences of home.

This final research thesis exhibit showcases a culmination of research in which students go through a series of critiques as master’s candidates helping build a body of work of the students’ choosing.

The Center for Visual Arts – Lee Gallery at Clemson University will be open for this exhibit 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. It is located in 1-101 Lee Hall, 323 Fernow St. The exhibition, artist talks and reception are free to the public because of the generous support given to the Center for Visual Arts. For more information about exhibitions in the Lee Gallery, as well as other Center for Visual Arts galleries and venues, visit www.clemson.edu/cva.

Why MFA Grad Student, Kymberly Day Chose Clemson Over a Big City School

2016-10-14 Artist Friday - Kymberly DaySince October is a popular month for visual arts undergraduate students to begin researching and applying for graduate schools, I’d like to share some reflections from current MFA sculpture candidate, Kimberly Day as to why she chose Clemson University over a big city school.

Although many students are drawn to Clemson University because of its reputation for having a highly ranked football team, this was not on Kymberly Day’s list of criteria when looking for a strong MFA program. After graduating with her BFA, Kymberly joined a Greenville independent studio. During this time she applied to “big city” graduate art schools, two Portland universities and Clemson University. Some of Kymberly’s main concerns were affordability, living proximity, the program’s reputation, and the pace. Clemson’s MFA program ranked highly in each of these categories, making Clemson University Kymberly’s first choice.

The year-round paid teaching assistant position was a huge influence in Kymberly’s monetary minded decision. Clemson is in a rural location and has a lower cost of living comparative to some bigger city schools she was considering. Working in large three-dimensional sculptures and not having to rely on public transportation was a huge advantage as well. Clemson’s program is also known for placing graduates in teaching positions which is a rarity with other schools. Lastly, Kymberly found that the pace and social environment of the program was very supportive, a refreshing reality to more cut throat programs.

 

If you are looking to apply to the Clemson MFA program, search for dates and application requirements at http://www.clemson.edu/caah/departments/art/academics/graduate/applying.html or contact our MFA Program Coordinator, Dave Detrich, ddavid@clemson.edu.

 

MFA Grad Brent Pafford (’14) takes home $25K in annual art competition

Brent Pafford Artfields 2

 

Congratulations to 2014 MFA graduate, Brent Pafford, for winning $25,000 at Artfields 2016! Brent’s work, entitled “Remember this as a Time of Day,” took home the Juried Prize Award, the second highest prize in the entire competition.

About Artfields (from the Airfields website):

ArtFields® started in 2013 with a simple goal: honor the artists of the Southeast with a week’s worth of celebration and competition in the heart of a traditional Southern small town. With over $100,000 up for grabs, awarded based on the input of every visitor to ArtFields and a panel of judges made up of acclaimed artists and educators, the competition offers life-changing amounts of money to all artists in all media who live in the twelve Southeastern states. Over 400 masterpieces will be displayed in locally-owned venues, from renovated warehouses from the 1920’s to Smithsonian-qualified art galleries to upscale restaurants and start-up boutiques, in a mutual celebration of art and community. What was once one of South Carolina’s most prosperous agricultural communities now becomes a living art gallery as we continue to demonstrate the best of the Southeast and recognize the incredible talent we have to offer.

Brent Pafford Artfields 1

About Brent’s Work:

At the intersection between generations, things are lost. Domestic items lose their potency in daily life, and rarely are objects created, manufactured, or bought with intentions to spend a quality amount of time with them, care for them, and pass them along to younger generations. The work I create is a reaction to this reality. Contemporary society is consumed with disposability, and people are no longer connected to the objects that aid in their sustenance. Making objects formed with touch, labor, and time, imbued with value and worth counterpoints this disposability—the objects I create patiently wait to be discovered and enjoyed, retained, and later passed on to others.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Brent Pafford grew up on a family farm in South Carolina. He earned an Associate’s Degree specializing in 3-D animation and digital effects from Piedmont Community College and furthered his interests as he completed a BFA in Studio Art from Winthrop University. Working in the organic grocery industry for a number of years allowed Brent to witness people’s interactions and relationships developed over nutrients consumed to sustain life. He became interested in functional ceramics due to the relationships forged between maker, object, and user. After graduating Winthrop University he continued to make functional ware while exploring various firing techniques. Brent continued his education by completing his MFA at Clemson University in 2014. Brent has exhibited nationally and internationally. As he continues to develop as a ceramic artist, he hopes to begin completing residency programs among reaching other goals in New Orleans.

Congratulations, Brent! You continue to make Clemson proud with your nationally renowned artwork.