INTERIOR DESIGN

Juror - Dr. Donna Hazelwood

Oakland City University, Professor of Art

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Covid-19 is changing day-to-day activities; it is further changing the way art is seen and judged Judging an art show is an honor, albeit a humbling one. It is also a learning experience for the juror, and this particular show is the first digital format for this judge. Thank you for this opportunity.

 

The digital format has some benefits in that images can be reviewed many times and easily seen as an entire group, but the individual subtlety of media, color, line, tactile quality and size is sometimes lost. With the exception of some digital art and photography, the viewer sees a digital photograph of the original art work, not the original work. It is with this restriction that this juror made selections.

 

During the first few viewings of a group of art works, there are some pieces that stand out. It might be strength of composition, a different twist on a traditional subject matter, the quality of technique, or humor (one of the most personal elements) that draws the viewer to the works. Even though there is much potential in this group of budding artists, and their hard work is evident, selections to fit the limited categories of Best of Show, Merit Awards and Honorable Mentions were made.

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Based on the above-mentioned characteristics, the work most reviewed by this juror, was the one chosen for the Best of Show. It has strong contrast, strong value change, and a strong composition. The play and repetition of vertical and horizontal elements in Untitled BW Photograph (Riffett), along with the variety of textures and a touch of humor make this work noteworthy.

 

Four works were selected as Merit Awards. Untitled Sculpture (Marley), chosen for its beautiful, abstract form and quality of finish, captures the similar biomorphic elegance of Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture. A Walk at Old Mission Santa Barbara (Yang) is rich in detail and technique. The commitment and follow through needed to complete this work are impressive. The Colors of Music (Pfoff) was selected for its combination of several digital techniques and processes. Exotic subject matter combined with line quality makes Untitled Etching (Marley) an intriguing print.

 

The five works chosen as Honorable Mentions are all exemplary because of some strength of quality or characteristic that is important to this juror. These strengths are included in the discussions above.

 

Work or practice in a visual, creative field is challenging and full of joy. It is a life process. Awards are nice, but in the long run it is what is gained from the process of making, learning about, and showing art. Each work in the show has a strength, so students be encouraged and continue in your process.