Nick Samuel
Staff Writer
Students showed of their creativity in an art show recently held in the Johnson Hall building on March 22nd. Among the pieces were oil paintings, clay masks, and drawings. Three students; Monique Atkins, Emily Sims-Ross, and Cedric Colston won Merritt awards for their pieces and have major plans in the future for their art.
Chicago Ill. native and junior graphic design major Monique Atkins received inspiration to paint from her older brother, Ruben Henderson, who could also paint and draw. In her spare time, she likes to paint, draw, and write poetry. Monique talks about her favorite painters and her different methods in creating masterpieces.
“Matisse used a lot of shapes in his artwork; that’s how I create my art and how I look at things,” said Monique. “When I look at something, I try to find a shape within an image.”
Her pieces featured in the art show include a painting of Erykah Badu made out of shapes and a Kanye West painting. Atkins received a Merritt Award for her paintings.
Only 21 years old, Atkins is in preparation for establishing her own clothing line called “Deeply Rooted.” The idea of starting her own clothing line began in high school when Monique began painting on shoes and t-shirts. The motto behind Deeply Rooted is baring struggle and pain. Monique elaborates on the motto.
“If you’re struggling, it’s painful, but at times you can bare that struggle.” said Monique. “When you overcome that struggle you should finally be at peace.”
Monique’s advice to upcoming artists is to keep determination and positive people around you. To view Monique’s work, you can visit her website www.monique23.webs.com
Emily Sims-Ross a 25 year old Jackson, Miss., native, another contestant in the art show, said she has always had a passion for art. This senior studio fine arts major likes the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso. One of her pieces featured in the art show called “Creating Creations” is her favorite piece. Creating Creations is an abstract oil painting that won the overall show. Sims-Ross talks about the sentimental value of her artwork.
“When you get into a piece, you don’t want to let go after you’ve worked on it for so long,” said Sims-Ross. “You become attached to it.”
Sims-Ross also featured a ceramic African mask in the show, which President Carolyn Meyers purchased. The Vice-President bought a ceramic mask made by Sims-Ross called “Pops,” which she named after her grandfather. Overall, she won $550, each piece selling for $250.
“It’s a privilege for the president to have your piece on their wall,” said Sims-Ross.
Sims-Ross plans to obtain a masters degree in fine arts at Mississippi College and to teach at Jackson State University.
Cedric Colston, 20, a Shaw, Miss., native, said that his family is filled with creative artists. This sophomore contestant and graphic design major said he obtains his inspiration from classmates and teachers such as Dr. Carraway, head of the art department.
‘Luminous’ is a piece featured by Colston in the art show; it’s a cermaic mask that is half sun and half moon. Colston says that working on the mask was his first time working with clay.
“Clay is different from painting,” said Colston. “It takes you away, it makes you focus on the mask.”
Colston won a Merritt award for his piece and another painting called “Stuff in My Room.” Another piece called “E.p.i.c.k.” is a self-portrait of Colston looking up in the sky. Colston plans on starting his own design firm.
“I want to do websites, billboards, anything that deals with design,” said Colston.
“I’ve been networking so when I do get the opportunity to establish something, I already have a team of people around me to take it to the next level.”
Colston plans on starting a brand named “E.p.i.c.k.” which stands for ‘Every Person is Crowned King.’ His advice to upcoming artists is to be original.
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