Marion Kimble
***The following story is the revised version of the article published in the Roundup May 13, 2008.***
Bizarre, creative and fresh, this year’s Student Art Show showcased some of the most impressive works Pierce College’s Art Department had to offer, and even had a few skilled artists walk away with a little more green to use as inspiration.
In total, four prizes were awarded to outstanding submissions chosen from 50 of Pierce’s most talented artists. Winners included Joan Gamberg’s “Flower Garden” (3rd place – $100), Jonathan Chai’s “Defacing Public Property” (2nd place – $150), Suda Finley’s “Perspective” (1st place – $200) and Kuniko Ruch’s “Paper Balloon, New Year Figurine on Obi” (Best of Show – $300).
Melody Cooper, ceramics and drawing instructor, bestowed the honors. She was also kind enough to explain the decisions of the judges, who went to great lengths to remain anonymous.
“(Ganberg’s piece) was chosen because it shows a lot of skill, working with porcelain, and the artistic use of design,” Cooper said. “(Chai’s piece was chosen) because of its intimateness.
“All of them were chosen because they were really outstanding pieces,” she continued. “(In Finley’s piece, it was) probably his craftsmanship. It’s very pleasing to look at; you just keep coming back to it. It tells quite a story.”
The judges’ decision for Best of Show was mainly based on, what Cooper refers to as a “bold use of color.”
“The color is handled in a way that it doesn’t scream at you,” said Cooper. ” It’s peaceful, wonderful and puzzling at the same time.”
Chai was the only winner available for comment.
He described “Defacing Public Property,” his mixed media sculpture mimicking a crosswalk signal, as “urban art.”
“The pole was painted and I had some taggers display some of their work,” he said. “Some teachers and students wrote on it too; it was kind of everybody’s art.”
The night was not all about awards – this was a chance for artist to show off what they’re really made of.
“We celebrate (all) of the studies,” said Ramela Abbamontian, art historian and gallery coordinator this semester. “Everything the art department does is pretty much on display.”
The eye buffet included illustrations like the amazing “Zodiac Sign,” by Hyun Jung Park, which illustrated the zodiac with monochrome characters reminiscent of black-and-white cartoons.
The piece separated each month’s sign encircling Park’s (Capricorn), with every character bursting with personality.
“(It took) three days (to draw), for three hours a day,” she said.
According to Park, each person in the circle talks to and influences the other.
There were also sculpting, painting, 2D, 3D, graphic design and drawn (with charcoal or chalk) pieces on display.
“If you’re an art student, work is meant to be seen in an appropriate setting,” said David Oshima, art department chair.
Fellow art connoisseurs admire Rebecca Catterall’s work, titled “Campbell Soup Tea Pot.” ()
The talent and diversity of Pierce student artists is highlighted at the art opening. ()