Senior Swindell focuses on healing in art exhibit

By Abigail Meredith, Assistant Arts Editor

Hurt. Heal. Repeat.

Lindsay Swindell’s senior art exhibit captures the art major’s belief that life is a healing process. A diverse range of mediums study emotions experienced through the circle of hurt and healing, and all her work encourages self-reflection. The show, which opened April 8, will be open for the viewing public through April 14.

“My exhibit is unique because it addresses a topic that ties us all together – pain,” Swindell said.

“No matter the differences we have with others, we can all identify with pain and hurting. We all have different methods and sources of healing and that is something that my show explores. It has a very personal touch to it as it alludes to my own healing process and the people involved in that. I want the audience look at the work and think about where they are in their process. Hopefully, my pieces can provide a source of encouragement and coping as well.”

Several pieces do explore healing. Robinson pointed out a few of her favorites.

“My favorite pieces are the huge mosaic of the angel and the other mosaic of the dancing woman,” Swindell’s roommate Jasmine Robinson said.

“I saw her making them in stained glass last year and they really stand out. I remember going to different stores with her so she could find specific glass for each of the pieces. It was chaotic, but seeing the final pieces makes it totally worth it,” Robinson said.

She also talked about a mixed media portrait of Lindsay’s sister, entitled “Even in Sorrow,” and how it affected her emotionally.

“When I see it, I do tend to question myself. I ask, ‘Am I still a broken human being?’ like she mentions in her artist statement. Have I been fully healed when I look at her art? These are some of the questions that come to mind when I look at her at. Admittedly, I look at it aesthetically at first. I mean, yeah, it’s pretty. But looking deeper into it, I begin asking myself ‘How do I feel as a person as I look at this?’. You have to look at every piece again and ask yourself these questions,” Robinson said.

Swindell felt her artwork was a success.

“I am very pleased with the quality of the artwork that I have created for the show. I feel that it really speaks as to who I am as an artist and a person. I poured my heart and soul into these artworks, and I believe that it shows,” she said.

According to Swindell, making quality art was not easy.

“I struggled a good deal with matting my artwork. I have never had to professionally display my work before, so it took a bit of practice before I could have everything looking clean and neat. I also had a hard time with the technological processes involved in creating the posters, postcards and business cards. Fortunately, I had my great friend and roommate, Jasmine Robinson, to help me with the graphic design side of it,” Swindell said.

Robinson helped make cookies and set up, but also watched Swindell prepare for the event as it approached.

“She has been preparing and gathering works for a while. She started bringing the event together a couple of weeks ago. Over Spring Break she went home to gather more artwork from the past to put in the show. It’s been pretty chaotic for her. She’s been staying up for long hours during the night and sleeping long hours during the day. She worked very hard to get her art show up and going, and was successful,” Robinson said.

Robinson was not the only person involved in the show, though. There was also helpful advice through the mentorship of Julie Blackstone, and the involvement of some family and close friends in select pieces.

“Julie Blackstone has had a great amount involvement in terms of advisory. She is a wonderful mentor for me and a source of wisdom for how to go about the details of the exhibit in everything from using the hanging system to utilizing the space effectively and appropriately,” Swindell said.

Swindell used several personal influences to help create her art show.

“Several of the drawings feature my sister, who I always enjoy drawing and photographing. My friends Robyn Kuylen and Trae Simpson were kind enough to pose for some the pieces featured. It also contains a self-portrait to add to the personal touch,” Swindell said.

Her artist statement discusses why she believed it was important to include these people in her art pieces.

“This show is an exploration of that (healing) process and the emotions and thoughts we experience. Special thanks to my dear professors for their guidance and wisdom….Jasmine Robinson and Robyn Kuylen for blessing me with your friendship and care; Jose and Trae for both individually aiding in my healing process, being a light and being my piece of unyielding clarity,” Swindell said in her artist statement.

Robinson said that Swindell’s show was an important opportunity.

“I think it is important to have people come and acknowledge what Lindsay did and has been through. It’s good to have people come and appreciate Lindsay as an artist,” Robinson said.

These shows allowed creative expression on a professional level, and were a positive way for OBU to show support for the arts.

“Being able to have a senior exhibition as our capstone shows that OBU really supports the arts,” Robinson said.

“I’m grateful because it prepares us in case we have to hang work in galleries, but also helps us be recognized at OBU. OBU encourages us to be creative and show our creativity to the campus.”

Photo by Alena Blakley.