“Inspired by many: art show by Hailey Black”

By Olivianna Calmes, Assistant Arts Editor

Oklahoma Baptist University has another senior art exhibit coming up. Shawnee’s own senior art major and education minor Hailey Black will be showcasing her art this month. The art will be up from the 9th to the 28th.

“I aspire to someday become an art teacher in order to combine my passions of both art and teaching students,” Black said.

Her passion for art has been fueled by numerous people in her art.

“I am extremely grateful for my high school teachers, college professors, my husband, friends, parents, and family, [all] who have encouraged me and invested in me throughout the years,” she said. “My art professors have taught me so much over the last four years, and I have grown tremendously as an artist. I have definitely been inspired by each of them.”

The art professors at OBU are a mix of talented individuals who each have a wonderful portfolio of their own. Senior art students have freedom with their art shows and can choose a medium or theme for their show.

“There is not necessarily a theme for my senior art show,” Black said. “However, I am interested in several different art mediums and techniques, and my show will display that. My art show will feature paintings, charcoal drawings, pottery, weavings, stained glass, mosaics, and macramé.”

Her pieces were influenced by a number of artists with various tastes.

“One of my drawings was inspired by Georges de La Tour and Rembrandt, while another piece was inspired by Claude Monet, etc.,” Black said. “It is hard to strongly see the influence of certain artists in my show, because I have been influenced and inspired by so many.”

Black’s art will also show a variety of mediums, techniques, and forms. She said that she cannot pick a favorite medium, that is why there will be a variance in her show. One example of her work includes her art show advertisement that can be seen around campus, which is illustrated with a photo and text made to look like stained glass.

In terms of the future, Black already has plans. Black will still be exploring art and the different ways to produce and fine tune it even after graduation.

“I am open to teaching art in different settings; such as, a school, camp, personal classes in my home, etc.” she said. “I am still praying for God to open these doors for me. I also plan to continue to make my own art on the side.”

She feels that she’s learned more than just art techniques at OBU because of the art professors.

“I have learned much more about who I am as a person and an artist,” she said. “I have grown tremendously, and I have become a better artist. I have developed more passions for new areas in art, and I have developed new skills. I’m incredibly grateful for my professors who have taught me new techniques, have encouraged, supported me, have given me proper feedback, have pushed me as an artist, and more. I know that if it weren’t for my professors, my senior show would be much different.”

Senior art shows are very important to an art degree at OBU, and it is interesting to see how each senior shine through their different art styles. Black says that OBU also showed her how to show God through her art to bring Him glory.

“In addition, OBU has helped me combine my art studies with my Christian worldview,” Black said. “I know that God is the ultimate creator, and I believe that art can reflect him.”