Mount Hood

Student Print Exhibit

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Western Galleries continue to feature student artists by displaying class projects in the Instructional Technology Center. This month’s exhibit followed the Cannon Art Gallery’s lead and showed off the student printmaking class. 

The show titled “Creativity in Copper” shows off Western students’ exemplary artistic ability.

The prints are created by first etching an image on a slab of copper — if the pieces are in color, they may require multiple layers. 

Many students’ works are currently on display in the ITC building. Artists and their perspective prints included:

“Pond Side” by Violet Babbitt, “Ball Python” by Leo Bazemore, “Eye of the Storm” by Annabelle Bullock, “The Forest Savior” by Ashlee Ellis, “Aphrodite” by Domminik Griffith, “Cove Sun Reflection” by Jake Hampson, “ Lotus Flower” by Xiaomi He, “Dinner and a Show” by Abi Lowther, “Raindrops” by Becca McCannell, “Held” by Ressi Miller-McKinney, “Untitled” by Lucas Montpart, “El Bosque del Conejo” by Maria Ortega Osorno, “Allure” by Annabella Ramey, “Untitled” by Jackie Ramos Garibay, “Gentle Assassin” by Carrie Visuaño, “Lovely View” by Yuxin Xiao and “Cat and Flowers” by Qiao Zhang.

Similar to the previous watercolor exhibit, the works displayed in the exhibit are the result of an entire term of hard work. Though the prints began as a class assignment, each piece grew to be extremely individualistic and beautiful.

The students perfectly exhibited how one assignment can be interpreted in so many different ways — each perfectly resembling their maker. 

There was an artist reception on Saturday Feb. 11 where artists shared about the class and chatted with attendees regarding the pieces that they made. Although this show has wrapped, be sure to check out pictures from it on Instagram @wougalleries and support fellow student artists. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Puss and Boots: in it’s last life?

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Content warning: this article contains spoilers 

When “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” came to theaters on Dec. 21, 2022, most people glanced over it — not expecting much from a children’s movie. It has been eleven years since the first spinoff of the Shrek franchise was released, but once the Netflix adaptation became popular, DreamWorks went for that cash cow. 

Starring Antonio Banderas as the voice of Puss in Boots, Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws and Harvey Guillén as Perrito, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” became a smash hit not only for its nostalgia, but also for its revolutionary animation. 

Because of a perceived cash grab, expectations were low for the film, but as soon as audiences were met with the opening scene — a blossoming flower — eyes and ears perked up. The animation style of “The Last Wish” is uncharacteristic of anything we have seen from the Shrek franchise, or even DreamWorks itself, thus far. 

Reminiscent of an Americanized adaptation of the Japanese animation style, the film was filled with action-packed scenes and bright colors that wowed the spectators. 

As is characteristic of a DreamWorks film, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” had the audience roaring in laughter at its witty humor and bawling their eyes out at its touching, heartfelt moments. 

However, art and nostalgia aside, there was one aspect of this film that made it stand out above all others — it’s “better than life” villain. While the main villain of the show, Big Jack Horner, is terrifying in his own right, the secondary villain, Death, is enough to send chills down the spine of a hardened horror veteran — his eerie whistle piercing through the theater like a winter’s wind. 

This movie had the perfect balance between nostalgia, humor, beauty and horror. People of all ages, not just children, should add “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” to their movie watch list. 

8.5/10

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Valentine’s day Playlist to capture your sweetheart’s heart, or your own

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The season of love is rapidly approaching. This year, we’re acknowledging that not everyone has found their happily-ever-after. This music playlist compiles three categories into one: the single, the lovers and the angst lovers. For those who have a lover to share it with, enjoy date night by letting the music do the talking through these 20 feel-good love songs. 

Starting with a classic, here are 48 love songs to play for one’s sweetheart; cry it out while eating ice cream, or escape Valentine’s Day hysteria. Find the official playlist ready for streaming on Spotify by scanning the QR code.

Feel-Good Love Songs

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” — Elvis Presley

“Love Story” — Taylor Swift

“Late Night Talking” — Harry Styles

“Dandelions” — Ruth B.

“You Are The Reason” — Calum Scott

“Enchanted” — Taylor Swift

“Rewrite The Stars” — James Arthur, Anne-Marie

“10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay ft. Justin Bieber

“Look After You” — Aron Wright

“Yellow” — Coldplay

“Power” — Isak Danielson

“Start a Riot” — BANNERS

“Wicked Game” — Chris Isaak

“Fire on Fire” — Sam Smith

“All Of Me” — John Legend

“Distance” — Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz

“Can’t Take My Eyes off You” — Frankie Valli

“Everywhere” — Fleetwood Mac

“Biggest Part of Me” — Ambrosia

“Lovefool – Radio Edit” — The Cardigans

Angsty Love Songs

“War of Hearts” — Ruelle

“Where Did Our Love Go?” — Soft Cell 

“Basic Instinct” — The Acid

“Another Love” — Tom Odell

“Love in the Dark” — Adele

“Atlantis” — Seafret

“The Last Time” — Taylor Swift ft. Gary Lightbody

“Apocalypse” — Cigarettes After Sex

“Someone You Loved” — Lewis Capaldi

“a soulmate who wasn’t meant to be” — Jess Benko

“In Your Veins” — Andrew Belle

“The One That Got Away” — Brielle Von Hugel

“Only Love Can Hurt Like This” — Paloma Faith

“Cars’s Outside” — James Arthur

“Visions of Gideon” — Sufjan Stevens

“Can’t Pretend” — Tom Odell

“What A Time” — Julia Michaels ft. Niall Horan

“Heartbreak Hotel” — Elvis Presley

“Stay” — Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

“Tainted Love” — Soft Cell

“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers




Anti-Love Songs

“How To Be A Heartbreaker” — Marina and The Diamonds

“I Knew You Were Trouble” — Taylor Swift

“Without Me” — Halsey

“Save Your Tears” — The Weeknd

“good 4 u” — Olivia Rodrigo

“I Don’t Love You” — My Chemical Romance

“thank u, next” — Ariana Grande

“Trust Nobody” — Selena Gomez

“Dancing On My Own” — Robyn

“Good As Hell” — Lizzo

“I Forgot That You Existed” — Taylor Swift

“No Scrubs” — TLC

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” — Beyonce

“Goodbye Baby” — The Walters

“break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” — Ariana Grande

“Truth Hurts” — Lizzo

“Night Shift” — Lucy Dacus 




Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

A Closer Look at Lana Del Ray

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Lana Del Rey is an American singer, songwriter and record producer, whose real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. Del Rey rose to fame in 2011 with her debut single “Video Games” and, shortly after, the album “Born to Die.” She is most well known for her melancholic style of pop music.

The artist was born into an upper-middle-class family in upstate New York in the 1980s. Growing up singing in church, Del Rey was later sent to a boarding school as a teenager for her deviant behavior. It wasn’t until a couple of years after she finished school that she started her music career.

Del Rey has received both critical acclaim and criticism throughout her career. Many dislike her because of her image and persona — which they view as inauthentic or manufactured. Others take issue with her lyrics and the themes she often explores, such as Hollywood glamor, sadness and drug use.

Del Rey’s  biggest criticism early  in her career came from many questioning her authenticity. Despite being labeled as an indie artist, her 2008 debut EP, released under the name “Lizzy Grant,” was produced by well-known figure David Kane. When she later changed her stage name to Lana Del Rey and moved to London after a failed album in 2010, the internet quickly flooded with claims of her new persona being fabricated by label executives.

Despite the criticism, Lana Del Rey has grown to become an incredibly successful and influential artist. Her music has been praised for its haunting beauty, melancholic lyrics and vintage aesthetic. Her albums have topped the charts in multiple countries and sold millions of records worldwide. She has won several awards and has gone multi-platinum with many of her albums — solidifying her place in the music industry. 

Whether or not Lana Del Rey’s image and persona are authentic is irrelevant. What matters is the impact she has had on the music industry and the emotions her music evokes in her listeners. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Lana Del Rey is a unique and impactful artist.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Get your Study On

Written by:Mikayla Coleman

Two Fish and an Elephant” — Khruangbin

“Shades of Man” — Khruangbin 

“Apollo’s Mood” — The Olympians 

“When We Meet” — Cuco 

“Clair de Lune” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music

“Wohltemperiertes Klavier (lofi Bach)” — Crazy Monkey

“Stale Cupcakes (From “Animal Crossing”)” — Moisés Nieto

“coffee shop jam” — leon chang

“Pokémon center” — Tee Lopes, GameChops 

“It’s Showtime!” — LewisPlaysGuitar

“Fallen Down” — Toby Fox

“It’s Raining Somewhere Else” — Toby Fox 

“In the summertime” — Lofi Fruits Music, Fets, Avocuddle 

“Steven Universe” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music

“Stars Wars: Cantina Band” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music 

“Hideout” — Tesk 

“Sorry, I Like You” — Burbank

“Game over!” — Harris Cole

“Redbone” — DontCry

“Office Pothos Lament” — Louie Zong

“Plantasia” — Mort Garson 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Big INK presents:What a Relief?

Written by: Gretchen Sims 

The most recent exhibit to grace the Cannon Art Gallery is a collaborative project showcasing artists who attended the Whiteaker Printmakers’ BIG INK workshop in Eugene, Oregon. This show will run from Jan. 11 through Feb. 10, 2023. 

BIG INK, founded by Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet, began as a small organization teaching the art of printmaking. However, as demand grew, BIG INK was able to fund a transportable press — a feat once deemed impossible and impractical — and now travels across the country creating an outlet for creativity. 

The artists who collabed with BIG INK for the Cannon Art showcase include Eric Fry, Bets Cole, Keith Van Norman, Richard Harrington, Priscilla Montoya, Stephanie Juanillo, Jenna Phillpot, Robert Sumner, Sandi Bonn, Gale Everett, Cory Olsen, Jessica Billey, Erik Sandgren, Tedd Anderson, Joy Kloman and Beth Howe.

There are so many pieces for the show that they are split between the second floor of the Hamersly Library and the Cannon Art Gallery. The pieces in the Cannon Art Gallery can only be viewed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., but the pieces in the Hamersly Library can be viewed during regular operating hours. 

The prints in the Cannon Art Gallery are the main event. Pieces by Keith Van Norman and Jessica Billey lie against the right wall of the gallery. The prints “What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing” and “The Tree” are a true inspiration to the viewer.

Directly across from the main entrance, pieces by Erik Sandgren perfectly sweep the viewers’ eyes around the room with their intricate yet freeform designs. 

Finally, on the wall directly to the viewers’ lefts, are prints titled “Zona Rossa,” “Zebra with Oxpeckers (Maasai Mara, Kenya),” “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “A Fish Out of Water,” “Loon,” “The Bicycle” and “Solidarity.” 

Some of the prints are available for purchase, so if interested, be sure to check them out. Supporting local artists is more important now than ever. 

Of course one does not have to be interested in purchasing the art pieces in order to view them, so be sure to pay a visit and check out these talented artists before they are gone.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

New Releases While we were Away

Written by:Gretchen Sims

It feels like so much time has passed since the traumatizing end of finals week. Since The Howl has yet to have a release since school was in session, there is much that has been missed. Here are just a few media releases that have been rocking viewers since early December.

Albums and Singles — During the month of December alone, several albums have blown up, taking America by storm. 

  • SZA had the biggest success in December with the “SOS” album released on Dec 9. Paramore released “The News” as a precursor for their album that is set to release in January. 
  • Lana Del Rey also released a song, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” teasing her 9th studio album set to release in March. 
  • Weezer released “Winter,” the 4th and final EP in their SZNZ series. 
  • A$AP Rocky released “Sh—n’ Me” as part of the official soundtrack for the racing video game, “Need For Speed Unbound.” 
  • Ava Max continues to tease her upcoming album “Diamonds and Dancefloors,” which is set to release in late January, by dropping “Dancing’s Done.”

Movies — This past month has had many notable movie releases. However, here are a few that broke the box office. 

  • “Babylon,” starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Jean Smart, follows several key figures of early Hollywood through their rise and fall.
  • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” documents the heartbreaking yet joyous story of Whitney Houston — arguably the most influential female vocalist of all time.
  • “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the second movie in the critically acclaimed Avatar series, follows Jake Sully’s new family and their struggle to protect their home. 
  • “Violent Knight” redefines Christmas movies with a bloody spinoff of “Home Alone.” 
  • “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is a long-awaited sequel to the Puss in Boots franchise in which Puss must go on an adventure of a lifetime to preserve his own. 
  • “M3GAN” addresses the fears of AI going rogue while preying on an audience’s fear of dolls. 

TV Series — Because they deserve a category of their own, here are the TV series released in December 2022.

  • Season three of “Emily in Paris” was released on Netflix on Dec 21.
  • “1923,” the second Yellowstone prequel, debuted on Paramount Dec 18. 
  • The rebut of “Gossip Girl” was released on HBO Max on Dec 1. 
  • “The Witcher: Blood Origins,” a prequel to “The Witcher” series on Netflix, could be streamed as of Dec 25. 

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

 

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