Mount Hood

Sustainable masterpieces

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

In Campbell Hall’s Cannon Gallery, several artists came together to share their mixed media artworks. The art pieces portrayed different stories of their creators and displayed a wide range of styles. Cannon Gallery currently houses collages, vibrant paintings and elaborate 3-D art.

Put together by Linn-Benton Community College faculty, Western’s campus gallery had something new and exciting with every turn. From sexuality and religious imagery to defunding the police, each artist had a unique message to share.

Daniel Lopez, an art teacher at Linn-Benton shared his methods of creating minimalistic yet deeply meaningful pieces. “I didn’t buy any of the materials… it’s just recycling… that’s definitely a big philosophy with me, is to keep things as sustainable as possible,” Lopez said. All his acrylics were gifted to him, and he recycled canvases students had left behind.

Lopez then shared his advice for anyone who wants to pursue the world of art — “As long as you care about art, you’ll feel the need to do it. The best thing to do as an artist is to live outside of the art. The more interesting of an artist you are, the more interesting your art will be.”

Jill R. Baker followed another sustainable route by reusing chicken wire and fabric cording for her multi-colored 3-D pieces. The mixed-media materials made for an eye-catching display.

Baker utilized the accessibility of the Oregon rain for her sunshine pieces by allowing the water to make an organic design with the watercolor pencils she used. In the Pacific Northwest, sometimes vitamin D is hard to come by.

“Last spring, I decided I was going to make my own sunshine… in the late winter, the sun is so important,” Baker said. The golden works of art were nothing short of big, beautiful, artificial stars. In the rainiest and cloudiest of times, art serves as the greatest outlet.

Many aspiring artists may be overwhelmed by the multitude of possibilities and may be unsure of where to begin. “Just start making art and see where you go,” Baker said. There is a lot of truth behind her statement — take art one day at a time. Cannon Gallery will demonstrate that every artist is unique in their own way, all one needs to do is take that first step towards creation.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Western’s Cannon Gallery displays incredible art, sparking childlike joy

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

At the beginning of October, nine different artists from the Salem area showcased their pieces in the Cannon Gallery in Western’s Campbell Hall. The exhibit’s works of art used media such as paint, embroidery, clay and even coins and plastic figurines. 

The exhibit was titled “The Red Thread” — referring to the connection between the diverse group of artists. Inspired by a Chinese proverb, the red thread is said to connect people who are destined to meet. Following such, a literal red thread was hung throughout the Cannon Art Gallery.

Many of these artists collaborated, but each of their pieces displayed their unique personalities. Two artists, Susan Napeck and Jessica Ramey, had a similar theme to their art — returning to childhood. 

Napeck decided to embroider over the nostalgic drawings by their six-year-old self, depicting themself, their family and their home at the time. 

Ramey created a wondrous fortune-teller out of wood and clay, so anyone could come and find something out about themselves. 

Napeck discussed the connection between them and their art. Napeck’s inspiration came from the idea of “…letting go of old things and making new things with them,” Napeck said. 

Though the piece was sentimental, Napeck said they were alright with letting it go: “…once you make it into art, sometimes it’s easier to let go… once you’re done with it… you can let it fly.”

The fortune teller piece, titled “Elemental Fortune” and embellished with fake eyeballs and bright colors, drew many people in. Ramey had a different approach with their interactive sculpture. Though it was a fortune teller focused on reading personalities, they wanted to make sure it was unlike typical zodiac tropes. 

“The idea is just playfulness, and as adults, we kind of lose that a little bit,” Ramey said. 

The nine artists that showcased their work in the Cannon Art Gallery were part of a collective group from the Willamette Heritage Center. 

Both Napek and Ramey shared their thoughts on working alongside the other artists. “We all do very different things, but are equally curious,” Ramey said. 

In response to comparing their colleagues’ art with their own, Napek said: “as an artist, you try to give back to that facility without being self-conscious.” The idea of the red thread was present in both the profound words and work of the artists.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

How Washington and Oregon shape culture in the PNW

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

The first things that come to mind when asked about the Pacific Northwest are somewhat stereotypical — trees, coffee, cult classics like Twilight and Grey’s Anatomy and the inevitable rainy sky. 

Taken at face value, all of these subcomponents of Pacific Northwest society seem one-dimensional, however, our little corner of the world has a rich, encompassing culture, filled to the brim with small moments of joy. In a place where cloudy days consume 222 days of the year, we have managed to create a special space where art, caffeine and the environment coincide to procure the comfortable place we all call home.

We are approaching those times now. The residents of the Northwest are prone to seasonal depression — most of the time shut in by circumstance. As a result, we create sanctuaries to nurture our minds and enjoy the creative and diverse individuals around us. Locals light up indoor spaces with their art. Social events, clubs, family and friends tuck us into close proximity, making our days just a little more bright. Our region’s rich and deeply enmeshed relationship with coffee brings many of us warmth and energy. 

Many of us line our rooms with plants, real or fake, to bring the outdoors to our bedside. Many of us watch comfort shows, and to no surprise, a few of those hit close to home. Movies like Sleepless in Seattle, The Twilight Saga, Ten Things I Hate About You, Halloweentown and The Goonies show off our little corner of the world, and we find solace in our sparse representation. 

Although the population of this area is vast and numerous, our cities and towns remain close. There is a sense of togetherness when the rain drones on for days because we know that it is dancing on everyone’s rooftop, muddying every shoe that steps outside. Millions of people ordering coffee from their favorite shop; millions of paintings and posters lining the walls of shops and institutions; millions of warm moments spent with those who are close to us — 

While we cherish those times when the sun shows herself, we do not need her to create light for us. We can do that for ourselves.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Art at Western

Art exhibits open for viewing this October at Western

Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor              

Western’s galleries are open again after an 18 month hiatus, and pieces in galleries such as the Student Gallery in the ITC, the Cannon Gallery of Art and the second floor gallery in Hamersly Library are open for public viewing during normal building hours, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. until Oct. 29. 

The Annual Juried Student Art and Design Exhibition returns in its 53rd iteration to the newly remodeled ITC, featuring the talented students who entered in last year’s online exhibit. 

Senior nontraditional transfer student Melody Barrett has two collage pieces in the student gallery, “Frida Rides Again” and “Ladies in Waiting.” A dedicated artist, Barrett has also sold a print of her piece “Ladies in Waiting” to the City of Monmouth Arts Committee. 

“I believe art is an expression of the artist, what we see and feel, experience and imagine,” Barrett said. “That is why I love using a wide range of mediums including collage, acrylic painting, soft pastels and mixed media, because each one allows my thoughts, feelings and ideas to come through in very different ways.” To see her other work, check out Barrett’s website at www.melodybarrett.com.

Graduate student Genvieve Hardin has two pieces in the gallery, sculptures “D20” and “Be Not Afraid.” Hardin is in the Master of the Arts in Teaching program, and has expressed her excitement for having her work in the ITC gallery.

“My art is a way to connect with others and express myself. It is wonderful to have my art on display; I always wonder what people see and feel when they view my work!” Hardin said.  

Senior zoology and art and design double major Tobin Roark has three pieces on display.

“’Liquescent Shift’ was a tribute to my gramma opening up and freeing herself from the grief of her husband passing,” Roark said of their art. “’Burning at the Stake’ was commentary on the demonizing of sexuality and women linking burning witches at the (stake) with pole dancers. And lastly ‘Touch of Menace’ … was commentary on how appearances can be deceiving and corruption and greed.”

Senior art major McKenna Suarez displayed her digital pieces “Photoshop Series” in the exhibit. Her art was the only digital entry. 

“These pieces to me mean a lot, as they help to represent or show what Social Anxiety is like to me, and the ‘tricks’ I use to help me talk to people or interact in public,” Suarez said. “Similar to the phrase ‘Just think of them in their underwear!’ when you ask someone for tips on public speaking. I just imagine everyone with a bird head with a cool aesthetic background.”

Senior art major David Tomasiewicz has one piece displayed in the gallery, “MotoDrop #3.” Different from the peers he shares the gallery with, Tomasiewicz’s preferred medium is animation or film. 

“I see art as a tool and means to create the animated fantasies that exist in my collective dreamscape,” Tomasiewicz said, “a way to invite people to peer into the landscapes existing within my conscious.” 

Also included in the exhibit are students Marilyn Bergsma, with “If Wishes Were Horses Beggars Would Ride” and Mitchel Garson, with “Image of Guitar,” “Insomnia,” “Why,” “Untitled” and “Unfortunate Futures.” 

Venturing outside of the student exhibits, Eric Tautkus, an aerosol and graffiti artist, has unveiled his newest art installation, “Derailed Marginally” in the Cannon Gallery of Art in Campbell Hall. This new work is a colorful, immersive piece spanning an impressive 50 feet — split between two walls. Smaller paintings by Tautkus are on display as well. When the exhibit closes on Oct. 29, two-foot square sections of Tautkus’ work will be sold to help fund the student gallery in the ITC. 

Additionally, in the second floor gallery of Hamersly Library, local artist Diane Elizabeth Wilson debuted her exhibit titled “On Bended Knee, We Honor Thee,” in reference to the symbolic act of kneeling in protest for civil rights. The exhibit features 60 oil painted portraits of civil rights leaders and activists that have made an impact on society. 

Contact the author at entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

  • A portion of Eric Tautkus’ graffiti creation, “Derailed Marginally.”
  • Geneveive Hardin’s sculpture, “Be Not Afraid.”
  • Marilyn Bergsma’s artistic bowl, “If Wishes Were Horses Beggars Would Ride.”

Get inspired and conquer creative block

Five tips for boosting creativity and overcoming artist’s block

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Creative block happens to the best of us, and it seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether a creative medium is needed for a class or work, or it is simply used as an outlet, it can be frustrating to be out of ideas. When inspiration is lacking, try one of these strategies to jump-start creativity. 

Set aside time to work: Creativity is a skill, meaning it needs to be practiced regularly in order to improve. Dedicating time to working on one’s craft ⏤ even if it’s only 10 minutes a day ⏤ can continually keep the creative juices flowing. Remove distractions for an optimal work session.

Do nothing for a while: Alternatively, take a complete break from everything, including social media, homework and other stressors. Give the mind a mental break and take the time to recharge. This relaxing time can also be used to daydream or meditate on possible creative project ideas and let the imagination wander.

Try a new medium: When totally stuck, it could be time to do something new, yet still on the creative track. Try a hand at painting, crafting, writing, music, photography, baking or any number of creative outlets. If a friend or family member is skilled in a different medium, ask to spend some time with them performing their activity together.

Change the environment: According to entrepreneur.com, a change of scenery, even a slight change, can boost creativity. This could look like redecorating a workspace or working in a different room or location altogether.

Enjoy other artists’ work: Gather inspiration from others’ creations; any type of media can be helpful for any artist. Listening to music, exploring social media profiles and groups, watching videos or reading books and stories can all be inspiring while also providing some entertainment.

Brainstorm socially: Sometimes, the best ideas can come out of conversing with others. Exchange ideas directly with other artists, providing prompts for one another to work off of. Or simply take the time to have a fun conversation; maybe an interesting, inspiring topic will arise.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Embroidery is one of life’s thimblest pleasures

Embroidery is the latest activity to try from home 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

Through the last year, people have had to get creative with their activities and pastimes. The world went through a collective bread baking phase and making the TikTok famous whipped Dalgona coffee, but there’s one activity that’s been overlooked. Embroidery has long been used throughout history to adorn and craft clothing items or to make elaborate art pieces. It continues to be a popular and eclectic activity, with a variety of ways to mix materials and try new designs. 

The starting materials don’t have to cost the artist a lot of money, and many smaller items can be found around the house or at an art store. It’s a hands on project that requires practice and patience, but it pays off to see the finished product. Here are some insider knowledge, tips and tricks that can make it easier to enjoy:

Starter supplies: 

  • Key items for any beginner embroiderer would be a wooden or plastic embroidery hoop or frame, a set of needles, thread of the artist’s choosing, fabric and sharp scissors. 
  • I find it useful to have a small pouch or container to keep supplies in, and it helps keep some of the smaller items organized.
  • Hoops, frames, fabrics and embroidery patterns can be found in thrift stores at low price points and often be bought in bulk. 

Optional supplies: 

    • There are specialty embroidery scissors that one can use, which tend to be smaller and sharper than traditional scissors — they are also often decorated or embossed. 
    • A thimble is small but mighty, and it can protect sensitive fingertips from the threading and sewing process. 
    • Using a very small amount of thread conditioner or beeswax can prevent tangling and knotting. If using a conditioner kit, lightly take the thread that is being used and run it along with the conditioning agent, while pressing against the thread with a finger. Then, pull the thread between two fingers to remove any static.

    Learn the stitches: 

    • Knowing the difference between a French Knot, a Running Stitch, Chain Stitch, Stem or Split Stitch, Long and Short Stitches, Woven Wheels and Lazy Daisy Loops will help narrow down which ones should be used for the desired effect.  
    • Take it slow at first; consider watching YouTube videos and practicing on cheaper fabric to get the hang of it. 
    • Watch out for pulling stitches too tight, which can distort the fabric and overall design. 
    • Overlapping stitches can provide a lush look for flowers or nature scenes.
    • Stitches that involve knots can be perfect for finer details or building texture.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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