Tinicum High School Students Display Art

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The Tinicum Art and Science High School currently has an exhibition in the Underground Gallery at Tyler.

The exhibition, Thick and Sassy, was installed by Barbara Bjerring and her high school students. It will remain in the Underground Gallery until April 29.

“The entire Thick and Sassy exhibition was based on one lesson plan targeted to help the students find individual themes based on their personal concerns that would drive art making. We talk a lot about contemporary art, pop culture, and visual literacy in reference to symbolism,” Bjerring said. “After the students found themes that interested them, we worked pretty hard to realize symbolism that they felt truly fit with what they were trying to express.”

The students found that they were able to fit more symbols into their pieces by working in three dimensions.

“Quite a few of the students were apprehensive to work this way, even from the start when we were looking for themes. They pushed back a lot which created a lot of procrastination and then hurried work just before the show went up,” Bjerring said. “Now that they’ve seen their work hanging in an organized, clean environment, they are proud of their efforts. Many of the students can see themselves as artists. They also see a need to change their work ethics away from procrastination and to relax and trust the process.”

Bjerring is currently student teaching at Tinicum for her art education certification candidacy.

“I never saw myself as a teacher and ten years ago if you told me I would be teaching I would seriously doubt that idea. Then at some point after I gave birth to my son, I suddenly felt that being in my studio, focusing on myself and my personal expression was a bit selfish. I thought that I was not really putting myself fully out into the world and living as big as I could,” Bjerring said. “Now that I am teaching, I see the rewards of having these wonderful relationships with the students. Helping them is so much more rewarding than I could have imagined before.”

To open up her students to art, Bjerring teaches them that art is not solely about craftmanship, but also about having an idea.

“Many of the students are terrified to create because they don’t want to be judged on their drawing or painting skills. I point out to them their beautiful ideas and feelings; all the wonderful accomplishments they’ve acquired,” Bjerring said. “I love contemporary art so I’m able to show them how others have made art about being alive and just living. The students are able to see how being an artist is and has always been open to them. I hope they feel invited and welcomed into the art world.”

A mix of Bjerring’s students’ paintings, drawings, prints, a book, and sculptures will also be shown at The Art of Student Teaching exhibition, along with works from students under the direction of 26 other Tyler student teachers, in the Stella Elkins Tyler Gallery from May 1-5.

“My art has always been message heavy and still is but now I think about the message an object conjures and how that can intensify the message in the art,” Bjerring said. “My go to artistic inspirations are the likes of Barbara Kruger, David Wojnarowicz, Banksy, Tracy Emin, Marcel Duchamp, Grayson Perry, Ai Wei Wei, and about a million other amazing artists and their generosity. I’m immensely inspired by my students.”

2013 Diamond Research Scholars Announced

The 2013 Diamond Research Scholars have been announced. The program, funded by the Provost’s Office, will give 25 undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in a faculty mentored research/creative project during the summer and fall semester.

Tyler’s Painting and Drawing junior Olivia Menta and Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM junior Corinne Bishop will be given this opportunity.

“I’ve actually applied for the scholarship every year that I’ve been at Temple and this was the first time I’ve received it, so getting the acceptance letter was absolutely amazing,” Menta said. “It was difficult to not be able to talk to my Mom (she edits my writing, always and is probably my toughest critic) and directly talk to my mentor, Mark Shetabi, because I’m studying in Rome right now, but somehow we made it all work during the application process.”

During her sophomore year, Menta took a painting and drawing class and knew that it was what she wanted to do. She draws inspiration for her work from everything around her.

“I’ve been watching a ton of slasher films while in Rome, and some of Goddard’s films from the library. I like to listen to Death Grips’ last album, NO LOVE DEEP WEB, when I paint,” Menta said. “My brother bought me “JUST KIDS” the Patti Smith book, and it’s been nice reading that out loud, I had an English teacher who once said books are supposed to be read like that.”

Menta’s Diamond Scholar project will be titled “Human Perspective in Relation to the Universe: An Exploration of the Human Condition.”

“My interests as a painter definitely inspired my idea for the project. I am fascinated how humans throughout history, have dealt with their place in the world and how that affects their behavior,” Menta said. “Think of it like, ‘Have you ever laid in bed at night, and thought to yourself how tiny of a speck you are amongst the great vastness of the universe? How does this impact our response to our lives? Our ability to be alive.’ That idea has played a significant role in my art making.”

For ten weeks during the summer, the recipients will focus on their project. They will then complete their project during the fall semester while registered for an independent study/research course.

“The project is going to include a good amount of interview, probably structured more like a discussion, a lot of writing, and definitely a lot of painting. This is the first time I’ll have a studio to work in during the summer, and I’m already ready to just paint A LOT in there,” Menta said. “Mark will be in Philadelphia so there will definitely be a conversation going on, he’s kind of been a mentor of mine since freshman year. Some professors you just keep on taking.”

For Bishop, her project “Material Lineage” will involve researching and analyzing jewelry collections from the past.

“My project is researching my family lineage and jewelry pieces associated with each respective generation. From the data I collect I plan to make 5 or 6 jewelry pieces, each one creating a modern take on the aesthetics that have been valued in the past by the varying socioeconomic classes and cultures,” Bishop said.

After applying twice for the grant, Menta is excited to get started and thankful that Temple has given her this opportunity.

“Man, this opportunity is so important. Temple has so many great opportunities available,” Menta said. “If you have an idea you’re passionate about…just GO for it. Start writing it out and talking to your friends about it, anything. It’s silly to not even try.”

Other Center for the Arts recipients include:

Nicole Beck, Film and Media Arts & Art History majors, TFMA, Project Title: “Heavenly Machines: Activating Memory in Sacred Space,” Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Bolman, Art History.

Jay Oatis, Dance major, Boyer, Project Title: “Parasitic Politic: AIDS in New York City, 1980-1985,” Faculty Mentor: Merian Soto, Dance.

Christopher Schelb, Flute Performance major, Boyer, Project Title: “Confronting Silence: Toru Takemitsu and Postmodern Music,” Faculty Mentor: Cynthia Folio, Music Theory.

Andie Taylor, Music Composition major, Boyer, Project Title: “sad boy: Exploring Queer Identity through Music,” Faculty Mentor: Matthew Greenbaum, Music Composition.

Founder’s Garden Installation Approved

Junior Fibers and Materials Studies major Lauren Koch was recently approved to install a piece in The Founder’s Garden. To get her installation approved, Koch went through an extensive application process.

“I filled out an installation control form, which is basically a description of the work, date and time of the installation, and a drawing of the piece itself,” Koch said. “After getting the signature of my professor, Pazia Mannella, I returned it to be reviewed by Tyler’s Assistant Dean, Carmina Cianciulli. Because I chose to install it on Temple’s campus, it also needed to be reviewed by the Director of Student Center Operations, Jason Levy, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Glenn Eck. After their review it was approved!”

Getting an installation approved to be placed on campus can sometimes be difficult, but Koch was unaware of this when she chose The Founder’s Garden as the location for her installation.

“I walk through The Founder’s Garden every day, and I had been admiring the spot where I installed my piece for a week or two. I chose to install my piece there because it is generally quiet and not as hectic as other places on campus. I also really love all of the daffodils in the gardens there and wanted them as a back drop for my piece,” Koch said. “I wasn’t told that it would be tough for it to be approved, but I still wasn’t so sure that it would be because in the control form it states that installations cannot be placed where plants can be harmed. I assured Carmina that I would not step on any daffodils.”

For her piece, Koch was inspired by artist Ted Hallman and his piece “Tree Form.”

“I always work with a specific palette so I chose my colors based on that. I also researched banyan trees, which I feel my piece is reminiscent of,” Koch said. “I was interested in the belief that they represent immortality because of their ever descending roots. I tend to produce my work though repetitive techniques. Having recently learned knitting, I chose this repetitive technique to produce my branch/root forms.”

GAID Students Win Posterclash Competition

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Two of Tyler’s current GAID students have placed in the 4th annual juried Posterclash competition.

16 poster designs made it into the public vote. On March 29, the winners were chosen.

Sophomore Korina Dabundo won 1st place in the competition, her prize includes an HP Photosmart Estation Printer, one 12 month subscription to Creative Cloud, a Dick Blick gift certificate, and a trophy.

“It was actually a required assignment for my Graphic Design class with Paul Sheriff. I think it was mandatory for another class too, so there ended up being a lot of Tyler posters in the finals,” Dabundo said.

For her design, Dabundo drew inspiration from other artists.

“I had been looking at a lot of Saul Bass’s and Luba Lukova’s posters, which I think probably shows through a lot. I tried to go for the same sort of simple cut out look that they use on their posters, as well as Saul Bass’ hand lettering,” Dabundo said.

Junior Lauren West placed 3rd in the contest, for her prize she also gets a Dick Blick gift certificate and a trophy. West also entered the contest as an assignment for Paul Sheriff’s class.

“AIGA chooses one topic for Posterclash and this year’s was ‘wisdom.’ For me, I see wisdom as something you obtain through experience or adventure (hence the ‘take your brain on an adventure everyday’ concept),” West said.

Having this opportunity as an assignment for their class has been very beneficial for both Dabundo and West.

“Apart from it being a way to potentially get your work out in the public eye, in our case it was useful as a design exercise as well since we got helpful crits in class along the way,” Dabundo said. “Plus they’re good to put on your resume!”

This semester, West has entered three contests already. Something that she normally would not do.

“When entering contests I always do more than asked. That way, you can hope that at least one of your many concepts gets accepted,” West said. “But also, try and enter as many contests as you can. They’re fun, and it builds your portfolio, and heck, if you win you get PRIZES, and everyone likes prizes.”

Top International Street Artist is Tyler Alum

Chalk artist Tracy Lee Stum has kept busy since her time at Tyler. She is one of the top 3D interactive street painters, and her work is widely recognized.

She was recently commissioned by 20th Century Fox to create an interactive 3D street painting for the March 12 home entertainment release of Life of Pi.

“I was approached by Fox,” Stum said. “Usually the client first researches street artists. If they find several they like they contact us. Based on proposals, experience and quotes, they then select the artist they wish to work with. After the work is contracted I discuss the project with the client and start designing the project art.”

Her drawing for the promotion of the film featured a key scene where a giant whale appears and jumps over Pi and Richard Parker. For Stum, a lot goes into creating the final 3D design.

“The creative process involves planning an appropriate image for a given location. Anamorphic projection techniques and my grids are used to create the proper perspective needed for any image. I use photography to establish the proper viewing angle and sometimes use animation programs to create viewing grids that help layout the design,” Stum said. “Establishing a believable image in the correct place, from the proper angle, is the biggest challenge. You’ve got to assess your location to understand what sort of image would be optimal.”

Originally from Chambersburg, Stum studied at Tyler School of Art and then continued her education at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy.

“My studies at Tyler provided a very strong foundation in critical thinking and process approaches to art making. While many artists in my genre may be strong in technique, however, strong conceptualization skills may be lacking. Tyler’s program really helped shape my way of approaching how I work, and that has proven to be extremely valuable to my own growth and development as a visual artist,” Stum said.

Stum began street painting in 1998, she uses mostly chalk and sometimes paint in her designs.

“My strongest creative asset is my imagination,” Stum said. “I ‘download’ all sorts of data from the world and my experiences here, which runs through my bran and eventually comes out as intuitive impulses. I listen to those flashes of insight and go with an idea that fits best with my project. It’s a very free organic process that I never question.”

It is also notable that in 2006 Stum set a Guinness World Record for the largest street painting by an individual.

“It’s not something I think about too much! It’s cool to know that work was recognized and I am grateful for that,” Stum said. “Guinness has a specific procedure in recognizing records so it does require applications, verification, etc. I’m working on setting a new record in another category later this year with a larger team of artists. That should be exciting!”

Victory for Tyler: Victory for All 2013

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38 artists have been selected for the biennial Victory for Tyler juried exhibition, sponsored by Victory Brewing. The exhibition was juried by Paulina Pobocha, Assistant Curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art.

Artists include Dennis Ahearn, Jonathan Allmaier, Michael Ambron, Jay Bilinsky, Joseph Borelli, Jenny Buffington, Justin Bursk, Paula Cahill, Rebekah Callaghan, Josh Cole, Mike Cole, John Costanza, John Crowe, Emity Davidson, Delaney DeMott, Lyla Duey, Chad Cortez Everett, Steven Ford, Rachael Gorchov, Brian Grow, Laura Havlish, Susan Hennelly, EJ Herczyk, Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, Adele Kubel, John T. Lange, Carla Lombardi, James Maiello, Ryan McCartney, Anne-Marie McIntyre, JJ Miyaoka-Pakola, Michael Radyk, Tim Rusterholz, Catherine E. Saksa-Mydlowski, Susan Still Scott, Andrew Souders, Pamela Vander Zwan, and Yoichiro Yoda.

The exhibition will take place from March 27 until April 13 at the Crane Arts Center, Ice Box Project Space located at 1400 North American Street in Philadelphia. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 6 p.m.

The opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. To RSVP to this event, contact Molly Clark Davis (molly.clarkdavis@temple.edu).

Winners For Creative Quarterly’s 31st Issue Announced

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For each issue of Creative Quarterly, the journal holds an open call for entries of art that may be chosen to appear in their issue. For the 31st issue, both current Tyler students and graduates have received the honor of appearing in the journal.

Winners included GAID Associate Professor Dermot MacCormack, GAID alumni Ronald J. Cala II, Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel, and Vlad Alvarez, as well as current GAID students Sarah Surrette, Sarah Karowski, Kelsey Jankauskas, Grace Duong, and Dana Mulranen.

“I submitted an entry to Creative Quarterly because compared to the other design competitions out there, this one is inexpensive and a great chance to get your work published, either online or in print,” Surrette said. “Creative Quarterly always does a good job of selecting great work, so I am always eager to submit my projects to their competitions.”

Surrette created a stationary set and an event poster for Bikes Across Borders, an organization that aims to bring the communities of Texas and Mexico together through the use of the bicycle.

For her submission, Mulranen entered a poster she designed for PETA.

“[My poster] brought to light the harsh realities of horse racing to the public eye. I was inspired by the severity of this problem to create a dramatic and striking poster to grab the viewer’s attention, draw them in, and react to this terrible issue,” Mulranen said.

The winners will be featured in Creative Quarterly’s issue, coming out this spring, and online once the issue is out.

“I think it is important for students to submit their work to a variety of publications because there is always a chance of receiving recognition by industry leaders,” Surrette said. “Many of the opportunities I have had in graphic design arose from people seeing my work, whether it be in exhibitions, online galleries, or competitions like Creative Quarterly.”

GAID Senior Jankauskas, who was inspired by her passion for the outdoors and being active when creating her app, agrees that it is important for students to submit their work to be judged by professionals.

“I think it’s a great way for students to start getting their name and work out in the design world,” Jankauskas said.

The next deadline for entries is April 26th. The cost for entry is $10 and is open to all art directors, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and fine artists in all countries. However, there are separate categories for professional and student entries.

For more about Creative Quarterly, visit http://www.cqjournal.com/index.html