USCU Steps Into Union County Art Scene
Sophomore Diajah Moore and Professor Ashley Rabanal feature work in annual Juried Art Show!
The Essence of Being
By Diajah Moore
“My piece titled The Essence of Being features drawing and shading with pencil and color layered in. This was an assignment for my art class at Union County High School. The teacher told us to do a self-portrait but incorporate parts of our personality. I love music, so I added music playing on the side. The horn on my head shows my love of makeup and cosplay. The open ribcage is meant to symbolize how I’m a hopeless romantic. Where the jaw is out, the teeth are actually books, which represents my love for reading, and the eyebrow is a paintbrush to show that I am an artist.
I chose this piece for the Juried Art Show because it felt like the most original piece that I have done. It doesn’t reflect my current skill level, but I wanted to take the opportunity to enter it into the show.
I was surprised to be the youngest person entered in the competition, and it was cool to be featured alongside older, more experienced artists. Through participating, I have learned that even if you see someone, like another artist, in an idealistic light, you can still be inspired by them, and they can be just as nervous are you are even though they have more experience.
I would encourage any other students who are artists to submit pieces next year.”
Kendall II
By Prof. Ashley Ranbanal
“I am excited about the vibrant arts community in Union County and in the surrounding areas, as well as the great work that is being done through the Union County Arts Council to support local arts. Every year, the Union County Arts Council hosts a Juried Exhibition featuring the work of nearby artists. My painting, entitled Kendell II, was included in this year’s Juried Exhibition at the Union County Arts Council. The work uses color, shape, and peculiar cropping of objects as a means of compressing deep space, establishing visual energy and tension, and creating the potential for a greater narrative beyond what is immediately seen.”
