Photos by Elenna Koenig | The Doane Owl
Chelsey Augustine, Kailin Nielsen, Eric Stearns and Krew Tran display their artwork in the Rall Gallery.
In the Rall Gallery, there are pieces by visiting artists who are connected to Doane. But the latest exhibit displays the work of our very own assistant professors of Art, Chelsey Augustine, Kailin Nielsen, and Eric Stearns. Each with a very distinct style and idea in mind.
First, Professor Eric Stearns, who teaches ceramics, had a theme revolved around decorative ceramic bowls with beautiful colors that make them look like flowers. Stearns explained that every hole was cut out individually, which sounds like a tedious task, but like all things, it gets easier the more you do it, making them fit the pattern that he assigned to the piece. For the glaze, his inspiration was nature, putting together samples to get the colors he wanted in the way he wanted and painting in patterns that look like flowers. One that really stood out was the piece called “Sunwoven,” which looks like a sunflower and is woven like a basket with beautiful earth colors.
Second would be assistant professor Chelsey Augustine, who mostly teaches graphic design. Though there is no overall theme in her pieces, one theme was clowns, and the other was mythology. What is common is her use of color and texture, and there is no theme, just drawing, just being creative. One that stood out was the print called “Ascension,” which depicts a red angel statue that tells us that those who are blessed are the broken ones who see the light.
Last but most definitely not least is assistant professor Kailin Nielsen, who teaches most of the fine arts. Nielsen said that her paintings were all centered around rot and imperfection, and how people usually want something new and something fresh, and often forget about something after it withers away. One piece that really stood out was “martyrdom without an audience,” which is partially painted on the wall. Since it’s her gallery, she is just going to wash it off and put some fresh paint on it.
It is encouraged that you come see these beautiful pieces for yourself and see the talent our Doane teachers have to offer.
