Mythical art at DSC
Shalei Alldredge
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
|
Hoover said he always wanted to be an architect but was horrible at math. He was also very creative and started to paint at 14, at which point he knew he wanted to be an artist. He studied in many places but finished his schooling at Kutztown University. He now teaches at Southern Utah University. Most of all he loves to paint figures and landscapes.
"My favorite is always the newest piece," Hoover said.
Right now that piece happens to be the one in which the model is his wife, currently on display in the show. It took him three months to paint from start to finish.
Hoover's mythical pieces represent goddesses. He said most of them are women of spirited power. It's not only fairytale, but also a symbolism of history. The animals in the portraits stand for the seasons.
Harris also teaches at SUU. She discovered ceramics at the age of 2 when she played in mud pies.
"I liked the smell of mud pies and working with my hands," she said.
She also liked how pots had an inside and an outside with a design. She grew up just outside of New York and studied art in India and Utah. Harris said she loves to make big platters because they give her the freedom to make designs. Her favorite thing to make is bowls because they are so natural.
Harris said her favorite piece "is the next one in mind," meaning the next thing to make.
On average it takes Harris about two weeks to make a pot (most of that time includes the clay in various stages of drying), and she usually follows a theme. On one pot the handles look a cobra, and on them are creatures of the night. There is also a hidden message used by thorns saying "you can look, but you can't touch."
Melissa Adams, a freshman general education major from St. George, was at the show for extra credit, but one piece that stuck out to her was the piece called "Girl With A Crazy Hat," because the hats looked like an extravagant costume.
This exhibit is the first time both Hoover and Harris have shown their work in St. George. Harris said it is the most beautiful place she has ever shown any work and is grateful to be here.
Any one who is curious, loves art, or wants a cheap date should stop by. It is running Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Nov. 4. Admission is free.