Keeley Smith, Student Work

Skin and It's Textures

Toilet paper and cotton ovals on mixed media paper 

9" x 12"

Many touch receptors combine to produce what we call a twinge. Consider all the varieties of pain, irritation, abrasion; all the textures of lick, pat, wipe, fondle, knead; all the prickling, bruising, tingling, brushing, scratching, banging, fumbling, kissing, nudging. Chalking your hands before you climb onto uneven parallel bars. A plunge into an icy farm pond on a summer day when the air temperature and body temperature are the same. The feel of a sweat bee delicately licking moist beads from your ankle.” - Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, p. 80 

Statement:

The idea for this piece was inspired by the complex way our body’s receptors interpret sensations and the varying differences in them all. I used paper products to demonstrate the many textures, bumps, and scars skin has; how one part of the body not only feels texturally different from others but also experiences sensations different.

 

Alyssa Fuggetta, Student Work

Express Uniqueness

Graphite Drawing

8" x 10"

"These days to shock the bourgeoise and establish their own identity, as every generation must, many young men and women wear their hair as a freeform sculpture, with lacquered spikes, close-cropped patterns that resemble a formal garden maze, and colors borrowed from an aviary or spray painted alley." 

A Natural History of The Senses, Diane Ackerman, p. 85

Statement:

I was inspired to do a drawing of a man and a woman with hair that is unique almost like a freeform sculpture described in the quote. A freeform sculpture has unique shapes that are different and special. I wanted to create a drawing that emphasizes how a man and a woman express themselves through their hair with colors, textures, and the way the may style their hair. The swirls I incorporated in the woman's hair was inspiration from a freeform sculpture I saw, along with the man's beard and his hair on top of his head. Touch is very unique when talking about hair and the different textures each person has.

 

Christian Galloway, Student Work

Translucent

Digital Drawing on Edited Photograph

 "Our Skin is a kind of spacesuit in which we maneuver through an atmosphere of harsh gases, cosmic rays, radiation from the sun, and obstacles of all sorts."

A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman, p. 101

Statement:

I wanted to play on the skin spacesuit idea by editing my skin to look like it was actually made of space. The glitch effect was added in order to convey that harshness that people often use to describe what space is like physically.

 

Shawna Huskey, Student Work

Tattoos
Digital Illustration

"Ultimately, tattoos make unique the surface of one's self, embody one's secret dreams, adorn with magic emblems the Altamira of the flesh." (Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, pg. 100).

Statement: 

The illustration is to show touch in a physical and emotional way. This shows how the skin is a unique fabric to stitch into. Tattoos are seen as the patchwork to the body, hence the phrase, 'don't be sad, get a tattoo'. They are also a form of self-expression and one's identity through the artistry of a needle. I thought to take inspiration from the quote and my own interpretation to create this image I saw in my mind. Much like how patchwork quilts are made with love in their stitches, so are tattoos.

 

London Vertolli, Student Work

 

Sun Kissed and Star

Digital Photography Series

"It's our outer shell that seems to fear cold most, acting as a sentry on perpetual watch. Receptors for warmth lie deeper in the skin, and there are fewer of them." 

-Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, p.89

Statement: 

    My photographs ties in with the quote I found from Ackermans' section, 'The Inner Climate.' I took inspiration from the idea that the warmth lies deep and there are few of the receptors. My models 'outer shell' or skin is being hit lightly by the sun. The tiny, bright spots of sun are lightly kissing her skin. Almost as if you could feel the warmth hitting her skin through the picture. She is glancing at where the heat is coming from in a seemingly appreciative way. The sun is light and inviting and her skin seems to be taking that in. I used a strainer to make the dots and gave the photos a black and white filter for a more dramatic effect. 

London Vertolli, Student Work

Perfume. My favorite scent is vanilla. I try to get this specific perfume or things vanilla scented as I am reminded of home.

2. Planner. I get a new planner every year. Writing my to-do list down physically helps me to stay organized and remember what is due and when.

3. Glasses. I, unfortunately, cannot see very far, so I need my glasses. They let me see things more clearly and I have them on me almost every single day.

4. Pen. Writing is a big part of my life as I am able to describe how I feel or simply write about something random. The pen is also a nice lilac color. 

5. Seashell. Shells remind me of the ocean, which I am fascinated with. They also remind me of my family as they enjoy the beach. 

6. Key. Keys have always been interesting to me, they hold the power to unlock or re-lock various items. They help me remember that there is always another option and things are unique, like keys. 

7. Ring. I try to wear rings every day. I find them fun to wear and think they help with fashion and ones self-expression. The one above is the phases of the moon because I love space. I find the moon phases especially interesting.

 

Hanah Tremblay, Student Work

1. A longboard fin because I found it on the beach one day when me and my dad walked out front of our house to watch the sunset years ago. It is a reminder of one of my favorite days I have spent with my Dad.

2. Amethyst because it is meant to relieve any stress or pain. I keep it in my bedroom at all times.

3. A shark tooth that I found here in St. Augustine. It is the biggest one I have yet to find so it I say favorite one so far.

4. A succulent to brighten up my art desk and give it some life. It is also a reminder to me that I need to not only slow down and take care of my plants, but also myself. 

5. A flower of life coaster because it is a super important symbol to me. It is a constant reminder that everything is connected and everything happens for a reason.

6. My old passport because it has all of my stamps from traveling when I was younger. It is super nostalgic to flip through it every once in awhile.