The Guerrieri Student Union Art Space hosts the painting exhibit “The Little Things” by Salisbury University senior art major Jenna Russo through Thursday, May 10.
“As a painter, I am currently exploring ways of portraying regular, natural occurrences in a new and unique way,” she said. “I have approached this concept through abstraction and by analyzing my subject matter from various perspectives. I always try to look at subjects from a photographic perspective by considering angles and lighting in order to come up with the most compelling composition.
“In ‘The Little Things,’ I attempt to portray an interaction between natural and artificial elements by deconstructing forms and altering perspectives. Nature itself is light and full of energy, while the artificial elements are rigid and static.
“I find this juxtaposition intricate and exciting, and strive to portray this relationship through use of sharp lines against softly blended colors. Although my paintings are based on scenes found in nature, they have become more focused on the aesthetic that the forms and the space they occupy create.
“I typically draw inspiration from music, architecture and nature, particularly sunrises and sunsets that I have viewed, often while driving or travelling. When all of my surroundings are flying by me and I find myself focusing intensely on the road ahead, sometimes the raw and powerful beauty of something as simple as a sunrise or a really great song can shock me to my core and pull me out of that concentration.
“In many instances, it is during late night or early morning drives where I experience this sense of awareness and transcendence. Experiencing this feeling is when I find myself truly and overwhelmingly at peace. I aim to capture these moments and the true beauty of nature within my paintings.
“I believe that it is important to stop what you are doing or worrying about every now and then and think about where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to be. My goal is to remind people through my work to truly live their lives fully and appreciate the world in which we live.”
The Art Space is located in the Guerrieri Student Union’s second-floor concourse. Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6247 or visit the Art Space website at http://www.salisbury.edu/guc/artspace.
