#start yourself

Short story from book the chicken soup for the soul

The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

White plaster warped clocks and rows of twisted oil painted eyes line the blank walls.  At the large desk in the front of the room sits Adelaide Knott, feeding into the creative vibe in bright chartreuse pants and a billowing cream blouse.  A Wake Forest alumna (’12) and Studio Art major, Adelaide is the newest Manager of the University’s beloved START Gallery, located in Reynolda Village.

The Gallery, founded in 2009, “is an area to showcase what those involved in the art department produce and to highlight the caliber of artistic talent of students at Wake,” said Adelaide.  Featuring alumni shows as well as class and solo student exhibitions, the START Gallery is the only year-round venue for viewing and purchasing student visual artworks in the greater Winston-Salem area, according to the Gallery’s website.  

                                                                   In addition, the Gallery provides Wake Forest students with the opportunity to participate in the STARTyourself program.  This innovative program revolves around the ideology that making art is what is most important in the life of an artist—no matter the age or major of the student, the theme expressed in the exhibition, or the artistic medium used to create the pieces.  

“This program,” explained Adelaide, “is very significant.”  She laughed thinking of the best way to explain its influence in the Wake Forest community. “It functions—uhh—yes, as a mini trial and error, of sorts, for students who are seriously considering a career in the art world…it’s a simulated gallery experience.”

From picking out the food being served at the exhibition to the actual physical installation of the art, students experience the realistic expectations of having a solo exhibition within the art industry.

Ashley Birkedal, a Senior Art History major, reflected on her art being showcased in last week’s exhibition, The Art of Bookmaking.  ”It’s a really good opportunity.  You get to see all the aspects of how a show is put together in the real world,” adding “This was my first time having more than two pieces featured at a time…I even sold my first piece of art.”

The Gallery provides students with a unique educational experience that might not otherwise have been offered during their time at Wake Forest. 

The most recent STARTyourself artist, Jon Rowe, described the significance of being asked to create his solo exhibition, My Bogeyman Life, by saying, “I would say I’m most excited to see it all set up.  I can visualize it in my mind, but it is different than literally seeing it all side by side.” 

While artists can usually only imagine the influence of their art on the community, the STARTyourself program, as well as the START Gallery, provides an outlet for their talent and journey towards artistic discovery.

“My work,” Rowe continued, “is a direct reflection of the self and the journey of accomplishing a body of work.”   

This week START Gallery is excited to showcase Jon Rowe’s My Bogeyman Life, with an opening reception on Valentine’s Day. As he is only a junior, it is a huge accomplishment to have a solo exhibition, but due to his bold subject matter and painting skills it is well deserved. Check out this Q&A to learn a little bit more about his original artistic approach. 

Q: How did your journey start with the START Gallery? 

A: The first thing I ever had at START was a painting that ended up going in the student exhibition at Hanes and it eventually became the postcard there. Then I became an intern in the Fall of 2011. As an intern, I was already eyeing the STARTyourself program which is a great opportunity for student artist to utilize START Gallery. Basically, I applied for the program last semester (Fall 2012) and because I already had a large body of work and I had a reasonable artist statement, I was put in the Spring 2014 exhibition schedule. But I have always had good feelings towards START; it’s an amazing place. Otherwise, I wouldn’t keep coming back.

Q: What will you be showcasing within your solo exhibition?

A: I am showing some plaster sculptures, cast clocks, and multiple series of oil paintings. Additionally, I plan to show various drawings, ranging from gouache to simple pen on paper. For those of you unfamiliar with gouache it is basically a type of opaque watercolor.

Q: How long have you been making this body of work? Are they from past studio classes or your personal time? 

A: The concept of My Bogeyman Life started last spring, but the original thought for this work was always present throughout the work I did in class. However, my independent studies with Professor Leigh Ann Hallberg was where these ideas started to fall in place. 

Q: Describe your creative process. 

A: There are many techniques within My Bogeyman Life that I have never really done before. I have a series of clocks that required making a silicone mold. I had to try about 5 or 6 times to have a piece that was even remotely usable. Part of it is my own impatience of checking on the silicone when it was not dry. Side note, that stuff smells horrible! On the other hand, there are mediums I am extremely comfortable with, but making a new series with new material requires time and experimentation.

Q: Where does the title “My Bogeyman Life” come from?

A: Well, we have all heard it - “I have to do this and be good or the Bogeyman will come get me in my sleep.” My work, such as the masks and creatures, emphasizes this element of compliance. It is a direct reflection of the self and the journey of accomplishing a body of work. 

Q: Are there aspects of the show you are excited or nervous about? 

A: I would say I am excited to see it all set up. I can visualize it in my mind, but it is different than literally seeing it all side by side. At the same time, that is also my biggest fear. I am hopeful that the show will be a success and come together in a unique way that the audience can appreciate. 

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: First at Wake Forest the plan is to survive through all of my classes. Honestly, I find studio art classes to be the most challenging. Going through 3 hour shots of time is just difficult for me - my mind wanders. I strive to do work that I can be proud of. I plan to do honors and be strong academically. I still have one more year to go, but once I graduate, I want to be more acquainted with the art world. The path to graduate school is completely open ended right now because there is so much I am considering before I go. We will see what the future holds.  

Q: Last but certainly not least, where did your passion for art begin?

A: Before I came here, I went to governor’s school for art, basically an intensive program over the summer. Then when I got to Wake Forest, I fell in love with painting. Truthfully, I thought I would be a dentist or something along those lines because I was always fond of math and science. During my first semester, I took art classes to meet the requirements and I ended up never stopping. I kept finding my way into new artistic opportunities, including being offered to go on the art buying trip. In essence, there was no specific point when I knew I loved art. Instead, it was little by little and now I can’t see it not being a part of me. That is not to say I would turn my back on other things I also like, such as math and science, since most of the time they translate into my work. That is also a part of who I am, I do not think I will ever escape that clinical, cerebral approach.