Noah's Ark

by  Lisa Newton

My sister Lori first taught me how to paint ceramics when I was in high school. I was never very good in art class and could hardly dray a stick figure, but she was insistent on sharing her passion with me. She taught me the techniques of staining with paint, which is nothing more than adding water to paint to make it runny so it can seep in the nooks and crevices of the ceramic. She taught me how to dry brush, which is basically getting as much paint off the brush as you can, and then lightly paining over an object. I learned that you can always paint back over a mistake and start over again. I found that I enjoyed learning from her and she really enjoyed teaching me.

My mom made it to my graduation, but barely. She had just had her breasts removed from cancer. As soon as they called my name she left. I never quite understood the sacrifice she made that day till years later as I matured. She survived and got a clean bill of health. We celebrated the five-year mark! Then the news came that it was in her bones. She became very sick this time, much worse than the last. 

I decided to paint her a ceramic Noah’s Ark night light so as she lay there in bed she could be reminded of God’s Promise. We were not a religious family, but I am pretty sure most kids know the

Noah’s ark story to some extent. When I gave it to her I said to her it was a reminder that God was always with her. I felt like in the dark hours of the night she could use that extra reminder.

She loved the night light. She made holes in some of the paper because not enough light was getting through. It is a nice reminder to me that she did use it. She did lose the battle to cancer before long. I took possession of the light after she was gone. I wasn’t sure I was going to share this as my second extra credit assignment until I got the news today that my Aunt passed. She battled cancer. Same as my mom, but over twenty years later. It would go to the bone, but she would survive. Within days of her status of remission she would have a stoke that would have her in agony and fighting for her life till today. In remembrance of my mom and my aunt I submit my Noah’s Ark Ceramic Painting.

 

Zentangling

by Susan Singbush

 A type of art that has taken hold recently is Zentangling. One reason it has grown in popularity is that almost anyone can create a drawing in this style. Even if (like me), you have little or no native artistic skill, it is very easy to learn.

Zentangling is based on simple geometric patterns, and can be embellished further with smaller patterns within the larger elements of the drawing, or just colored in. Alternatively, one can create a “landscape” from the larger pattern (as I have done with the drawing I have included). Many of the larger patterns possess a three-dimensional quality and contain optical illusions of some kind. Effects like these can be made more obvious with shading (which creates depth), color progression (which creates a “merged” effect), and modified perspectives/angles (which can make a shape look like something else).

Although it has grown in popularity recently, it is a technique as old as the history of art, and can be found in many ancient cultures (i.e. Mayan, Maori, and Celtic). The art is based on the principle that refrains from planning and encourages the organic flow of lines and images to emerge. Due to its repetitive nature, theories suggest it is self-soothing, like a child when doodling. Due to its organic nature, it allows artists to embrace imperfections in their work- in essence, since there is no plan, nothing can be wrong. For a “stick-figure artist” like me, the lack of pressure to create something perfect makes me feel successful with even a simple creation, like the one I have included below.

My personal preference in art always has leaned toward the abstract, such as the work of Jackson Pollock. I tend to be goal-oriented, so oddly enough, after creating the background/landscape of the picture, I found myself adding “portals” and creatures working towards arriving at a particular “cell." After stepping back and looking at the picture I created, that was my impression. For me, the creatures in the lower-right “cell” are at the beginning of their journey, and the journey’s end was in the upper-left “cell”- the one brightly colored like a sunset. My suggestion is, if you find yourself doodling one day, you might encourage yourself to be open to the extension of doodling called Zentangle.

Poem to God

by Lisa Newton

The first poem I remember writing was in high school. Many heartaches and heartbreaks caused me to find an outlet for my emotions. Penning my feelings to paper was a release for me. Many years would pass before I would write another poem. There was just no desire or reason. 

At my job we have many fun events, parties, retirements, etc. There was a lady who would write poems for these happenings who would soon retire. I elected to take on the position of poem writer. I even would re-write the words to songs and sing for the office. That was nerve wracking. I am shy by nature and singing is not my gifting. I enjoyed sharing the poems more and would continue to write for all occasions. Some of my co-workers even requested me to write some for different occasions outside work like a family members birthday or graduation. I could not believe how easy the words would flow from my head to the paper. 

One day it suddenly dawned on me that I had never written a poem to God, the One whom I received this gift from. This poem is from April of 2015. I remember the day I wrote it like it was yesterday. I can’t believe it has been over two years ago. Here is what came flowing from my heart: 

My God

There are times when I wonder

Why You God would save me...

Awe struck in wonder

Of Your Goodness Supreme.

Your mercy so amazing

Your Love is Divine

And all you ask for

Is this heart of mine.

No, I do not deserve Your love

But You love me anyway.

So what am I to do..

How can I not give my life to You?

You give me a choice

I can have the world or You.

You are a jealous God

You deserve my loyalty through and through.

But each day I must choose.....

The world will never satisfy

My heart would always ache

That special spot inside my heart

Designed for You would be left agape...

I would try to fill it

With things that never satisfy

Pain and sorrow would overwhelm me

Joy and peace not near my side....

The choice is clear

My mind is sure

My God I love

My God I adore.

My God who gives me Peace

My God who gives me Joy

My God who always Is

My God forevermore!

My God who first loved me

And had ordered all my days

My God who sent His Son

To take the punishment in my place.

My sins to erase.

I love you Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, my life is yours to the uttermost!

 

Evita at CF!

By Faith Pruitt

A cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952 – "I regret to inform the people of Argentina, that Eva Peron, spiritual leader of the nation, entered immortality at 20:25 hours today.”

The year is 1952, and the world is rocked to its core by the passing of one of the most sensational and controversial figures in history. The country of Argentina has gone into mourning, and every newspaper in the world has her face on the cover. Everything that led up to this, and everything that follows has mystified the world since.

How did a simple girl of poverty grow to become an instant queen and overnight saint of a nation? The iconic tale of the first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron, is anything but clear cut. Was she a saint or the destroyer of a country? With just as many who oppose her, as adoring fans, you must see for yourself to decide. Come see the Visual and Performing Arts Department’s performance of the Tony Award winning musical Evita with music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, in the Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center here at the college. Starring Kiersten Farley as Eva Duarte Peron, Michael Arvay as Che, and Gary Sonneberger as Juan Peron.

Performances will be held:

·         Friday, April 7 at 7:30 PM

·         Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 PM

·         Sunday, April 9 at 3:00 PM

·         Friday, April 14 at 7:30 PM

·         Saturday, April 15 at 3:00 PM

·         Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 PM

Ticket prices at $12 for an adult, $6 for non-CF students, and free for CF faculty, staff, and students. Contact the box office at 352-854-5810 or online, at http://cf.universitytickets.com.

Come get your tickets before they’re gone!

From Couch to Canvas

by Alexander Kirkpatrick

Classroom desks, dining room tables, and living room couches; these places are where my true life's passion was born: creating art.  My passion for art started when, as a young child, I began drawing and coloring like many children.  However, unlike most children that age, art quickly became a real hobby, and so the seeds were planted in my mind which would eventually grow into an obsession –- an obsession which has only grown in its fervor.



Over the course of my relationship with it, art has become an entry into an entirely different world: a place I can go to whenever I feel the need to escape the turmoil, heartache, and uncertainty of the outside world; where I'm bound by no restriction or limitation but those of my own imagination.  This passion of mine for creating art has recently extended beyond just drawing and painting to include writing. In doing so, it has further instilled the thought that whether it is via writing or drawing, a blank page is as good an opportunity as any to create something new, something life-changing; to create something truly unique and special.

In closing, although I've been creating art most of my life, there is still much to learn and I welcome with open arms all the experiences that have and will continue to shape my artwork, making it stronger and more unique.  There are very few things I treasure more in life than sitting at a desk, table, or on a couch and listening to music while drawing, painting, or writing. 

My Impressions of “Of Ebony Embers - Vignettes Of The Harlem Renaissance”

by Janice Cunningham  

This semester we were treated to an outstanding performance by four talented and spirited artists in the form of a collection of monologues from the perspective of four early twentieth century male,  African-American artists. Actor Dracyn Blount played all the dramatic parts while The Core Ensemble, a trio of musicians, provided the musical accompaniment to create a theatrical presentation about the remains of a once thriving renaissance era of African-American art in Harlem, New York City.

The vignettes take viewers on their reminiscent journey with the music reflecting and emphasizing their changing moods which swing from tormented and melancholy to gay abandon and humor, and no, gay is not a reference to their gender identity. The music intrigued me the most; as I closed my eyes I was taken on a parallel journey through the music and literature of the era. The first scene painted images of a struggling soul attempting to deal with his grief over the death of two of his fellow artists; he in fact was the main story teller, Aaron Douglas, whose guests were a no show to his memorial party.

The music to the fourth scene about a well-heeled and successful writer, Countee Cullen, was my favorite. This conjured up images from the silent movies, Abbot and Costello, Mary Pickford, and Charlie Chaplin sliding down his ladder also the flappers of the roaring twenties and the Ziegfeld Follies. Here the narration was melodic and sing song too, where my imagination leapt to a giggling, playful Benny Hill running through a field with a bevy of short skirted beauties trailing behind him.
In the nightclub vignette, my impression was only that of the struggle for identification as an artist and not so happy. Langston Hughes in the Mexican cemetery came next with the sense of using art as a vehicle for socialism and the views of that era.

The epilogue rounds it off with the general theme of a time lost and dying embers the flames of which could not be fanned with the lonely if not somewhat embittered tone of what could have been if it had all continued.

Overall this was an excellent performance illustrating not only the remarkable memory and acting
ability of Dracyn Blount but the music of the Core Ensemble who kept perfect pace and accurately presented the rhythm and timing of the stories.

My Wicked Awesome Experience

by Julie Miller

“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” Wicked is a musical stage show which is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. It’s about the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, who are better known as the Wicked Witch of the West and The Good Witch. The opening number is a flashback about Elphaba’s birth and how she was born green. It then goes into when they met in college and hated each other but eventually became friends. Elphaba lets her power get to her head and becomes wicked, for lack of a better word. Near the end, they incorporate Dorothy into it, which ties it into The Wizard of Oz movie.

Wicked came out in 2003 with an amazing cast.  Idina Menzel was Elphaba, and Kristin Chenoweth was Glinda. It’s one of the most popular (pun intended) musicals. I say pun intended because in the first act, Glinda tells Elphaba that she’s going to make her “Popular,” which is one of the most well-known songs.

Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)

Wicked was not my first Broadway musical, but it is one of my favorites because I relate to Elphaba. My first Broadway show was actually Phantom of the Opera. I saw it in 2010 when I was 8 years old and it sparked my interest in musical theatre. I’ve seen a lot of other musicals too. One of my other favorites was Rent. I recently saw Wicked for the second time at the Straz Center in Tampa, but the first time I saw it was in 2010 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami with one of the tour casts.  

The acting on the new version was amazing, but the singing was like I was listening to the original cast. The girls looked and sounded so much like Idina and Kristin. The music is amazing. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite song because they’re all so good. I can listen to the soundtrack on repeat for weeks.

My Playbill

I would definitely recommend it especially if you’re just starting to get into musical theater. It’s a well- known musical.

My First Poetry Reading

 by Philip Standley

New experiences are always interesting but sometimes fail to meet expectations. My first poetry reading surely felt like it might be one of those experiences. I had no idea what I was getting myself into as I walked in the room where the former Poet Laureate of the United States would be introducing me to poetry. The two other early arriving students, already in their seats, seemed to be just as puzzled as I was. As the room continued to fill with students, questions floated through my mind. How boring would this be? How interesting would this be? Do I even enjoy poetry? I did not know the answers to any of these questions but would very soon.

Billy Collins entered the room after it had filled. He was charming and had not even said a word. He seemed very comfortable as I am sure he has been to many of these events of the years. After he introduced himself he began to read some of his own poetry and I was immediately enthralled. In just a brief reading experience he was able to capture the emotion of every listener in the room. His poetry is short and sweet and seemingly has no direction, but the meaning and humor in his writing was obvious. This is a funny, caring, and introspective man. He could write about anything and make it feel like it is about you. It did not take long for him to turn me into a poetry enthusiast.

After wondering for days how long this hour would feel, it took me minutes to wish he would be there for another hour. He captured sounds, smells, sights, and feelings with ease. He captured minds and hearts just the same. He explained his own thoughts to us and made understanding his writing that much easier. Mr. Collins was inspiring and insightful, he spoke about what moves him and how he moves his readers. He encouraged listeners to find their own passion and chart their own course. After reading a few of his poems he opened for questioning and continued his wonderful performance. He was always open and honest. His sense of humor was dry and at times morbid but was consistently funny.

My experience at my first poetry reading was very interesting and it exceeded expectations. Billy Collins made me laugh, made me think, and inspired me to find passion in life’s little intricacies. He made a poetry fan out of me, and I get the sense that he will make many more before he’s done.

Morning With Merlina

by Nina Danielsson

It’s morning; the temperature is still low, and it’s dark outside. I walk into the stable and take a deep breath through my nose. The first thing I smell is the hay, the second, horses. That breath opens all my senses and blocks out all the bad dreams I had the night before, all the “must do,” and all the anxiety I feel. I walk into my free-zone, and right at that moment all my worries and problems are gone.

Merlina

The feeling in a stable is always peaceful and happy. I can’t stress, and I don’t want to stress; I want to enjoy every second and every breath. I walk into my horse’s stall, and she looks at me and walk towards me to say hello. She puts her muzzle on my shoulders and blows air in my ear; it’s her way to tell me “Good morning. I missed you.” Then she starts to look for candy in my pockets.

There is something special about spending time with animals. They don’t have any worries, and they don’t think about problems. They live in the moment, and the second I walk into a stable I start living in the moment as well. If we treat them right, they will love us unconditionally and do anything for us.

There is nothing I love as much as spending time with horses. My lifetime passion will always stay the same. 

Massage Therapy: More than Just Rubbing on Bodies

by Carla Huber

Rubbing on people and “happy endings,” are probably what the majority of people think of when they hear massage therapy/therapist. However, if you ever have had the opportunity to receive a massage or know a massage therapist, then you have a better understanding of what it actually assists with. Of course massage therapy has a number of health benefits; it reduces muscle tension, increases blood flow, strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, headaches and insomnia, just to name a few. The benefits go on and on. It also can be so much more than just physical benefits. In a country taken over by electronics, there has been such a disconnect between one another that many times, massage helps fill that void.

A disconnect? Yes. The majority of the day most people are attached to some form of electronic device: a lap top, desktop, tablet, smartphone, whatever your pleasure. I know for me, my cell is the first thing I check in the morning, last thing I check at night, and as long as I am able I probably check it every 30 minutes. Except for one of my classes, phones are not allowed and students using them will be kicked out. People do not talk as often --  really talk, not texting, not snapchat or instant messages.

Often massage unknowingly fills that void. Think about it. You go into a therapist room, and it is a “quiet” zone. That usually means that both the client and the therapist put their cell phones on silent for at least an hour, sometimes up to two, and do not touch them. Of course there are exceptions. I once had a client that was on not one, but two cell phones for half of the hour session. Some just cannot let go. For the most part though, they look forward to it.

Many times, I will be in a session and the client just talks the entire time. If that’s what they want to do, then I normally just go with the flow. Sometimes that client just has so much pent up, and they just need to release it. I’ve had a gentleman that is a full-time caregiver for his wife who has Alzheimer’s. He spent the whole session, telling me about how difficult it is, how he has to start the morning by telling her about their whole life. Mind you he was probably in his 70s, and he had to start all the way back to when they were teens. He spoke about how she is the love of his life. I also have some whose children are going through cancer. Others have no family and are alone and they just need someone to listen. They may be having personal issues at work or home, or a difficult time with their children. I provide a space for them to do that. Being a massage therapist I learned, at least

where I went to school, to go into a session with an open heart, mind and compassion, to create a non-judgmental atmosphere, and a safe place. There also seems to be a lack of physical (non-sexual) touch in our society. Often someone just needs that physical touch that may be lacking. It is more of a compassionate type of touch, a touch that I would compare to someone going through a hard time and a person offering a hug or to hold their hand. A good massage therapist will just be present with the client and allow them to reconnect to themselves, not only on a physical level, but an emotional, sometimes spiritual level as well. Mental and emotional stress sometimes can be a major factor in creating that physical pain. Think of the saying, “He holds the weight of the world on his shoulders,” or “I hold all my stress in my neck,” and it is true.

Even though clients come to me and other therapist for physical pain, they are able to let their guard down and feel comfortable enough to express their feelings and everyday stresses, when otherwise they may not.  It is an honor and a blessing to be able to provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for someone to completely let go and feel comfortable in their own skin.