Kelly Joslin, chair of the Art Department, and Pat McClelland, gallery coordinator, both smiled when they spoke about their professional artwork.
That’s because 45 pieces of their artwork are being exhibited at the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery in Building 13 on the fourth floor. The show titled “Spontaneous Calculations,” opened Jan. 3 and will run until Jan. 27.
“When you work with art on a daily basis it encompasses everything that you do,” Joslin said. “Two years ago, we decided that we would have our show together, so far it has worked pretty well. I think it is a much stronger show exhibiting together than individually.”
While collaborating, Joslin and McClelland recognized that they shared a similar work method. This method on the surface appeared to be different, but was quite similar because they approached their artwork in the same manner, said McClelland.
“This method begins with a calculated concept that creates a fixed foundation upon which a series of spontaneous responses exert a strong influence, ultimately leading to a fully realized work of art,” McClelland said.
Throughout the two-year process, Joslin and McClelland often shared their artwork with one another. As the day of the show approached, they decided if each piece was suitable for the show, and then selected and finalized several pieces for the exhibit.
“It was very collaborative and we brainstormed quite a bit,” Joslin said. “This just kind of evolved. Pat ultimately came up with the title, but it was a very collaborative process.”
Time and dedication played a major part in the exhibition because they both wanted the exhibit to be a success.
“The exhibit showcases most of the work that we have produced to some degree with this show in mind,” McClelland said. “I am very pleased.”
Joslin’s artwork focuses on self-portraiture. She said she creates self-portraits as a way to document and compare the differences she saw in her appearance from ages 21 to 41.
“I receive my inspiration from the study of self-portraiture,” Joslin said. “As I examined the various images of my younger self, I became increasingly intrigued by the idea of juxtaposing those images with portraits of myself as I appeared – 20 years later – at age 41.”
McClelland said he focuses on some canvas paintings and works on paper, in which he takes great pride in the order between basic design and the chaos of mark making.
“I think of painting as a visual puzzle to be solved,” McClelland said. “The game continues when the viewer looks at the work and extracts its meaning.”
With the success of their exhibit, Joslin is looking forward to another collaboration in the future with McClelland.
“I would be open to more exhibitions with Pat,” Joslin said. “I would love to collaborate with him in the future because it has been a very positive experience.”