Student artists: Exhibit creativity beyond their years

Black Collegian, Oct 1999 by Doucette, Curtis Jr

Art is an important form of expression in the African-American community that has been used to tell our special story of struggle and survival down through the years. When we couldn't speak out as a_people our art did the talking. We should celebrate this unique form of expression that encompasses stories of our pain, our accomplishments -in short- our history. So in this vein, we celebrate our student artists as they are in training to continue a legacy of creative excellence through visual communication. Though some may not have intentions of continuing solely as an artist, the true artist is never silenced. Since they are among the best at their respective universities, they can comfortably lay claim to that title-true artist. Shaquana Simmons Shaquana Simmons is a 1999 graduate of Morgan State University in the field -of Graphic Design. Originally from Queens, -NY, she developed an appreciation for nature that evolved into a love of art at an early age. "I've always loved landscapes ... the colors and how a leaf would change from green to brown and the process that it went through. At one point it would be three or four different colors. That always amazed me," Simmons recalled. Simmons has gained an equal appreciation for painting, drawing and sculpting. She says these go hand-in-hand and together they provide a great service to society as a result of their calming effect. She also appreciates art's ability to be extremely expressive without using words.

Simmons has used these forms of art to enhance her skills as a photographer, which is her career choice. I want to be a master of photography," she said. I want to do everything in photography, you name it." Kyshun Webster Kyshun Webster is a 1999 Art Education graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana. He is a native of the city of New Orleans where he has received a number of awards for his work including the NOPS at NOMA (New Orleans Public Schools at the New Orleans Museum of Art) award and the Business of Art Series award. He attributes his initial interest in art to The Talented Visual Arts Program of the New Orleans Public School System. "It was there that I learned to get in touch with my strengths as an artist," Webster said. "That made me feel comfortable in terms of my decision to pursue art."Webster's work has been displayed at the Essence Exhibits, The Neighborhood Gallery, and Gallier Hall. He has also designed-the official Essence Music Festival souvenir program book in 1997 and 1998.

Webster's life and his art can be considered one in the same. "My experience is what I focus on. I guess that's true for most artists because their works mirror their lives," he said. Charles Watkins Charles Watkins received his visual arts degree from North Carolina A&T University this past May. He was born in Dixons Mills, Alabama. His work has appeared at The Atrium in Hampton, VA, and the North Carolina A&T

Charles Watkins received his visual arts degree from North Carolinea A&T University this past May. He was born in Dixons Mills, Alabama. His work has apperared ot the Artium in Hampton, VA, and the North Carolina A&T University art gallery. Watkins has sold over 30 pieces of his work, including one that was presented to the university's chancellor oat the 1999 commencement exercise.

Nature is the focal point of a lot of Watkins' work. "I'm a nature person. Whatever God creates ... I can't duplicate it but I can put a form of it on the canvas," he said. Now that college is behind him Watkins intends to attend the seminary and continue art as a hobby. "My goal is relaxation. I'm not going to go out and have shows all over America," he said.

Each of these students is aware of the important contributions of the artist as an indispensable asset to society's mental well being. Webster said it well. "When you look at society, you see the influence of art and how life imitates art, and art imitates life. You really can't separate the two. And while science and math, and all those technical areas keep us going technologically, art keeps us sane and free, and liberal in our thinking," he remarked.

Curtis Doucette, Jr. is a technical writer for Avondale Industries in Avondale, LA.