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St. Cloud State University
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Diversions
Art exhibit inspires students
By Nick Hanson
Published:
Thursday, December 5, 2002
Media Credit: Adam Masloski
Senior Karey Conrad, a mass communications major, browses the Atwood Center Gallery to enjoy the art of Gary Loch. Loch’s art exhibit runs through Jan. 10.
Gary Loch’s art exhibit in the Atwood Gallery is anything but ordinary.
The display features dry earth tones on impressionistic three-dimensional pillars, painted canvas and paper and plant-like sculptures.
The artistic setting somewhat resembles an earthly atmosphere.
Shades of green, blue, brown, white and gray are the dominant hues in Loch’s art. The paintings and sculptures consist of landscape, shells and greenery.
One of the most interesting aspects of the display is his collaborative work.
Loch teamed up with his seventh grade class at North Junior High School in St. Cloud to create the stylish plant form sculptures distributed about his work.
During the construction of his artwork, his students became intrigued with his production. He then decided to encourage them to participate in the production.
The collaborative plant forms are arranged around the pillars to create an interactive balance within his work.
His main art piece is loosely based on a magnificent monolithic structure. Specifically, he said he was inspired by a structure like Stonehenge.
“The humble collection of stylized landscapes, plants and shells is by no means of Stonehenge, but a simple expression of reverence of Nature and Earth,” Loch said in his written explanation of his work.
Recurring themes within his artwork include humankind, the earth and the cosmos.
He went through a long process to reach the completed state that his work is in now.
In his first construction of the monoliths, he used foam, plaster and unfired clay. In the next two models, he refined his art to its present state.
“I’m referring to this installation as a model because I’m hoping to produce another variation of this composition outside, and of course, with more permanent materials,” he said.
The overall response to his work is positive.
“I like the collaboration of the earth and the atmosphere,” said sophomore Kayla McCabe.“The sculptures and the painting make you feel like you are within the artwork. I like his ability to use his artwork to interact with nature.”
The tone of the work offers a serene, peaceful and simplistic attitude said senior Pipesh Karki. “It’s very simple and unique. I think he tried to make something natural that relates to his drawings.”
“The green gives it a calming effect,” said sophomore Hallie Turner. “It has a calming and soothing effect that makes you feel like you’re in the outdoors. I would like to see more feel good artwork like this.”
Gary Loch’s exhibit will be on display from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 19 through Jan. 10 in the Atwood gallery.
