Art, in all of its forms, is a composition of the human experience and a manifestation of our perceptions of the world. Our individual experiences are unique, but the music, visual art and writings of those who came before us can help us navigate our own lives and further develop our creativity. The Talisman talked to students from the WKU music, art and English departments about how the work of others has resonated with them and assisted them in their own artistic journeys.
Devin Beach
Senior English major with a concentration in creative writing from Louisville
Inspiration:
Author Wendell Berry
How and when were you introduced to this figure?
A friend of mine let me borrow his short story collection “A Place in Time.”
Is there a particular work by this figure that resonates with you the most?
“A Place in Time” or his collection of poetry “On Farming”
How has this figure influenced your own artistic practices?
Wendell Berry writes a lot about work, and I have begun focusing on writing about the working class. The way Berry explains a day’s work gives working people a sort of poetic nature even while doing the smallest of jobs. Having worked menial jobs since being 16, writings about work resonate with me more than most subjects in literature.
What qualities of this figure’s work inspire you the most?
The quietness of the language and the tenderness he employs to write about working class peoples’ relationships
Paige Miller
Senior studio art major from Elizabethtown
Inspiration:
Artist Kim Weiss
How and when were you introduced to this figure?
My friend Bryson Lacasse introduced me to Kim during a sketchbook critique in class and said I’d find some inspiration from her, in which I definitely did.
Is there a particular work by this figure that resonates with you the most?
“Bee Box,” reductive linoleum relief print, (2004)
How has this figure influenced your own artistic practices?
Making art about my biggest fear is actually a helpful coping mechanism. As I’m carving these swarms on my body, I tend to get lost in the swarm, carving gently into their wings or the fuzziness on their bodies. When I realize, ‘oh, they’re only on me in this print and not in real life!’ I have this moment of relief and feeling like I’m conquering my fear. I study into bees a lot as well, doing research through documentaries and articles.
What qualities of this figure’s work inspire you the most?
I was already doing [bee] swarms, but her work helped me to gain more perspective on the way I should portray my swarms, the detail of them, my body language on the prints, the bees’ body language, etc. I saw one of her prints that was actually extremely similar to mine and that was before I ever heard of her, so I definitely feel a connection with her.
Lucas Allen
Senior music education major from Bowling Green
Inspiration:
Musician Chris Thile
How and when were you introduced to this figure?
In 2011, I discovered a live video of the Punch Brothers (one of Thile’s bands) covering Fiona Apple’s “On the Bound” on an iPod Classic given to me by my first drum lessons teacher.
What originally sparked your interest in this figure?
His ability to create a unique musical atmosphere with both his singing and his playing of the mandolin
Is there a particular work by this figure that resonates with you the most?
“All Ashore” by Punch Brothers is the title-track of their most recent album released in July of 2018. The track itself boasts an overwhelming musical atmosphere. This track reminded me once again what it feels like to figuratively take a bath in the beauty of a piece of music. This resonates with me because I feel that my purpose in society is to have an impact on people simply through the beauty of music alone, which is exactly what this track does for me.
How has this figure influenced your own artistic practices?
Chris has motivated me to never limit myself to one particular style of music or style of playing. He is constantly collaborating with artists from different musical genres and pushing genre boundaries. From Bach to bluegrass to jazz to hip-hop, Chris does it all, and in his own unique way.
What qualities of this figure’s work inspire you the most?
The diversity of Chris’ discography and musical abilities and the authenticity of emotion in his lyrics and instrumental music