Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Senior James Washington stands with associate professor of art Denise Presnell-Weidner, at the senior art exhibit in the Bradley Building.

Media Credit: Jared Petrie James Washington showed this piece of artwork incorporating the devil's 666 at the senior art exhibit.

Asuka Endo stands with Denise Presnell-Weidner next to her artwork during the Senior art exhibit.

This is one of Asuka Endo's drawings shown at the senior art exhibit.

A good turnout of students and parents browsed the senior art exhibit on Nov. 8 at 5:30 in the evening. Impressing works of art lined the walls and stood proud on pedestals and counters.
The art displayed in the lobby of the Bradley Building consisted of a variety ranging from pencil and ink drawings to computer-generated images and three-dimensional modeling.
The two seniors participating in the art exhibit were James Washington from Detroit, Mich. and Asuka Endo from Ebina, Tokyo.
Washington, a charismatic artist, was the first to present his work to the crowd. "I love drawing in pencil…I can do a lot of things with that," Washington said. His talent was discovered in high school when he would sit at the lunch table and draw.
Though his skills come naturally, Washington feels that the critiques from Bill Weidner, the associate professor of art, and other classmates have shaped how he draws currently. "Critiques helped me see things differently," said Washington.
Weidner expressed his appreciation for Washington's efforts, which he constantly put forth whether or not he was interested in the assignments. "You just do what you have to do even when you're not into it," explained Washington.
"What am I going to do five to ten years from now?" Washington rhetorically asked. "My future plans in art…are to be the best artist I can be."
A very modest Asuka Endo presented her material next. Though her initial interest, and true passion, remains in theater with performing arts, she has found ways to appreciate the visual art she creates. "I honestly don't like art more than other art majors," said Endo.
She enjoys the lighting aspect of visual art and designing three-dimensional pieces. She usually keeps her work rather positive. Her art normally contains "…nothing dark or dangerous," she said.
Endo enjoyed the possibilities that computer designed art offered. The availability of colors that computer design allows intrigues her. "I find art more interesting with lighting," she commented.
Her dedication to her artwork is obvious through the work she displayed. "I've spent 12 hours on one piece before," Endo said.
Her goals for the future involve lighting for the Cirque Du Soleil.
Though Weidner (as well as Denise Presnell-Weidner, associate professor of art and the gallery director) was obviously proud of Washington and Endo's artwork, he did not want to take the focus off of his students.

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