“Two
Perspectives, Two Journeys”
LCA March show opens Friday evening
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[March 09, 2017]
LINCOLN
- Lincoln Art Institute and Logan County Arts are pleased to present
a duo art exhibition by members Kira Jackson and Rob Swofford,
entitled “Two Perspectives, Two Journeys”. The opening reception
will be held on Friday, March 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Art
Institute, 112 S. Mclean St. Lincoln, IL. The show will include both
retrospective and new artworks, representing the ongoing artistic
journeys of these two young and dynamic artists.
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Swofford and Jackson have much in common. Both are serious
practitioners who have been doing art since childhood and who see
this work not as a hobby but as an integral part of their
activities. They have to balance their artmaking with other
commitments such as work, family and study. They both keep abreast
of the wider professional art world, following the work of
contemporary artists they admire and looking to broaden their own
repertoire of techniques and approaches. They both cite their
families, Lincoln Art Institute and Logan County Arts as sources of
encouragement and support for their efforts. Despite many
similarities, however, their perspectives, as well as their
approaches to curating the exhibits they are preparing, are very
different.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2017/Mar/08/images/ads/current/brickey_sda_2017.png) Rob Swofford, an ex-Marine, will organize his exhibit to showcase
the wide variety of approaches and mediums he uses. He admits that
he does not limit his choice of medium in any given piece ahead of
time, but lets the piece itself determine what will be part of the
final work. As he notes, “Sometimes I start with a sketch and it
ends up being a collage.. or a painting might end up being garbage.
Or vice versa.” The results of these encounters with materials can
be small pictures or large sculptural works, and some can pack a lot
of emotion. He does not back away from depicting a heavy-hearted
theme, but may include a subtle glimpse of a silver lining to
provide an element of hope in the work’s message. Though his work
sells, his advice to anyone contemplating a career in art hoping
just to make money is “Go home. A long term commitment to art is
only possible if that’s what you enjoy doing, not just to pay the
bills..” He sees his art in the next few years developing as he
incorporates new materials and styles to vary his presentations.
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Kira Jackson will organize her exhibit to reflect the themes which
inspire her art, such as cultural or political reflection,
deciphering emotions, finding restorative pathways, or just
celebrating something beautiful. She became seriously committed in
college, when she realized the power of art to “bring about change”
in herself and others. Her mediums include painting, drawing,
digital art, and lately, ceramics. Though her work has received
acclaim, she recognizes that one challenge for her has been
self-confidence, because many of her colleagues have had more formal
training and experience with different techniques and mediums.
This will change later this year, as she has been accepted as a
student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. To other
young people interested in an art career, she advises, “Don’t let
the ‘starving artist’ cliché stop your passion. Art is a diverse
umbrella. Without artists we wouldn’t have anyone to design clothes,
make films, or make our communities beautiful. You are essential to
our community and our culture.”
After the opening weekend, the Jackson/Swofford show will be
available for viewing until April 8 by chance or appointment. For an
appointment, people may call Pinkerton at 217-651-8355. Also
available at the March 10 opening will be information on the April,
2017 exhibit, which will give LCA members carte blanche with an
“Artist’s Choice” theme. Non-members can also show artworks in this
exhibit by paying a small display fee. Anyone interested in doing
this should contact Pinkerton or Mitch Douglas (630-890-1318) for
more information.
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