Many of the great artists in history were influenced by someone equally remarkable. T.S. Elliot was influenced by Joseph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness” Elvis Presley’s music was influenced by the sound of Motown. But for Art Department chair Michael Shaughnessy, a picture of his grandfather’s architectural thesis is his influence and inspiration.
Shaughnessy and fellow Art Department faculty will show their artwork along with their influences on Sept. 19 in the Art Gallery in Gorham for the exhibition “Objects of Influence.”
Shaughnessy, who is known for his hay installations, which are configurations and arrangements of hay, will be display a piece made especially for the show.
“This is a great way for faculty to try out new pieces they have done.” Shaughnessy said.
His piece is what he calls “installation art” or simple construction. Shaughnessy is constructing wood shingles in a metal configuration. The pieces of wood lie on top of each other forming a stacked look. “It gives a sense of delicacy and balance. It’s a very textual piece.”
The theme of Shaughnessy’s work is the risk of chance.
“It could be knocked over at any time. The work is prone to change, it’s a very spontaneous work.” Shaughnessy said.
Shaughnessy comes from a family of architects; both his father and grandfather worked in the profession. The picture of his grandfather’s thesis is Shaughnessy object of influence. His grandfather made the design in 1922.
“Through my upbringing I had a sense of architecture and design which was a constant influence.”
Along with Shaughnessy other art faculty will be displaying their work along with their object of influence. Carolyn Eyler, Director of _________, will be displaying her drawings of local bodies of water including, Sebago, Presumscott, and Winnepesockee. Eyler, a Buddhist, uses her meditation cushion as her object of influence.
“Buddhism influences the way an artist and a person thinks. I look at the interdependence of animals, humans and water ”
“Water is so precious to us.” Eyler relates the lakes to our own body’s maps and internal organs, and sees similarities in them.
“This is a great way to get to know water and our bodies.”
Eyler makes it clear her art is not a romanization of water but “a removed way to use road maps, diagrams, and symbols. I use them as different illustration techniques.”
Along with the drawings Eyler exhibits a sculpture of the Back Cove made in wire form with cedar chips.
Eyler believes looking through a lens of Buddhism gives person clarity.
“My art is not to get a message across about pollution but looking at the aliveness of the water without being preachy or sermon-like.”
Other faculty includes Susan Colburn-Motta, James Flahaven, Jane Lieber-Mays, and Peter Shellenberger. The exhibition holds its opening reception on Sept.19 from 4 to 7 p.m. and continues until Oct. 19.