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A-STATE ALUMNI ADD ARTISTIC FLAIR TO DOWNTOWN JONESBORO
Six A-State alumni were chosen last summer to contribute to a creative project in Downtown Jonesboro, the Art House Selfie Wall, a collection featuring works of art on the brick wall at the corner of Main and Monroe Streets.
On any given day, couples, groups and individuals can be found in front of the murals, posing for selfies and photos with friends. A-State alumni Matt Ball, Angie Jones, Beau Jones, Shannon Lamb, Cam Robinson and Braden Walls all contributed to the project, and we spoke to each artist about what inspired them and how their time at Arkansas State University helped shape their talents.
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? With the selfie wall theme in mind, I wanted to create a mural that couples would gravitate to on a date, an engagement pic, special occasion. I never dreamed the hearts would be so popular with everyone else. The simplicity of the hearts allows it to represent whatever you wish, and each wall is designed to fit within a smart phone screen.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My first declared major was art, and as things sometimes happen during your freshman year, my major changed several times before I landed in the nursing program. But, my time spent in art classes - visual, musical, and theatrical - at A-State shaped my love for art and the ongoing desire to create it.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating
artwork? I am not a full time artist. I have been an advanced practice nurse for nearly 18 years. I received my doctorate in nursing practice at A-State in 2017 and I now run a weight management program with NEA Baptist Clinic. I reconnected with my art after my children were grown and I found I had the time. I never dreamed it would come this far, but it is so much fun.
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? At the time I had a brand called “Ready to Fly” in which my logo was from a self-portrait painting I made of myself as a small cherub. I added him to the mural on the bottom right. I wanted to paint a sky so I thought, “Why not add in some cherubs and I can tie my brand into the mural that way?” Considering that it’s meant for selfies I made the cherubs in sort of an arch-shape, pointing their bows inward so when people stand there it looks like the cherubs are shooting at them.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? Honestly, if it wasn’t for A-State I may not even be an artist. It wasn’t until I went to A-State that I found what I truly wanted to do which was make art.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than
creating artwork? Not yet, but it’s something I have been highly considering lately. I am a full-time graphic designer, and paint whenever I have free time. I also just started up my new brand, “Crooked Flower,” so I’ve been making some new shirts, hats, etc. for that.
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? My piece was inspired by my love of optical illusion and surrealism. All my works represent something personal to me, but I like how they can be ambiguous and have different interpretations for other people. This particular piece to me is about life but it could mean something completely different to someone else. For this mural, I had to get measurements and then convert them from feet to inches and vice versa on a scale model sketch. Then actually transfer the sketch to the wall and mark the measurements. It was time-consuming but worth it to get the perspective right.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My time at A-State helped me be able to see art in a wider spectrum. I came in as a self-taught studio artist and I studied graphic design, which I really didn’t know much about. The more I learned about design and visual art techniques the more I was able to understand and consider them in my own work.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than
creating artwork? No, I am the social media specialist/graphic designer for the Mayor’s office.
Instagram: @camrobinsonart
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? I really wanted to incorporate my hopes for the future of the NEA art scene. I included the Greek Muses to symbolize the importance and inspiration of all art forms; music, dance, visual arts, written word etc. The red portion of the painting is symbolic of the red string of fate which normally signifies a tie between soulmates, but I wanted to incorporate it as a tie between the artistic disciplines and the community. The central white umbrella was incorporated to serve as a safe place for people to be as they watch the world change. Change is scary, but often it serves to improve people’s circumstances. Similarly, the addition of the arts to any community can only serve to enhance the lives of all who have the opportunity to see it.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? My time at A-State was invaluable, especially now that I’m teaching. I’m teaching my kids to critique, and it’s really amazing to look back and remember what it felt like to be acknowledged by your peers, and to learn that your opinions are valuable. Experiences like that are just a reminder of how my professors and classmates prepared me to think outside the box and be more confident in my decision-making. Being an artist has always been important to me but I feel like the information I gained from my time at A-State has really supplemented my life and my own personal art practice.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating artwork? I am not a full time artist, but I recently took a job as the high school art teacher at Paragould High School. As I get to understand the needs of young artists, my own skills will only improve as I try to keep up with them. Instagram: @shann.lamb Website: shannlamb.com
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? A few things I considered in the making of this particular mural were subject, color scheme, and composition. I knew the mural should be an image that most people could relate to. I also wanted an image of simple beauty, transcendence, and with a positive symbolic history. I painted a small canvas of monarch butterflies covering the entire surface of the painting a few days before I was asked to be a part of this mural project. The butterflies, as the subject for my mural, just seem to fit. I relied on the fundamentals of color and design that I studied at A-State, to create an illusion of space. This is achieved by rendering the butterflies smaller, darker, and muted in the center of the mural, while as we move to the outer edges the butterflies become larger, lighter, and brighter.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? Arkansas State University has had a profound impact on me as an artist. During the pursuit of both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the faculty and staff in the Art + Design department were knowledgeable and supportive. As a young undergrad student, it was exciting to be exposed to so many new and interesting concepts, where graduate school was about refining my skills and studio practices. A-State is where I found what I want to do in life and where I learned the skills necessary.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than creating
artwork? I make art every day. I recently finished four paintings, commissioned by a Jonesboro business. For the last few years, I have also worked as an art instructor with L. E. A. P., an art education program through the Foundation of Arts and in conjunction with Abilities Unlimited.
Instagram: @mattheweball Website: matteball.com
What was your inspiration for the mural artwork? As soon as I found out I was selected for the mural, I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like. I felt that I needed to come up with something that was photo worthy, because after all…everyone is looking for their next Instagram photo. My signature lip paintings have become recognizable to many, so I knew that incorporating that design into this mural was the way to go.
How did your time at A-State influence you as an artist? While I took several art classes in the art program, it was actually the classes in the advertising/marketing field that helped me get to where I am now. Learning how to take my creative side, market it and brand myself led me to where I am today. I’m just getting started, but I have plans to move and make my name known outside of Arkansas as well. My art style has more of a contemporary feel which I think belongs in a bigger city.
Are you a full-time artist, and if not, what do you do other than
creating artwork? Yes, I am a full-time artist. It was a career choice many told me I should stay away from, and just to have as a side gig…but it ended up all working out. It is what you put into it. I think when you find your talent and work hard at it, success will eventually follow.
