ELLISVILLE – Ellisville artist, Russ Farris invited several of his sixth and seventh grade art students from Northwest Meridian Middle School to his “Art Talk” at Jones College to expose them to his art and to also be around other art students. Additionally, he explained, exposing young artists to college artists will hopefully encourage the middle schoolers to include art in their future endeavors.
“I wanted my students to meet the college art teachers and to see there is an entire department just for art. I also wanted to show them how to express themselves through their art, as I have done in mine and to teach them not to be afraid to express themselves and to stay true to who they are,” said Farris.
The Jones College art majors and the budding artists from Meridian were inspired and some were relieved to hear Farris share that all art doesn’t have to be “Fine Art.” Drawing outside the lines or differently from what he thought others wanted or expected him to draw, Farris said allowed him to discover the true artist within himself.
“I want to encourage (JC’s and my students) in their pursuit of art and to show them that there are opportunities to make money at art because it’s possible now, more than ever to not be a ‘starving artist.’ I’ve sold a lot of this comic book style art, even the stuff that’s kind of weird. I’ve been very successful, and I credit that to spending more than five minutes on it and actually putting something of myself into it. You’ve got to have fun with it and enjoy creating. Art must come from within. Don’t do what you think someone wants or expects,” implored Farris.
As a comic book lover and collector since childhood, Farris combines the elements of comic books with other pop culture and rock music elements to create something fun and entertaining. The former, award-winning cartoonist for a local newspaper, and now middle school art instructor has spent decades pursuing his own style of art. Inspired by artists whose work was also more cartoon style, like Sean “Star Wars” Stewart and Daniel Johnston, Farris said helped him discover the style of art that also made him happy. Since his first exhibit at Jones College in 2010, his artwork has evolved. A glimpse of that evolution is on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery until February 17.
“I was a cartoonist, and I was having a lot of fun. I was doing something that meant something to me; not what I thought someone else wanted to see,” explained Farris. “The point is, when you’re making stuff, creating art, you have got to put something of yourself in to it. You have got to make it real and if you do that, other people are likely to enjoy it too.”
After discussing the possibilities in the field of art with the college students, Farris’ young art students toured the Jones College art department. He also treated them to a charcoal drawing lesson in the college classroom and lunch in the college student union.
“My students were excited mostly about going back for seconds in the cafeteria and having the choice of ice cream for dessert,” laughed Farris. “However, I deeply appreciate Melanie Eubanks and Mark Brown for inviting me back to Jones College to share my art and for allowing me to bring my students. Everyone made us feel so welcome, and left us with a fantastic, memorable trip!”
For more information about the JC art show or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. If you want to know more about the Jones College Art Department, go to the JC Art Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.
