ELLISVILLE – During Jones College’s “Art Talk” with Hattiesburg artist and William Carey University Associate Professor of Art and Department Chair, Chatham Kemp, Jones College art students and guests discovered why she focuses on the use of color in her oil paintings. A collection of Kemp’s large oil paintings influenced by tropical environments and other colorful locations, are currently on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Jones College campus in Ellisville.
“Color is powerful because it’s emotional. I think when we look at color it has a different effect on us than just looking at a drawing, so I hope the work feels joyful and alive. Also, I’ve been kind of interested in flirting with the line between the heat in the paintings feeling comfortable or feeling like the south or a tropical environment, or the heat feeling a little bit uncomfortable or a little bit inconvenient, so I think the exhibit is interesting for that reason,” said Kemp.
Jones College students, Atlas Hembree of Meridian, Ella Young of Laurel, Lillian Hall of Ellisville, and Anna Bufkin of Greene County discussed different aspects of art and design with Kemp prior to the Art Talk with a larger group of art majors and guests. She also offered the opportunities available to art students in the William Carey University art program which has been growing over the past 12 years. Additionally, Kemp offered some advice to the young artists still learning about the various options to market their artwork.
“It’s hard to make a living as an artist so you have to learn the business side, the marketing side and become an entrepreneur. Teaching is also a great way of making a living, along with graphic design but you have to be a self-starter. We teach you how to solve problems on a high level in terms of visual problems in painting and drawing classes which also apply to your life and career. So, don’t get discouraged if you’re not making your way; ask experienced artists for advice,” Kemp offered.
The large and colorful oil paintings by Kemp will be on display in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery until October 20. For more information about upcoming JC art shows 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, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.
