Raleigh-based multimedia artist Todd Jones inspired students, faculty and young creators through his talk Sept. 11 in Arts West. About 25 audience members listened intently as Jones took them on a journey through “The Forgotten.”
Jones zeroed in on this collection, which is on exhibit in Arts West until Oct. 19. Jones’ exhibit tells a captivating story of consumerist culture and his artistic career. Attendees were able to view pieces of “The Forgotten” as Jones explained the stories and process behind his work.
The art within “The Forgotten” is made up of a collection of materials from Jones’ past pieces that consisted of discarded paint, as well as other materials.
He explained how these were not only remnants of his past pieces, but messages from them that were left behind.
“It shows forgotten parts, forgotten memories, forgotten intentions,” Jones said.
Sophomore Emily Sabad attended the art talk and said she respected how Jones revived his past pieces while managing to create a unique collection with reused materials.
Jones used the scraps to create various structures, such as portals or doorways. Sabad said she was drawn to the portals created out of these reused materials.
“I appreciate that he went and got tossed away materials and even reused the paint shavings,,” Sabad said. “I really liked the portals, the use of portals. I think it adds to something that could otherwise get repetitive.”
Jones said he does not limit himself to a specific kind of medium, instead taking a leap of faith where he feels a spark of creativity.
Sophomore Gabbi Robertson said she felt a connection to this mindset as an aspiring artist herself.
“It was really interesting to see the way that he incorporated different mediums. He talked about how he doesn’t know if he would call himself a painter or a sculptor,” Robertson said. “I thought that was really interesting, especially as someone who likes to do a lot of different art and can’t really decide one pathway, so I understood that in a sense.”
Throughout his talk, Jones said being an artist does not necessarily mean that an individual does not have to limit themselves from exploring other realms. He discusses how he originally desired to be an archeologist, and also fell in love with earth space science.
“Your practice doesn’t have to be separate. All of your interests can intertwine into your art practice,” Jones said.
Jones’ talk offered the Elon community a deeper understanding of his art and its meaning, and broadened the audience’s horizons — showing them that the possibilities for their passions are endless, and that the beauty of art is that an artist has the ability to make it their own.
Jones’ “The Forgotten” exhibit will be on display through Oct. 19 in Arts West gallery 406.
The event was part of a larger series of artist talks held in Arts West throughout the semester. The next artist in the series is Joshua Newth who will be speaking about his exhibit for its opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in Arts West.