Currently on display in the UHCL Art Gallery is the Faculty Art Exhibition, an annual show of art submissions from faculty on campus.

On exhibit are multiple art pieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to digital images.

Professor of Fine Arts Nick de Vries’ pieces include multiple clay sculptures in different forms and shapes, all of which are preparation and material intensive.  His works also have unique influences; The sculpture titled “Frisian Horse” is a sculpted reaction to the military defense mechanisms outside an embassy in Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic, during the Velvet Revolution in the 1980s.

Another of de Vries’ pieces is a tetrahedron, or triangle-based pyramid, with a theme based on natural elements.

“It sort of takes on a Japanese rock garden theme, with the shards surrounding the structure in the middle, almost like a transition,” de Vries said.

Professor of Fine Arts Sandria Hu’s pieces are tiles of wood painted with oils as part of “The Clay & Smoke Series.”  Painted on each of the individual tiles are abstract landscapes, inspired by multiple settings.

Hu explains that her art is influenced by her passion for archaeology, which developed from digs across Eastern Europe.  Some of the paintings have a cool, autumnal feel and are influenced by her trips to Budapest and Prague.  The other paintings are warm and intense, carrying the vibe from Mexico and warmer climates.

Associate Professor of Visual and Applied Arts Matthew Linton’s art consists of photographs taken of a suspension project.  Suspension is the process of fully lifting a person off the ground by their skin.  This is done by using body piercings with specially made hooks.

“There are many people involved in a project like this including set builders, body painters, piercers, coaches and rigging staff, among others,” Linton said.

The Houston chapter involved in this event is part of Constructs of Ritual Evolution, or CoRE.  Participants in Linton’s photos have costumes and makeup applied to their skin, making each of the pictures unique.

Associate Professor of Visual and Applied Arts Stuart Larson’s work comes from digital prints.  His artistry lies in the actual materials used in the process.  His prints are made using everyday substances like sculpting gel, strawberry jam, conditioner and shampoo.

“Normally we try to keep liquid away from our electronics, but here I embrace the tension,” Larson said. “Part of the process is experimenting with different products to see what the reflective properties are, then the next part is to refine the ones that are interesting.”

Jason Makepeace’s, continuing lecturer in sculpture, works were inspired by his passion for kayaking and sculpting.  His works are dedicated to the history of kayaking and of the craftsmanship necessary to create kayaks.

“From a dug-out canoe rooted from an entire tree to a more modern mold injected plastic, it is evolution juxtaposed together within these works,” Makepeace said.

The exhibit is on display in the Art Gallery, located near Atrium I in the Bayou Building.  It is free and open to the public from Feb. 7 through March 10.  Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.