By Victoria Cox, student intern, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Selene McKnight, an art major at Campbellsville University, will hold her Senior Exhibit through Friday, Mar. 31, in The Pence-Chowning Art Gallery at 205 University Dr., Campbellsville. Her reception will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., this Friday.
All are welcome to attend both free events.
McKnight, of Campbellsville, Ky., is a ceramics-focused artist who mainly creates functional pieces, such as tea sets, bowls and cups. Outside of ceramics, her pieces are mostly graphite, charcoal, ink and oil paint, with inspiration for all coming from the art and cultures of East Asia.
“I have always been fascinated by the philosophies of Daoism, Confucianism and other cultural values that are woven into every piece of artwork in East Asia,” McKnight said. “With my functional pieces, I seek to give others a look at the elegance of a simple shape over a complex piece.
“Implying is more powerful than showing, and conveying feeling is more powerful than portraying reality.”
Although she pulls inspiration from all East Asian cultures, McKnight is particularly influenced by Daoism and its three pillars of simplicity, patience and compassion. They are necessary for harmony with oneself and within their work, she said, and are essential to planning and executing her designs.
“A constant drive to learn and create fuels my work, and everything I learn influences what I create,” she explained. “From the decisive stroke of a brush that can never be taken back, the careful spending of ink to ensure that not a drop more is painted than necessary, to the capturing of feeling over detail.”
McKnight has featured pieces in previous exhibits, including the 2022 Clay Creations Pop-Up Gallery and the 2022 Student Juried Show, both at Campbellsville University. She has worked as a student monitor at The Pence-Chowning Gallery and a Workstudy, Studio Aid and Drawing Class Model for the Campbellsville University Art Department. She will graduate from Campbellsville University with a Bachelor of Science in Art and a minor in music in May.
Gallery hours are as follows: Wednesday - 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday - 1 p.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5 p.m.; and Friday - 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.