Dark Forest: A Fusion of Art and Nature at Chaffey College
Chaffey College students have showcased a distinctive and inspiring way to pay homage to the captivating landscapes unique to Southern California. "Dark Forest," an exhibition at Chaffey, brings together the talents of both photographers and ceramic artists. Running from Aug. 29 to Oct. 23, this display has charmed its audience with a deep appreciation for the environment.
By Arleigh Martinez and Maria Zaldivar
The photographic works of Ling Chen, Erika Gutierrez and Mikayla Lewis transport viewers to realms of forests and deserts. Through their lenses, they capture the play of light and shadow, the graceful forms of nature and the textures that abound in the world outside.
Gutierrez, in particular, offers a glimpse into the ordinary yet extraordinary beauty of the animals on her family's farm, reminding us of the often-overlooked wonders that surround us.
But what truly sets "Dark Forest" apart is the synergy between photography and ceramics. The sculptures on display, carefully perched on pedestals and nestled in a rocky bed, are craggy abstractions of landscapes and geological formations.
Remarkably, these sculptures are crafted from ceramics and unfired clay materials sourced directly from the landscapes they seek to depict. This artistic choice blurs the line between art and nature, as the very essence of the land is used to recreate its rugged beauty in clay.
The exhibition features a roster of talented ceramicists including Linayha Espindola, Jennifer Escobar, Dianna Gutierrez, Ashley Herrera, Natalie Montes, Alexa Rand, Kalia Spaulding and Delfina Torres. My colleague and I got the opportunity to interview Linayha Espindola and Diana Gutierrez.
In a conversation with Chaffey student Diana Gutierrez, she shared her inspiration behind her artwork titled "Misterios de Nuestro Pasado." According to Gutierrez, “this piece is a model of one of the few Olmec Heads left” drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans, and ancient Sumerians. She expressed a fascination with the concept of lost knowledge and culture.
Gutierrez pointed out the unique mystery surrounding the Olmec Heads, particularly their enormous size, some weighing up to 40 tons, and their material, which appears to originate from a mountain range miles away. She mentioned that one of these heads can be seen at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.. Her artwork represents a playful exploration of the mystery, allowing viewers to hold the piece in their hands, imagining the possibilities as if they were giants. The sculpture is designed to be hollow and filled with crystals, enhancing the narrative of "what ifs."
In Gutierrez's artwork, history intertwines with fantasy, creating a bridge between the past and the imagination.
Espindola is responsible for a piece that caught our attention from the moment we walked in. Although the artwork is untitled, we were able to get the creative thought process behind the piece. Her art contained ceramic rocks with many textures and colorful surfaces.
Espindola originally created this piece for an assignment but her professor decided that the piece would compliment the exhibition beautifully. Espindola not only had her piece presented in the exhibition but she was one of the conductors of this event as well.
When asked about her creative thought process on her piece, she said, “The assignment was to literally make rocks. I struggle with not having color so let me just see how I could make this rock if I put as much color as possible.” She then goes on to explain how she created her piece “I actually layered different colors…it's basically clay that's blended with water and a bit of coloring… and I sculpted the colors off and they create a marble pattern.”
Their dedication to their craft is evident in each beautifully crafted piece, which serves as a testament to the power of human creativity in harmony with the natural world. "Dark Forest," is more than just an art exhibition. It is a meditation on the link between humanity and nature.
Through the lens of talented Chaffey College students, visitors are transported to the heart of Southern California's wild landscapes. This exhibition reminds us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us daily and showcases the talents of the students who have brought this unique vision to life.
Prepare to immerse yourself into "Dark Forest," where the fusion of art and nature creates a unique experience. Here, landscapes serve as both inspiration and canvas. Don't miss this extraordinary showcase of talent and creativity at Chaffey College, a celebration of the natural world like no other.
