OHHS Art and Design teachers Bridget Dignan-Cummins and Jamie Schorsch were recently selected to exhibit their work at the 2021 Juried Exhibition for High School art teachers! “Art at the X” will be on display at the Xavier University Art Galleries from August 20th-September 17th, 2021. The artists’ reception will take place on August 27th from 5:00-7:30pm with awards announced at 6:30pm. Check out their works to be exhibited and artist statements below!

Bridget Dignan-Cummins

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My art is driven by my relationships; with nature, color, texture, family, and self. Any exchange we have as human beings with the relationship we have with ourselves; determining our perspective, approach, and choices. As an artist, I try to stay conscientious of my decisions in the process and the final product is driven by these correlations. My hope is that each person has a connection with my work unique to themselves and reflective of their relationship with the media, subject matter, and symbolism.

Jamie Schorsch

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The birds depicted in my artworks are referenced for their migratory patterns and characteristics; specific birds are selected for their symbolic representation of life events and cycling through processes. Transitioning through life’s events is represented through progressive maturing of the bird or their relationship to other birds- and how those paths are traveled or connect.  Numbers, numerology, and maps are often integrated to symbolize specific locations, dates, and relevant information related to pathways through tribulations. Narrative, symbolism, mythologies, migration, transition and patterns; the resulting repertoire of images created illustrates visual, social, and spiritual explorations in relation to modern societal standards and events that become engrained in your DNA and impact individual development of identity. 

“Routine Education” is a commentary on the human rights issue of gun related violence continually impacting American schools. The vultures depicted in the work were selected for their symbolic representation in relation to life events, specifically as signifiers of death. The numbers, compiled through research, are juxtaposed with the vulture imagery to represent the number of documented shootings, deaths, and injuries that have occurred in American schools from the 18th century until March of 2018.

“Pandemic Nexus” is a commentary on the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on the development and maintaining of relationships while in fluctuating stages of isolation. Numerological elements embedded in the image relate to dates significant to the impact of the Pandemic and subsequent moments of connection formed during chaotic times as well as representing symbolic elements of individuals. The network of linear intersections alludes to trajectories in life’s path and resulting convergences.

“Migrant Refuge” addresses human rights issues of refugees seeking asylum on a global scale. Millions of individuals, and families attempt to migrate and establish new roots but face deportation and entry refusal on many fronts. The sparrows juxtaposed with countries that have most recently experienced mass exoduses serve as a directive to nurture our fellow humans as they move through life’s tribulations.

Collaged images of maps were embedded in the background on which images of the birds were rendered. Prismacolor pencil, alcohol marker, acrylic paint, and archival ink were utilized to render the image. Stenciling tools were employed for the addition of numerical elements with varying sizes of archival ink pens to create the illusion of space.