Shannon KeoughTom Baker, assistant professor of printmaking at Monmouth University, shows off his work in his exhibit “Print and Process,” located in the Grace and Joseph Gorevin Fine Art Gallery.
The exhibit features 20 different works compiled together with warm colors and unusual symbol pairings.
“The art work is very dynamic, the colors just pop and the lines are interesting. The art in general catches my eye,” Kathrina Kamroop, sophomore political science and history major, said.
The works are very contemporary, and brings different colors and patterns together to make an unusual contrast.
Baker’s artist statement said, “The prints are layered with various photos, drawings and even fabrics compiled together in a simple format.” Baker also said,
“The images that are in my prints are random objects that I have found and just put all the stuff that I have and try to make something visually interesting,” Baker said.
“Baker’s art is composed with quality. The contrast between the groups of images are unrelated yet couple together in an unconventional way,” Nicholas Jacques, assistant professor of studio arts, said
Looking at Baker’s art, one is able to distinguish what the objects are; household objects and weapons are two of the main themes that he uses.
“I create things that are recognizable and visually entertaining; I’m not an illustrator, I’m a visual person, not an artist,” Baker said.
“I like the whisk, the household things, it’s different,” Stephanie Juris, freshman early education major, said.
“It’s different, awkward even,” Rebecca Conti, freshman business major, said.
The art that Baker creates does not imply anything, it just represents his thoughts that day, whether they be awkward or not.
“The prints are impressions of my thoughts; it’s a trial and error, putting different images together,” Baker said. “But it’s a natural process creating imagery to support my thoughts.”
Baker’s works are simple, there is not much thought or meaning, but each person will have a different interpretation of the pieces.
To see Tom Baker’s thoughts in print, visit the Holy Spirit Library second floor.
“Print and Process” will be showcased until Oct. 11 during the library hours.
If you want to meet Baker in person, he will be at the gallery Thursday, Sept. 17. To see other works, visit Baker’s homepage at bluehawk.monmouth.edu/~tbaker/.
