David Darnell Artist Statment

This art would not be possible without a few sacrifices. However, some of these caged creatures have survived the painting gauntlet and gone to live in your nearby ponds and lakes. Don't be frightened seeing these painted animals, they are living proof of art. I learned alot from painting without touching the canvas. Even though I've never taken a painting class, I began to take things furthur and enjoy it. I hope to do more touchless art in the future. I will also continue with thefan and air painting which was truly my favorite. The tree and bush painting need a little tweeking to get it just right but it could truly make the best paintings. I've learned now to use more harmonious colors and balance the paint in some stance. I've also learned to make depth with color and placment. I enjoy painting and plan to go furthur with it as I mature.

Wade Clark Artist Statment

The premise of this collaborative project was "pleasure vs pain." I knew that I wanted to use photography for this project because it is my main area of study. I also knew that I wanted to interject humor into the project, so the Darwin Awards immediately came to mind. After researching some of the incredible stories I could find pertaining to the Darwin Awards, whether true or not, I had my inspiration for my own photographs. In the beginning, I used different people I knew to pose for photographs. At first I wanted their different personalities presented in the whole body of work, but when discussing my first few photographs with Mrs. Allen, we decided to stick with one subject - Alex. He is quite the animated individual. We decided that we liked the idea of having this one clumsy character repeating various injuries in several humorous but painful-looking situations. I then decided to add a "focus circle" around the wound area to immediately draw the eye of the viewer. In photoshop I adjusted color balance, brightness, and contrast inside the "focus circle" and then increased the contrast to an absurd level. I enjoy the effects that can be achieved when bumping the contrast way up. Initially I applied this affect to the entire photograph, but then I changed it to where the "focus circle" was the only area with the applied effects. I think the fact that it is completely unnecessary adds to the comical feel of the entire work.

Traci Rood Artist Statment

Focusing on the topic of phobias, I designed a body of work that illustrates humorous phobias that are painful to those who have to endure them on a daily basis.  There are many people who suffer from phobias which others may find humorous.  I have come across phobias of objects or situations that cause absolutely no harm and are really meant to bring joy to people.  So I find it extremely interesting that these things can cause some people to be filled with fear and anxiety.

I wanted this series to serve a dual purpose and to be somewhat two-sided.  I created a 15”x15” panel that is hinged, which allows the viewer to open each one to reveal the other phase of the phobia.  At first, I want the viewer to experience the fear that these phobias might cause.  The exterior of each piece conveys this darker side.  Then I wanted to portray the fun or lighthearted side that others see.  The interior illustrates this aspect once it is opened. 

Rebecca Fedor Artist Statment

On a two-day pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for the March for Life, I recognized irony in the actions of the marchers, including myself.  All of the supporters of life understand the importance of giving each conceived life the opportunity to be born.  A common prayer intention of a pro-life supporter is for the respect of all life, from conception until natural death.  In my opinion, this includes respecting every person with charity and taking care of the gifts we are given.  These gifts include our bodies and the world in which we live.  Why can’t we, as human beings, see the big picture in our small decisions?  In this cruel world, a mother has the option of killing her own child in order to live a comfortable life.  In this cruel world, a person has the right to slowly kill himself with tobacco products, advancing inevitable death, but making it less “natural.” 
Each piece in this series shows the faithfulness of those who rally against abortion and the irony of anti-life actions.  The pain is recognized in the seriousness of the subject and the humor can be recognized through irony and image placement.

Stephanie Ward Artist Statment

Earlier this year I was unfortunate enough to catch both the cold and the flu within three weeks of each other, so when we chose topics for Pain Vs. Humor the pain of the flu was the first thing on my mind.  In these four paintings I have represented some common symptoms of the cold and flu.
            The first is fever, where the man’s temperature is so high that an egg is frying on top of his head.  The second is of a woman with a frog in her throat, literally.  The third man’s nose is stopped up with a cork, though that hasn’t stopped it from running around it.  The woman in the fourth painting has a headache so bad that it feels as though her head is being squeezed in a vise.
            All four paintings are acrylic on 18 x 24 canvas. 

Stephanie Spurlock Artist Statment

Humor and pain are two opposite emotions that in many ways mirror each other. In some cases, humor is caused by another person’s pain, or even as a cover up as one’s pain within. I am showing the difference and similarities between humor and pain by manipulating photographs of people in different emotions. I use the colors red and blue to symbolize the contrasting differences between humor and pain.

Melanie Pedgett Artist Statment

Have you ever heard the expression, “Beauty knows no pain?” This body of work focuses on the struggles individuals face in society today to be physically accepted. The world today has become quite materialistic due to the popularity of celebrities and our evolving society. There has become an increase in plastic surgery, fashion, physique, and anything that brings comfort concerning ones self-image.

Through the mediums of photography and make-up artistry, I have approached this subject in an exaggerated fashion to make light of the subject which some are quite sensitive to. The purpose of this work is to entertain the viewer by showing the humor of cosmetic procedures and practices that can be emotionally painful for the ones seeking acceptance. I hope this project serves as a reminder of the old saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.”

Jade Bagwell Artist Statment

What if the tables were turned?  Many people have an odd fear of clowns.  Some even go as far as to have a full fear called Couldrophobia.  Clowns are all around us.  In every aspect of and enjoyable event such as the following:  local fairs, circuses, birthday parties, parades, and even movies.  A clown was meant to bring happiness to people but due to the mass making of horror clowns the fear has grown ever more. 
Through my project I hope to show a point- of –view that a clown might have.  Instead of a person being terribly scared of a clown, what if a clown was scared of people.  If that is the case then, there could be an honest reason why a clown always has a painted face, maybe it is camouflage from humans.  The clowns in the photos show everyday life as a clown and all the ups and downs of being one.  Really what would happen if the tables were turned?