Senior Creates Art from Patterns of the World

April 10, 2009

Art has been a prominent part of the life of Lacy Abbott, Oklahoma Baptist University senior art major, since she was a little girl growing up in Tecumseh, Okla. Lacy plastered the walls of the kitchen "art gallery" with her finger paintings, as well as house and animal drawings. She also made a profit from her family by selling work for nickels and dimes.

When Abbott was a senior in high school, she was a cheerleader and painted signs for the upcoming games. She found herself spending hours painting the school mascot defeating the rival school's mascot and quickly learned that it was her favorite part of cheerleading - all the while realizing she desired to be an art major.

This 22-year-old is moving her art from the kitchen walls to a showcase in the on-campus Art Division Gallery April 18-28.

OBU is hosting a series of senior art shows throughout the spring semester depicting each artist's favorite pieces in accordance with their chosen theme. Abbott's theme is a mix of technical work, fibers and colors. During her time on Bison Hill, Abbott's work has stretched and transformed her style through the instruction she received from professors.

"As a freshman, I was more concerned with doing technical drawings and paintings," Abbott said. "As I have grown older, I have developed new obsessions with quilting and more craft-like mediums. I love to sew, and I love whimsical designs and colors. Whimsical designs, an extreme love of colors, and a good mix of quilts and cool pillows are a theme in my show."

Various colors, patterns, designs and textures inspire Abbott. Thus everyday things such as tile patterns, magazine pages and clothing - often overlooked by the average observer - serve as an inspiration for her.

"I have always had a weird knack for putting colors and patterns together, and because of this my pieces are born," Abbott said. "Patterns and colors make me the happiest person in the world."

Upon graduation from OBU in May, Abbott plans to further her passion for art and eventually obtain a doctorate. With her doctorate, she hopes to pursue a career working with handicapped children using art therapy and education.