Student Explores Beauty in Art

November 6, 2009

Beauty is a subjective concept one Oklahoma Baptist University senior art major, Kaleen Connell, tries to capture in her artwork, which will be showcased during her on-campus show Nov. 7-31 in the OBU Art Division Gallery.

OBU is hosting a series of senior art shows throughout the fall semester depicting each artist's favorite pieces in accordance with their chosen theme. "It's A Beautiful View," is the title and focus of Connell's show. A conversation with one of her friends regarding differing life perspectives inspired the vision of the show.

"He told me how he appreciated my innocent, idyllic way of viewing things," said Connell, a 22-year-old from Mustang, Okla. "I was expressing how sometimes living open-hearted and in search of beauty can be a saddening, disappointing way to live, but he said, 'It's a beautiful view.'"

Connell's said her grandmother inspired her creativity, fostered in first grade when she enrolled in an art program. She has carried the artistic dream with her since then.

"I tend to wish for the ideal and to see beauty in all things, pretty or not," said Connell, who incorporates various mediums into her work.

"I love working in fibers, ceramics and painting mostly," she said.

Upon graduation in May, Connell plans to pursue a master's degree in studio art, and eventually become a professor. She also aspires to get an alternative teaching certificate in art education and aid her mother with her interior decorating company.