By Gary Collins/ne news editor
Late nights, music, and cruising at 3 a.m. down an empty highway or just relaxing in a park can inspire people creatively to think, write and compose.
The Creative Zone, an interactive experience, may do just that Oct. 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the NSTU Center Corner on NE Campus.
“ We are inviting students, faculty, and staff to come on a creative project,” Karen Parsons, NE music department chair, said. “We hope to see writers, poets, theater-mime students and dancers.”
The idea came to Parsons based on a previous experience.
“ Last spring, our music students performed in a recital while a class of art students drew,” she said. “I was impressed with the artwork and experience of combining two art forms.”
Although creativity can be difficult to describe and inspire, it varies with each person. What inspires one person might not inspire another.
“ I do know that music can aid us all with the creative process,” she said.
“ Music is moods and colors, and those moods and colors can help create things,” she said.
Stephen Thomas, NE theater director, has an improv planned: a statue of human clay (not literally). A volunteer is the “blob of clay.” While music plays, the sculptor will mold the clay to fit his or her inspiration.
Based on the works of Wassily Kandinsky, art instructor, Suzanne Burris took a class of drawing students to a music recital and let them draw.
Some students chose to depict the artist (musician) in a representational manner and others chose the Kandinsky technique.
“ Last semester, I asked some of our studio faculty to join in an experiment with me,” she said. “I thought it would be interesting to see if our students could respond to music.”
The works were completed within the time frame of the event.
“ The drawings were quick responses, but finished works,” she, said. “I think most of our students benefited from the experience. It broadens their perceptions of art and shows how external influences can have a large impact both consciously and subconsciously.”
