When you descend the stairs in the Silver Center for the Arts, an assortment of light frames line both the curved and adjacent wall. Swirling black, gray and beige shapes with an occasional splash of color tell a story of not only the faces and items depicted, but of the artist himself.
Pleasantly humble Lee Misenheimer, originally hailing from North Carolina, opened his exhibit in Silver on Tues., March 6, 2012 amidst interested students, professors, and various members of the Plymouth community. The gallery set up in the lobby includes various sizes of works, his smallest pieces taken straight from his sketchbook. A fan of drawing and illustration, Misenheimer uses graphite and gouache, a type of watercolor, as his chosen mediums.
Misenheimer graduated with a BFA from East Carolina University School of Art in 1994, and later moved from North Carolina to New York City in ‘98 where he currently resides. Usually a participant in group art shows in major cities such as Seattle and Los Angeles. Misenheimer explained how the process was “nervewracking” and that he “was not used to having the spotlight on him”, this being his second solo show.
Misenheimer credits his inspiration in Redeemers to Asian mythology and totems as well as Japanese printmaking, which can be seen by the dragon like depictions on his largest pieces, ‘Pantheon’ and ‘The Great Masticator’. He gave it his own personal touch by explaining how he wanted to show what “spirits would look like if they lived in Brooklyn.” Other smaller pieces are more colorful with his use of the gouache, such as three set side by side, ‘Super Puss’, ‘Yella’, and ‘Blue’, containing swirls of bright yellow and turquoise.
Redeemers has a deep meaning for Misenheimer, as he went through a dry spell for three years before finally starting back up with drawing in late 2008. One day he picked up his sketchbook and took it with him everywhere, and with the thought in mind that “a blank sheet of paper is the worst” started on his most recent set. Misenheimer says that it “went really fast in the grand scheme of things.”
His intriguing display of line and shape certainly caught the eye of many appreciative observers. Sophomore Kirstina Barrows commented that there was “something really exciting about the pieces themselves”, that they were “refreshing”.
Professor Jay Moskowitz picked up on the Asian influences of Misenheimer’s pieces. “I think of dragon heads and Chinese New Year celebrations in any China Town.” He also said, “I see a lot of motion, a lot of detail and nice lines. It’s captivating.”
Misenheimer generously answered questions, but mostly stood back to let everyone examine his work. When asked what he wanted people to get out of his art, he responded, “I want people to get an interest in drawing. Even in New York, drawing doesn’t get represented as much. I feel like it’s making a comeback.” He also hopes to have a new piece ready by the time he makes a return visit to Plymouth State in April. “I’m hoping to have a new piece by the discussion. Color is a little scary to me, but I want to make it bright.”
Redeemers will be showcased in the Silver Center lobby from March 6 to April 7. Misenheimer will also be in Silver 116 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on April 3, 2012 for a Q&A discussion.