Gaze Interrupted
November 18–22
Reception
When: Thursday November 21, 2024, 4:30–6:00pm
Where: Gallery 130, Meek Hall
Introduce yourself and tell us where you are from.
My name is Claire Baskin, and I am from Louisville, Mississippi!
What attracted you to the Department of Art & Art History?
I have always been surrounded by art my entire life. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist, and that dream never felt unrealistic due to my family being extremely supportive of my goals. I grew up around painters, photographers, and musicians in my family, so I knew it was possible. There really was never another option I wanted to look into. I easily knew when coming to the University that I wanted to pursue my BFA in painting. If I am being honest, I never even did a tour of the art department. I just jumped right in, and I knew that I had made the right choice immediately. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What type of artwork do you create and can you discuss your process?
I work primarily with painting the female figure. I began with many self-portraits using charcoal and oil paint, and then as I took more figure drawing classes, I became more interested in anatomy and capturing dynamic posing. I am an enormous lover of art history and started looking into/taking a lot of inspiration from the classical nudes portraying the female figure from different eras/movements. However, I take this feeling of the classical and combine it with the modern by contrasting the overtly dramatic figure with humorous objects from this day and age to create a specific narrative in each piece. My current body of work focuses on reclaiming the female gaze by taking the subject of the female nude which has been notoriously portrayed through the lens of the male gaze in the history of art and giving it my own humorous twist. I want my figures to be full of personality and to be seen beyond their physical bodies. My physical process involves painting on wood panel with oils. I prepare by creating an underpainting of my design and then work in layers to build up color through glazing. I find that I enjoy this method the most when creating skin tones, as I like to see a variety of both natural and unnatural color in the flesh.
Which artists do you look to for inspiration?
I look to many artists both historical and contemporary! I would say in terms of historical artists, I look to William Adolphe Bouguereau and John Singer Sargent (both fantastic masters of the figure.) And in terms of contemporary, I love the work of Sasha Gordon, Chloe Wise, and Lisa Yuskavage. All three of these women do incredible work with the female figure, each in their own very unique and experimental way. I have to add in David Hockney as an honorable mention; his use of color is something I am inspired by as well.
Which professors inspired you the most?
Brooke Alexander has been the most influential professor to me in my time here at Meek. My first class with her was Drawing II, and her guidance took not only my drawing to the next level but also my confidence in my artistic ability. After that class, I took the rest of the classes offered by her and owe her so much! She is truly the best, and I have learned a lot about painting through her work as well. Her artwork is stunning. Kaleena Stasiakhas also been a great inspiration. I have only taken Intermediate Printmaking from her; however, that class stands as one of my favorites I have ever taken here because of her guidance. Her encouragement of creativity really boosted my confidence in many of my ideas that I felt unsure of. It was that class where my idea for my Thesis Exhibition was born.
What has been your favorite class during your years here?
One would think I would say painting…but surprisingly, no. Without a doubt, Figure Drawing (taught by Brooke Alexander) will forever be my favorite class. There are only two levels of it offered, but I did an independent study for that class just so I could take it a third time. It was so vital in my understanding of the human figure and anatomy. I primarily worked with charcoal using a reductive method for my drawings. There truly is no better way to learn anatomy than from a live model, and I am extremely grateful for this class being offered here. I think everyone should take it!
Do you have a favorite memory here in the department?
I have so many, as I feel like I practically live here sometimes; however, if I had to pick one it would be receiving the Outstanding Painting Student Award last spring. I truly was not expecting it, and I will always be extremely grateful for that. But even that does not compare to the memory of meeting all of my friends here who have become my little art family. We have a great time up in the BFA painting studio. My other favorite memory involves an opossum, and that is all I will say. IYKYK.
Do you have any advice for incoming art students?
Artwork is work and hard work at that. Be prepared to spend many hours in and out of the studio. And make friends with the other art majors! Art is so much more fun when you struggle together, haha.
Do you have any hobbies outside of the art department?
I am a big-time reader! I am actually almost done completing my 100-count book goal of 2024. I also play the piano and love hiking. I road-trip out to Colorado every summer to hike anywhere I can.
What is your favorite thing about Oxford or the University?
Oxford is a magical place. I was born and raised in the South, and I can honestly say there is no place quite like Oxford, Mississippi. I can see why they call it the Velvet Ditch because of how easy it is to get comfortable here. The community is my favorite thing about this place. No matter where I go, I am always met with kindness whether that be when I am browsing the three stories ofSquare Books, studying in Heartbreak Coffee, or sifting through vinyl at The End of All Music. The arts community specifically is alive and well making it so easy to connect with other wonderful artists. There are a lot of progressive folks here who work to make Oxford feel like a safe place for everyone compared to many other places in Mississippi, and I will always be grateful for that.
Can we find you on social media?
Instagram: @artbyclairebaskin
Do you have any plans after graduation?
I really want to begin building my own brand and start creating as much as possible. I hope to make a lot of connections and work my way into gallery opportunities. I also want to travel as soon as I get the chance. I would love to paint across the globe.