Backstory: An Unburied Spotlight
-By Sophie Swenholt
A recent graduate of Towson University, Donald Harris, Jr. is a local artist of many talents. At Towson, he studied computer science and art. His masterful digital artwork is currently featured in Unburied: The Secrets We Keep at the Gallery at Convergence.
Convergence: How do you feel your piece expresses the theme of Unburied?
Donald: The concept of my piece was personifying what a secret meant to me. Utilizing the three characteristic: mysterious, guarded, and attractive; I created a figure that embodied these traits. The alluring yet vulnerable eyes, lend to the mystery behind her expression. Her body pose is tight, closed off, and slightly uncomfortable, bounded by a ribbon refers to being guarded. Though she is naked, she isn’t exposed, which lends to her beauty. Her message lives and is confided to the interior of a text message.
Convergence: Do you work in any other mediums?
Donald: Though I primarily work in digital medium, I also enjoy painting with oils and dabbling in creating found-object sculptures.
Convergence: What inspired the subject and details of your piece?
Donald: I’m mostly inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature. I also try to find beauty in the everyday flow of life.
Convergence: How long have you been making art? Did you ever study art in school? Childhood, high school, college?
Donald: I have been creating art since I was child in elementary school. I still have schoolbooks that catalog my journey from drawing stick figures to mega man to Dragon Ball Z to portraits. I went to Towson University and graduated in computer science and minored in art. My goal was to blend the language of computers with the expression of art.
Convergence: What’s been your favorite part of your involvement with Convergence and the Unburied exhibit?
Donald: Having the chance to talk with people about their art and my own is a great experience. Finding out the back-story behind a piece is almost as exciting as viewing the piece itself. Having the opportunity to share my work with others and possibly move them into a more active creative space drives me as a creator.
Check out Donald’s work at the Gallery at Convergence through the end of the month and visit his website, www.designedbydonald.com.
Violent Grace: A Retrospective, Edward Knippers →
