by Lauren Ayles & Haley Beaman
Artist’s Statement
The animated GIF set, a composition of beauty, serves as a physical and digial exploration of new media and narrative, manifested through the art of collage. On the piece’s surface, it tells a simple story of a flower and a girl, but beneath this lies a profound discourse on authors and creators. Formed through the collaborative efforts of two artists (Haley Beaman and Lauren Ayles) the piece stands as a testament to the thousands who contributed to the creative tapestry—the very magazines that constitute its material. It endeavors to highlight the myriad of hands and influences essential to the art-making process, underscoring the communal nature of creativity.
Moreover, the inclusion of GIFs serves a dual purpose, symbolizing not only the creative collaborative effort, but also the modern concept of rapid media consumption. Reflecting on moments spent flipping through magazines in a doctor’s office or contemplating each piece in an art gallery, a composition of beauty prompts us to consider the ephemeral nature of our engagement with entertainment and beauty. Much like the flower swept away by the girl’s touch, our pursuit of aesthetic pleasure can easily dissipate if we neglect to “stop and smell the roses.” In essence, this work as a whole is a visual and conceptual reminder of the intricate layers that comprise artistic endeavors, and the fleeting nature of our interactions with the beautiful and entertaining. It urges us to appreciate the intricate tapestry of creativity, and the transient beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives.
Head Editor
Spencer Norton
Project Manager
Laura Calkins
Section Editor
Lille Knudsen
Faculty Review
Benjamin Thevenin
