Works exhibited in a Hesston College Gallery show February 15-March 8, 2010

Randy Horst is a 1979 graduate of Hesston College and a 1983 graduate of Goshen (Ind.) College with a degree in art education. He has an M.F.A. in drawing from Bowling Green (Ohio) State University. He has taught art at Bowling Green State University, the University of Montana Western (Dillon), and currently teaches at Goshen College. In addition to studio courses Randy also teaches Art History and has led numerous trips to France, Italy and Spain.

Randy has also worked professionally as a graphic designer, serving as the art director for both Mennonite Mutual Aid and Great Harvest Bread Company.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Like a poet plays with sounds and words, I’m interested in playing with visual information – how an object or a shape can mean more than one thing at the same time. A circle can be just a shape and a hole, or target, or polka-dotted pattern, or a ‘move’ in a game of Tick Tack Toe. A figure can allude to both a historical person and be a reflection of ourselves at the same time. A physically flat piece of paper can also be teased into looking illusionistic. A single image can be both amusing and troubling.

SAINT SEBASTIAN

Saint Sebastian was a Christian saint martyred by the Romans in the 3rd Century. He is most commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, which was the first attempted martyrdom of Sebastian. Tended back to health by Saint Irene, he was later beaten to death on the direct orders of Roman Emperor Diocletian.