“Being an art major with both an English and religion minor probably didn’t make sense to some people; I wasn’t even sure it made sense to me,” said senior Cheyenne Hill. “But it became clearer to me when I studied in London. I was able to see some of the world’s greatest works of art in the most highly esteemed museums. It motivated me to create. I wanted to do something.”
Hill is a Guilford student and photographer. She is also the subject of a one-woman art exhibition, scheduled to open Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Boren Lounge at 7 pm, which will display a series of photographs inspired by religious paintings.
“Cheyenne has always had a deep respect for other cultures and religion and wants others to feel that same respect,” said Susan Stukane, Hill’s mother. Hill, a former anthropology major, demonstrated that personality trait when explaining the inspiration behind the theme of the approaching show.
“Religion, art, and literature are intertwined on so many levels,” Hill said. “Humanity’s questions and beliefs about the purpose and meaning of life are all expressed in art – either in visual or literary representations. Art and literature are the worship of life, no matter what one person’s spiritual belief may be.”
The upcoming show will display her photographic portrayals of religious figures including Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and other followers of Christ. Hill combined depictions of these individuals in Renaissance paintings with her own touch to modernize the images and help them relate to more people.
Professor Maia Dery, Hill’s photography instructor, believes that her recent work has conveyed much more personal meaning than her earlier work. “Spending last [fall] semester in London seemed to change her approach to her photographic work,” said Dery. “It’s as if she left a college student and returned an adult.”
Although proud of her hard work, Hill remains level-minded and humble towards her accumulating successes.
She is a soon-to-be college graduate, the focus of an upcoming photography exhibit, and the recent recipient of the honor of being featured in the Durham Art Guild Show, which began Nov. 7.
Acknowledging all the distinction and hype surrounding her name on Guilford’s campus, the 23-year-old (who still has her grandfather’s old camera that she used as a child) smiled and giggled slightly, “I’m really grateful for the attention and support; but I’m also a little scared.”
Perhaps Hill’s apprehensions could be eased by knowing the high regard she is held in, not only by Maia Dery, but also President Kent Chabotar. Not to mention the natural yet sincere, maternal response from her mother.
“I have watched Cheyenne overcome many obstacles since she was very small, and she has only become stronger,” Stukane said.
“She will not only be successful, but happy, no matter what she chooses to do.
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Portrait of an artist: Cheyenne Hill
November 14, 2003
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