|
Abstract ID: 49 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-7 Abstract Title: Hues of the Past Student: Suzanna Atkins (SMATKINS@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Suzanna Atkins, Prof. Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: In my work I explore the past using family photos as my primary reference. With these photographs I collage a composition and use oil paint and multimedia to bring my work to life. Oil paint is the primary medium I work in, using ala prima to create implied textures that are juxtaposed next to high impasto to create visual contrast. This contrast is continued in my work via multimedia elements such as paper collage, soft sculpture, sewing, or sequins. In my pieces I explore different experiences, relationships, and memories when I paint, I feel as though I connect with my inner self allowing intuitive expression of my thoughts and feelings, which I was very disconnected from. When I began to paint about myself and create work relating to my personal experiences, I felt like a weight had been lifted from me and painting turned out to be cathartic. Each piece explores the different relationship dynamics that I observed and experienced at my maternal grandparent’s house when I was growing up. Each piece focuses on a certain relationship dynamic such as my cousin, younger sister, and I, my Nanny and Papa, and the whole family unit. I spent many summers and afternoons with these people and these dynamics are no longer the same now that time has passed and circumstances have changed. I want each piece to act as a time capsule for these memories to live on in and for others to reminisce about similar experiences. |
|
Abstract ID: 78 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-9 Abstract Title: Tales of the Lowcountry Student: Maegan Bazen (MLBAZEN@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Maegan Bazen Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: During my childhood, I have heard many different stories and folklore. I have always loved learning the different ghost stories from every place I visit or travel to. It gives insight into the history and culture of that place. I also have a huge appreciation for Low-country folklore and the history that is associated with those stories. I have spent most of my life here in Beaufort. St. Helen island has been important to me and my family since I can remember. The story of the Chapel of Ease on St. Helen island has always stood out to me. The medium I used is especially important to the piece; I used rug hooking to give the look of a tapestry. I believe that history and folklore should be recorded and honored, I wanted to put my own spin on that and was inspired by medieval tapestries. I was inspired by the thought of them believing that these legends were important enough to spend countless hours weaving these works of art. Rug-hooking is a craft I learned from my grandmother when I was younger, using fabric and making something by hand has always spoken to me. I have always gravitated to physical media. I want these pieces to give the feeling of looking at something and knowing there is a history behind it, to understand that it is important that we remember the legends and stories. Along with the rug hooking I have done drawings based on low country folklore mainly based on St. Helen island. I grew up hearing about the land’s end light along with the gray man. I decided to do drawing inspired by these tales to honor the man who told me them to start with my father. My dad has always been a huge supporter of my art and he gave me the love I have for history. |
|
Abstract ID: 57 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-4 Abstract Title: Spaces We Feel Student: Abigail Carte (ACARTE@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: abigail carte, Jim Sidletsky, joanna angel, emma barnes Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: I create photography that focuses on emotional expression through calm, familiar, and natural environments. Much of my work centers around nostalgia and comfort, using color, light, and composition to capture moments that feel emotionally charged but still grounded. Photography allows me to preserve real experiences while shaping their mood, which is important to me because I want my work to feel honest rather than staged. Nature plays a recurring role in my work because it offers a sense of stability and reflection. I believe beauty is essential—it draws the viewer in—but meaning is what gives the image purpose. I often use color intentionally to express emotion, combining atmosphere with subject matter to create images that feel specific and personal rather than generic. Inspired by artists like Paul Nicklen, I aim to merge emotional clarity with visual storytelling. My goal is for viewers to feel comforted when they first encounter my work, and then gradually begin to understand the deeper message behind it. Ultimately, my work is about creating space for emotion, reflection, and connection. |
|
Abstract ID: 69 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-5 Abstract Title: Organic Glass Student: Madison Freyer (MFREYER@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Madison Freyer, Jim Sidletsky (Faculty Mentor) Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: I like to create art because I like to create whimsy and joy. I work primarily in drawing and ceramics. I’ve drawn and created throughout my whole life. I loved making happy things for my family and as an artist now I’m able to share those happy things with everyone. I enjoy working with bright colors and fine details. I see a lot of dullness in the world and I make my art to put more light into that dullness. In my drawings I love to focus on reflective and complex surfaces. Light changes constantly and I love catching moments that can change with the day. I also enjoy drawing water, the flowing forms and deep shadows bring me a sense of calm while I’m working. My other medium of choice is ceramics, working with clay is such a special experience. I enjoy exploring floral themes and seeing how the clay can move and flourish. All of my art is influenced by nature and the feeling of happiness. The process of making my pieces is very enjoyable and I like that to come through when viewing my work. I want those viewing my art to feel a sense of tranquility, happiness and wonder. If someone smiles because of my art, I’ve reached my goal. |
|
Abstract ID: 80 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-12 Abstract Title: Audacity Student: Katie Garcia (GARCIAKA@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Katie Garcia, Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: Above all, I am a storyteller. Whether that be through words, animation, or other visual media. I am drawn to telling stories that are a commentary of the world around us, utilize feelings of hope and inspiration, and instill a sense of curiosity and drive for self-improvement in my viewers. I strive for my art to be a place where people can step away from their own lives for a second and exist and engage with another world. I am an animator with a strong foundation in both 2D and 3D animation, specializing in realistic weight and movement. My master works are both story-based 2D animations made using several Adobe Creative Suite apps, including Animate, After Effects, and Audition. I placed a strong focus on making the story match the tone of the music, as well as on quickly and clearly establishing the world these animations exist in. The first piece, Audacity, is largely inspired by the specific tones often found in superhero media, including themes of hope and overcoming challenges. It focuses on the idea of learning from failure, and having the Audacity to try even when the odds seem completely against you. The second piece, Escapism, is a commentary on religion and the difference between devotees who value loyalty and believers who value kindness. It focuses on the difference between blindly following those in charge and building a community with empathy and kindness. |
|
Abstract ID: 70 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-6 Abstract Title: To Make 2D Compelling: A Character Study Student: Malaya Henderson (MALAYAH@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Babet Villena-Alvarez (jivillen@uscb.edu) Author List: Malaya Henderson, Prof. Jim Sidletsky (Faculty Mentor), Prof. Emma Barnes (Faculty Co-Mentor) Program: Humanities Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: Throughout my childhood, and even now, I always felt it was difficult to connect with my peers and others around me. I would keep to myself and turn to films, TV shows, and games as sources of comfort, and soon make stories of my own. I’ve always enjoyed the visual and storytelling aspects that come with character design and typically design in a digital or traditional format. Especially when it comes to personal identity, creating diverse characters lets me explore different perspectives and navigate my own emotions. It allows me to push out my own form of representation since most, if not all, of my characters are people of color or just black in general. With this project, I wanted to take the time to revise the design and story for one of my Dungeons and Dragons characters: Destiny L. Seeker. From the original concept, Destiny deviates from the standard cowboy image in every way— she’s a young, darkskin girl— and that appealed to me. Alongside that, personal identity and the concept of justice are essential parts of her character that align with the characteristics of the American West. The biggest aspect I concern myself with is how a design reflects a character’s psychological profile. From visual aspects such as silhouette, body language, and overall appearance to the more psychological aspects which include color psychology, archetypes and character motivations, these are characteristics that highlight how effective a character’s design is (Nieminen 2017). Which is why I focused on creating a balance of color and shape of language throughout my design. Throughout the course of my research, my main objective was to outline a basic understanding of character design fundamentals, personal identity during child development, and historical context of American western culture as it relates to the character’s background. |
|
Abstract ID: 56 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-10 Abstract Title: Chalice Student: Tonella Lindsey (TLINDSEY@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Tonella Lindsey, Prof. Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: I think the worst thing that a work of art could do is be repetitive and dull; which is why I create my art using bright colors, dramatic lighting, and dynamic lines. In my opinion, art should be experimental and have a sense of flair. My work strives to be whimsical, joyful, combining my interest in art and technology. The works are a blend of both art and technology combined; as a digital media artist, I use digital mediums such as 3D modeling, textures, and drawing programs to draw, paint, and animate the works you see. I’m inspired by fantasy, mythology, color, and space; things that invoke a sense of curiosity and make you ask questions and explore. I created an environment that combines 3D models to make a 2D painting; asking the audience to explore what part is 2D and what is 3D. The other work is a game showing all of the knowledge I have learned over the years, creating a love letter to myself and showing that despite the pitfalls in life, getting up and moving forward can make you shoot for the stars. |
|
Abstract ID: 42 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-1 Abstract Title: A Beginners Look At Polygonal Modeling VS Digital Sculpting Student: Venus Paddock (PADDOCM@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Babet Villena-Alvarez (jivillen@uscb.edu) Author List: Venus Paddock, Babet Villena-Alvarez, Jim Sidletsky Program: Humanities Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: When beginning a journey into the 3D Modeling field one glaring problem becomes apparent, which method to use? With a plethora of programs, styles, and methods, it’s confusing for many beginner artists to know where to start. This study works to compare two major methods, polygonal modeling and digital sculpting, through the eyes of an artist who has yet to have any knowledge in either. Two programs were used for this study, Maya for polygonal modeling and ZBrush for digital sculpting. Research was then conducted to find out if the process of the works matched alongside the process of other users, of which several consistent points were found. Digital sculpting is often able to get more detail than polygonal modeling (Frank, Fitzpatrick, Ertu Unver, & Caterina Benincasa-Sharman, 2017.) Where digital sculpting has detail, polygonal modeling has more precision (Kisko, Elizaveta, 2024.) Through this research, as well as several tutorials on the programs such as Getting Started with Sculpting - ZBrush for Beginners Tutorial (FlippedNormals, 2018) two models were created. This project was completed in two weeks and was proven to be accessible should the artists choose to put in the effort. This accessibility has begun to become mute, however, as Ai begins to override the need for these skills, and as the future unravels it is still unclear if these skills will be needed later in time. |
|
Abstract ID: 32 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-2 Abstract Title: Signals From The West Student: James Plant (JEPLANT@email.sc.edu) Faculty Mentor: Brian Canada (bcanada@uscb.edu) Author List: James Plant, Connor Floyd, Lucia Serratelli, Sierra Culbertson, Prof. Jim Sidletsky (Faculty co-mentor), Dr. Brian Canada (Faculty co-mentor) Program: Computer Science Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: Signals From the West is a 2D pixel art “bullet hell” video game created using the Unity game engine, which has been used to create such popular commercial games as Fall Guys, Cuphead, and Hollow Knight. Like other games in the “bullet hell” genre, ranging from arcade classics like Galaga to modern indie titles like Undertale, the player must dodge a barrage of on-screen projectiles while trying to eliminate enemies. Our game takes place in an alternate-universe version of the “wild west,” where your fictional town of Los Cabales retains the traditional aesthetics of classic “spaghetti Western” movies but the world is populated with robots instead of humans. As the Sheriff, your objective is to hunt down the Bolto Banditos, a gang that has been harassing the town and who have also kidnapped your wife. In the core game loop, the player will fight enemies in the bullet hell section where they will be rewarded with gold. The player will then be moved into the town where they can interact with characters and purchase items at the shops. After the player has finished all they want to do in town for the day, they can go to the saloon and start the next level of the game where this loop will be repeated. Signals From the West was originally developed as the final project in CSCI/MART B479 Fall 2025. Our team followed the well-known “agile” philosophy to help maximize team productivity while minimizing the burden of preparing overly detailed documentation. Work was divided into a series of time-boxed development sprints spanning a two-month overall production cycle, and the Unity Version Control System was used to enable team members to work concurrently on different aspects of the project. Our team elected to name itself “Siglo Studios” to create a business-like entity, under which we have continued to refine Signals from the West, even after the course has ended. You can find more information about the game, including a link to a demo build, at siglostudios.com. |
|
Abstract ID: 82 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-3 Abstract Title: Mirror Creatures Student: Audrey Rackley (RACKLEYM@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Audrey Rackley, Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: I create oil paintings, drawings, and prints that explore identity, femininity, and the pull of the mythical. Medieval imagery and symbolic creatures like unicorns and owls, along with Gothic influence seen through vampiric scenes, and other ancient whimsical beings layered with cultural meaning shape the visual language I return to repeatedly. Through them, I’m able to speak about desire, sexuality, power, and the shifting nature of the self while preserving a sense of wonder. Oil is my primary medium, and my process centers on slow, layered rendering of figures and animals. I work wet on dry, allowing each layer to fully cure before adding the next. This pace creates a kind of intimacy with my subjects, and spending so much time with them lets the surfaces develop a living presence. I’m drawn to the line between realism and fantasy, using these figures to express real emotional experiences and internal conflicts. That tension opens an emotional space within the work. Influenced by folklore, illuminated manuscripts, and mythical archetypes, my work invites viewers into a world that is both familiar and uncanny. I want the imagery to spark curiosity and reflection, encouraging people to consider how identity can be as complex, magical, and multifaceted as the creatures and figures that inhabit my paintings. |
|
Abstract ID: 71 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-13 Abstract Title: The Four Fundamentals Student: Max Rodriguez (MDR23@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Max Rodriguez, Prof. Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: I create oil paintings that explore the intersection of culture, history, and the natural environment of the Lowcountry. My work primarily focuses on the region's landscapes and figurative historical narratives, seeking to capture the spirit of a place defined by its relationship with the water and the past. My creative process is centered on laying down distinct, impressionistic brushstrokes to build form and light. This method allows me to communicate the raw beauty of the Lowcountry while maintaining a sense of energy and movement. By studying the technical mastery of artists like Anders Zorn and Nicolai Fechin, I utilize a bold, painterly approach to translate complex textures onto the canvas. Ultimately, my paintings serve as a form of preservation. As the local environment and its traditions continue to change, I aim to document these disappearing scenes and stories. I want the viewer to feel a connection to the history that shaped this land, ensuring these moments are not lost to time. |
|
Abstract ID: 73 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-11 Abstract Title: TrapxKymio Student: Aalyssa Taylor (AALYSSA@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Aalyssa Taylor, Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: Tattoos are an art form that hold much more meaning than color or design. How it’s done and where it’s placed on the body plays a huge role. The emotion behind each tattoo you get is a story. These are a few of my tattoos that symbolize pain I’ve endured throughout my life. This tribal tattoo on my chest covers my heart. It symbolizes armor over my heart to protect my soul. The Koi fish holding the sun and moon represent my mom mother who died of cancer. Her favorite thing to say to me was “I will always love you to the moon and back.” Whenever I look at this piece I feel her with me. Creating stunning pieces that turn pain into artwork that will last a lifetime is my goal. Art that can tell a story without speaking. |
|
Abstract ID: 47 Abstract Number (within Poster Category): Visual Arts-8 Abstract Title: "Take Me To My Fantasy" Student: Jackelyz Velazquez (JACKELYZ@email.uscb.edu) Faculty Mentor: Jim Sidletsky (sidletsj@uscb.edu) Author List: Jackelyz Velazquez, Jim Sidletsky Program: Visual Arts and Design Abstract Category: Visual Arts Abstract: As an artist, I explore multiple mediums, balancing oil paint and digital illustration. I began with simple materials given by family and friends, and I still carry that foundation with me, combining painting, drawing, and digital work into one cohesive practice. Oil paint allows me to capture emotion in real time, offering flexibility through its slow drying process. In digital illustration, I mirror that approach, using layers and gradient maps to build depth, light, and shadow. Across both, I work in layers, gradually shaping feeling into form. Inspired by myths, fairytales, and literature, my work blends fantasy with reality. I aim for viewers to see themselves within it; through grief, joy, love, and deception, creating pieces that feel open and safe. I explore femininity and evolving perceptions of beauty, reimagining moments from film, stories, and everyday life through self-depicted scenes. Sometimes I place myself within these narratives; other times, I reshape them entirely. As a Hispanic artist influenced by Rembrandt and Caravaggio, I focus on portraiture and fleeting expressions, grounding my work in personal experience and storytelling. |