Whitney Morris is a “super” senior art education major in the College of Arts and Sciences, meaning she is completing a fifth year of classes. She has worked in the Kauffman Gallery during her freshman and sophomore years, helping to set up exhibitions and food for gallery openings. She has also been professor Steve Dolbin’s intern for the past year and a half.
“They pushed us to decide what we wanted to do when we were older in eighth grade,” Morris said. She described how her personal artistic journey started when she was in middle school. Morris remembers her hesitation in picking her career path, but then reflected on her time in the art classroom. She realized her love for art would ultimately make her the happiest in life.
Her favorite project she had ever done is a part of her Senior Seminar body of work which is based on body dysmorphic disorder. “[It’s] about how people want to fix themselves and what it’s like to deal with it,” Morris said. “I picked body parts that people are insecure about, like the ears, nose and lips.”
‘Ear’ part of Whitney Morris’s senior seminar project.
Morris is inspired by feelings, emotions and, most importantly, her supportive family. Her favorite medium to work in is pencil on paper.
“I know that sounds kind of basic, but I focus on making portraits,” she said. “It makes it easier for me to get the proportions correct.” Her attention to detail is well worth it, as her pieces often showcase realistic qualities.
“My mom has always said I am a perfectionist,” Morris explained. “While I’m drawing, I’ll always be up close, trying to get all the eyelashes or eyebrow hairs in.”
Morris’ latest project is in the printmaking room. She is using an acrylic sheet to etch a facial structure with a somber expression. Morris uses color as a guide for what emotions she feels with each section of a piece.
Morris has won many awards and prizes for her works. The toothbrush sculpture Morris had built out of cardboard and water-based glue won her an award from the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition here at Shippensburg University.
Morris has had her work featured locally as well at the Appalachian Brewing Co. Gallery and The Shape Gallery in Shippensburg.
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