by BRITTANY HALL
You owe it to yourself to become everything you’ve ever dreamed of being. As children, we all had a dream where our standards were set higher than those of our reality. Some of us wanted to change the world through written stories while others wanted to change the world in real time. One of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century observed life through the idea that, “Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up.” Influential words spoken by Pablo Picasso and a conception that 19-year-old Maddux Bedgood, a Swainsboro local and East Georgia State College Art Major, has no problem in manifesting. Skillfully soaking up every bit of his imagination and bringing it life to it through his originality of creating shape through chaos.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had an interest in drawing and creating art as a means of expression.” Maddux reminisced on his luminous childhood while sharing his most recent pieces at an art exhibit that was held in his honor at East Georgia State College this past Thursday, March 31st. “My art is currently being displayed as an example of my artistic journey during my time spent here at East Georgia State College, with my graduation on the horizon.” One piece, he named, Beware of Dog, is a design produced from Maddux’s visualization of the only two feelings many men are allowed to feel and why it’s detrimental to their being. “Beware of Dog was particularly inspired by my own experiences with anxiety and how that sort of shapes my internal world on a day-to-day basis. I use only black and white charcoals in this piece to achieve a "Chiaroscuro" inspired effect here.” Other pieces that were displayed at the show include, Mirrored Reflection, A Collective Assortment, & his favorite, The Jolly Bobcat, a composition that earned him 1st place in the 2021 Christmas Card contest that was held at EGSC this past December. “It’s one of my more stylistic pieces that I have done and represents the EGSC mascot.” Following graduation, Maddux plans to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a maestro of the visual arts. “After graduation, I hope to continue my endeavors in the arts as an animation major at the Savannah College of Art and Design.” If you’re interested in learning more about Maddux’s pieces or taking a tour of them yourself, you can contact East Georgia State College for exhibit times and information.
