Gwenivere Moodie is an artist local to Cedar City who is passionate about public art. Moodie is a sophomore at Southern Utah University studying illustration.
She describes her art style as eclectic, starting her projects without a plan in mind and instead letting the process guide her to create what feels right. Her portfolio consists of many mixed medium pieces, adding to the whimsy and mystery of her work.
“I don’t want people to know what my art is made of,” said Moodie.
She’s inspired by the inner workings of the human brain and life going on around her. As she walks throughout her days, she is influenced by what surrounds her.
As she began her collegiate career, she learned that you have to get the basics down before you can break the rules, which she now does frequently.
“When I go out, I don’t want there to just be empty space,” said Moodie. “I think more space needs to be utilized. There are so many artists and creative people in the world that would like opportunities like that, and I think it would just be a prettier place to walk around and see people’s creations.”
Because of this, Moodie’s Instagram biography reads, “MORE PUBLIC ART.”
The Johnson Center for Community Arts and Education recently implemented a showcase of Moodie’s work that will be on display for the next six months. Her favorite piece from the exhibit is titled “Umbrella,” which had been previously disqualified from an art competition in Texas for using collage materials.
“It’s called “Umbrella” to explain everything is under the umbrella of art, so the whole thing is animals, science, discovery and the way your brain is working and all these neurological things being under the umbrella of art,” explained Moodie.
Additionally, Moodie recently painted a mural with a team of fellow artists outside of Shape Theory Ceramics Studio that is on display for all to see.
While the subject and emotion of her pieces vary, she wants people to be able to perceive what she was feeling while creating the work they’re looking at. She also hopes that people remember moments and feelings they’ve experienced in their own lives when they look at her art.
To view her collection on display, visit the Johnson Arts Center on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and check out her Instagram page.
