by Tyler Jensen & Ellen Rossow

jensenty@mnstate.edu & rossowel@mnstate.edu

Professional artwork is  on display in the Center for the Arts, and the artist himself is soon to follow.

Josh Bindewald’s website describes his work as “landscapes,” but not in the traditional sense of the word.  These unique works “document the physical and emotional geography of experiences and anxieties as a human being in the twenty-first century.” His works also reflect how the environment and how humans interact.

Bindewald’s care for the environment extends beyond the subject matter of his works though, as he keeps it in mind during production as well. Bindewald is a printmaker, meaning his works are made using  a tedious process which uses images made on wood or copper to run through a press multiple times to layer the different parts of a print.  Throughout production, Bindewald aims to reduce waste in his work by reusing printmaking waste materials to create collages.  He also said he uses only reclaimed wood to make his picture frames.

The Minnesota-based artist will be speaking about his work and production process on Sept. 23 as part of MSUM’s Fall 2015 Visiting Artist Colloquium Lecture Series.

Art Gallery Director Lauren Kinney, believes the opportunity to attend colloquium lectures like Bindewald’s are important for art students.

“The program brings a variety of artists, art historians and art professionals to MSUM to present lectures, exhibitions, and demonstrations that enable supplementary learning in the arts,” she said. “Guest artist visits are especially beneficial to our art students as they expose those students to different types of professionals in their field of study.”

According to Kinney, art students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the lectures, as the program “facilitates opportunities for students, faculty, and the community to expand their knowledge of the arts by introducing new styles, techniques and ideas.”

Thursday, Sept. 24, Bindewald’s exhibit will end with a closing reception from 4 – 6 p.m.  To check out the prints before that, visit the Center for the Arts Gallery weekdays from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.