“It gets complicated,” said Staples Drawing and Studio Art teacher, Camille Eskell, as she described the artwork that will be featured in her upcoming exhibit Ezekiel Project. After more than four years of diligent work, Eskell’s new exhibit premiered at the Silvermine Art Center on Sept. 23, where it will be showcased until Nov. 3.
The Ezekial Project consists of five, 45 inch tall pieces and many smaller pieces conveying the concept of being stripped of hope and of rebirth. Ezekial is not only Eskell’s historical family name, but was also a profit in the biblical Book of Ezekial, whose vision was for Valley of the Dry Bones to be revived.
“For me using Ezekial the prophet has nothing to do with religion; it is just simply used as a metaphor for revival in a contemporary way,” Eskell said.
Eskell’s style is to work from life, and to create art with expression. She is a proud artist, but loves even more to share this style with her aspiring artists at Staples. “I encourage them to communicate through different themes and to think outside of the box. Basically I am nurturing their imaginations,” Eskell said.
Emma Rhoads ’14, one of Eskell’s Honors Art Studio students, has experienced the great effect of Eskell’s teaching. “[Eskell] is definitely an amazing artist and that really comes through in her teaching. Everyone’s work really improves from start to finish because of her help,” Rhoads said.
Similarly Zoe Cohen ’13 has benefitted from Eskell’s experience as an artist out of school.”Her understanding of line, shape, form, movement etc. allow her to share her expertise with the class to further explain how to draw different objects,” Cohen said. Cohen as well as Rhoads believes that Eskell’s art show is a great reflection of her talent and are very proud of her accomplishments.
Eskell has been featured in many different shows throughout the years, some at Silvermine and others all around the Connecticut and New York area. Ezekial is just another addition to the common thread that links all of her pieces.
“As I draw observationally and concentrate on my artwork I look for an overall deeper meaning,” Eskell said.
