Understanding Animals and Myths Through Art

Combining bailing wire, wood and power tools often means building a fence. University of Arkansas art student Luke Knox uses the materials in an unconventional manner as he
works the wire to form a snarling wolf. His mentor, Kristin Musgnug a painter and art professor, watches, questions and advises him, helping the entire scene come together. The video “Hands On Research” gives a peek into Knox’s world and shows the relationship between student and professor.

Using his creations of animals and mythical creatures, Knox hopes to reveal the ways people use animals to represent themselves and how animal myths have survived in our current culture. He continues his search through creating, building, and questioning. Musgnug, who Knox calls “the most supportive and liberating teacher” he’s ever had, continues to guide her young apprentice with questions, comments and advice.

“The most important thing Professor Musgnug has done for me is give me confidence and also just opened me up. I don’t think any of this was present until she kind of brought out of me,” Knox said.

For more about Knox’s projects, check out the Research Frontiers article “Hands On”  (http://researchfrontiers.uark.edu/17023.php).