“A picture is worth a million words..”

This is the exact observation when seeing the new art exhibit in Fine Arts lobby.

“Imagery Fusion” is a selection of works by senior graphic design majors Randolph Buford and Janet Claybrook. The exhibit showcases the different art techniques that both employ in their work.

Buford describes his art as “using digital imagery to express and convey my belief in the importance of life and nature.”

Buford had many pieces of work, which included pottery pieces such as a turtle dog, and graphic prints based on advertisements.

There was a reinterpretation of a “Pasquade Bruni” ad and a “Wildlife Advertisement” which involved a cheetah superimposed with words encouraging one to join the Wildlife Federation.

Another piece, entitled “Spiritual Peace,” involved a field of roses with a quote from Isiah, which represented the serenity and peace one can get from flowers.

Buford had several landscapes with inspirational quotes in the vein of the “Footprints” series.

My favorite piece of work from his collection had to be “Reality Check,” an out of focus picture that made me step back and examine it a few times more than necessary.

“My goal is not to just show people images, bit to instill a sense of value toward nature,” Buford said. “My intention is to reveal nature, in all her wonders, but also show how the presence of God is involved in creating these wonders.”

Claybrook believes “art captures the essence of life. Without it, we would not understand the beauty of life.”

Her display contained graphite pencil drawings, Adobe Photoshop images, a sculpture and various other works.

“Sunset” was a beautiful piece of Photoshop art that mixed in the purples and pinks that dot the skyline of a building as the sun sets. The scene is so tranquil and lifelike, it’s almost as if you are there.

Another piece, “Untitled,” mixed a waterfall with mountains and the Coliseum in an effort to showcase the different types of beauty that can be found.

“Tennessee,” a Photoshop collage containing images of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hard Rock and B.B. King among others, was made into the shape of the state.

One of the most interesting pieces and my second favorite was “The Thirst Quencher Chair,” a lawn chair made entirely of old soda cans. The colorful chair beckons to be looked at, admired and thought about.

My favorite piece by Claybrook was the “Musical Chess Set.” The set was made from sculpted musical notes as chess pieces and music as the board itself.

“As for me, I’m a dreamer who isn’t concerned with being ‘politically correct,’” said Claybrook. “I believe we should always be willing to think ‘outside the box.’”

Everyone should go see the art exhibit, which will continue to be on display until Sept. 21.