Adriana Dueck–The Corsair
When it comes to visual arts, Jing Zhou is a master. From photography to drawing/sketching to producing print design for book and movie covers, Jing is one of China’s most talented and proficient artists.
On Feb. 25-26, she’ll visit PJC to be honored as the school’s latest Switzer Distinguished Artist during ceremonies in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. Her artwork currently is on display until March 12 in the PJC Art Department.
“The Switzer Distinguished Artist Series is something that we do every year in order to give our students a taste of similar artists in the working world,” said Krist Lien, head of the art department. “Displays of artists who have succeeded in the tough industry that is art will encourage the students and refresh their vision, giving them hope for a future in which they will hopefully leave their own legacies as Zhou has.”
Born in Chongqing, China, Jing graduated from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in Chongqing, then earned a master of arts degree at Georgia Southern University and a certificate in 3D Modeling and Animation from Stanford’s Digital Media Academy in California. A former professor at Georgia Southern, she currently is an assistant professor at Monmouth University at Long Branch, N.J.
“I have always had in interest in art and I have been painting since my early childhood,” Jing wrote in a brief e-mail interview. “I started in elementary school in China with the traditional drawing style. I began photography in my sophomore year of high school and graphic design when I was 18.”
She describes her art as reflecting her interest in spiritual experiences, and Eastern and Western art, literature and philosophy. Her clients include Greenpeace, the environmental activist organization.
Jing has been honored for her work around the globe. She has received numerous awards in many different categories of art, including recognition by the PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris and the International Photography Awards in Los Angeles.
Gallery director Vivian Spencer said Jing’s appearance here is designed to enrich PJC students’ educational experience.
“Not only does Jing’s visit showcase artists who have similar interests as our students, it also represents our academic offerings here in the PJC studios,” said Spencer, adding that successful artists like Jing “can tell students what it will be like when they graduate from college.”
A reception for Jing Zhou will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25 and she will participate in a lecture/panel discussion at 2 p.m. Feb. 26. Both events will be held in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the Pensacola campus.
Her work can be viewed in the art department gallery from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday until March 12.
For more information about the artist, visit www.jingzhoustudio.net.
