Rachel Sykes’ pen and ink drawing “Solace” was chosen as the Popular Choice Award in the NowOH 13 online community art exhibit.
The show which opened on July 15 features 122 artworks by 45 local artists in five northwest Ohio counties.
NowOH 13 remains on view through Aug. 15. The exhibit is hosted by the Bowling Green State University galleries,
Sykes also displayed “Solace” as part of “Rewired,” an online exhibit of work by students in Dennis Wojtkiewicz’s senior studio painting and drawing class.
In her artist’s statement about the piece, Sykes reflected on being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder early this year.
The condition, she wrote, “is often labeled as the ‘doubting disorder,’ and is surrounded by many stigmas and misconceptions.”
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated her symptoms, she stated. “However, I have also used this time to reflect on my character and learn as much as I could regarding mental health and how I could improve myself.”
She continued: “’Solace’ is an amalgamation of all of the confusion, doubt, second-guessing, isolation, and sadness that I have experienced during these past few months. Yet it is also a reminder of the risks I have taken, the successes and strides I have made as an individual, and a cautious optimism I hold for the future. Though nothing in life is for certain, especially during these unprecedented times, I always know I can seek solace in my artwork and the bountiful elements of the natural world.”
Jacqui Nathan, the BGSU gallery director, said more than 300 online visitors cast ballots for the award.
“Solace” also won the second-place award for two-dimensional art in the NowOH show.
