East Tennessean

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: The Scene

Media Credit: Jason Barns Jason Barns is very active in the art department here at ETSU and has won many awards for his work.

Media Credit: Jason Barns Pieces of Jason Barn's graphic design work

Media Credit: Jason Barns Photography by Jason Barns

Jason Barns actively promotes the campus art community and pushes himself creatively, as well as helps others achieve their potential.

He is dedicated and passionate about graphic design and the various other elements of design work.

"Graphic design is a generalized term, we are capable of doing a lot of different things," Barns said. "My favorite thing about graphic design is its versatility. I'm really leaning toward illustration and photography."

Barns also has experience and interest in design work for screen-printing. He's been working at American Screen Designs since January. Barns is intrigued by the idea of having his work displayed on garments. "What better way to show your art than through what people wear," Barns said.

He hopes to take his abilities to the commercial level also.

"I think if I saw people wearing my designs on shirts then it's not only that they relate to a brand, but they relate to me," he said.

Barns entered a design piece, about the bailout in last year's local ADDY Awards and received gold in illustration and also received best in show. His design work has also earned him various scholarships and he has been featured in the campus publication for art and literature called Mockingbird. The first semester he attended ETSU he was an honorable mention in Mockingbird for a black and white photograph he calls "Untitled." Barns also designed a layout for the publication.

Barns said his experience at ETSU wouldn't have been the same without the support from the art department, and he feels that it is necessary to pass the encouragement on to younger students.

"I think it's important for the new students coming in to feel accepted not only on a personal level, but they see that you're willing to help them push their own ideas and show them new techniques," Barns said.

Brian Godwin, an ETSU student who is also active in the art department, said, "Jason is always making himself available and he always wants to help people."

The Slocumb Galleries will be holding an art show for Jason Barns Nov. 22 through Dec. 4. He is presenting with one of his peers Hailey Eaton, and the theme for this event is family.

The reception will be held on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. where Barns will be available to answer questions and talk about his work.

Editor's Note: If you would like to see your or another artist's profile here, e-mail akens@goldmail.etsu.edu

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