Vistas Known- A showcase of the awesome-nis that is Ben Oddi.

Hey guys and gals,

As some of you may or may not know, former IUP grad student, Ben Oddi, presented some (by some, I mean a LOT) of his works at Lock Haven's Fine Arts Center on Monday night. I figured I would give a nice review of the show for those that didn't make it out. You missed a great show, and a bear hug.

The journey started right here in Indiana on Monday, where Corey Lim, Anastasia Rinker, Joe Lovenduski, and myself hopped in my car and started the drive out to Lock Haven... Wow. Three hours for one guy's art.... We're dedicated, to say the least. Once we arrived (and got lost looking for the Art building), we realized that coming was totally worth it.

Many of his works lined the walls in the gallery (which was actually a pretty nice size- a nice, oblong shape, with plenty of wallspace), ranging from his time as a grad student up to the current pieces he's been working on, which include- wait for it -MIXED MEDIA!!! He's worked with xerox transfers in the past, and has now moved onto encaustic painting (painting with a wax medium- he taught some of us how to do this during the summer painting class in 2010). I'm sorry this review isn't professional, guys, but... It's Ben Oddi. I'm just too excited to execute this properly. :)

Ben also gave a talk about his work; his process and media, his influences, and concepts behind his pieces. Many of his works are inspired by literature and social issues- and the color pink. His style of painting is unique- realistic, with a whimsical flair. Tight details with saturated brights and subdued undertones- pure perfection, in my opinion. I want to paint like him when I grow up.

Wage Labor - Oil on Panel, 13x21" - 2009. Needs more pink.

For more information on his work, and more awesome pictures (plus a video on how to mull your own oil paint!!), check out Ben's website - http://www.benoddi.com