Photo By Rhonda Gushee

Artist Rhonda Gushee employs such a diversity of styles and media that it's difficult to classify her -- classification seems too limiting. Her vibrant, richly textured sculptures, prints and mixed-media quilts travel the well-worn paths between the mind and the heart, capturing the imagination along the way. Recent solo shows at Media Bridges and Warsaw Project Space brought her to the forefront of Cincinnati's art vision. This week, she offers five inspirational influences.

Cincinnati's vibrant creative community. It is a very exciting time to be a part of this vital force that is definitely causing a positive impact and will leave a lasting legacy.

Travel. Travel permits me to explore and recharge my energies. Upon leaving for a trip, I immediately miss working, and I am anxious to be back in my own studio. Physically removing myself from my busy life gives me time to reflect and further develop plans for new work, along with jotting down thoughts and making art in airports and motel rooms.

My studio. It is an opportunity to put ideas into concrete form with some very evocative materials. Somehow this special place gives me permission to disconnect and connect at the same time, in many different ways.

Teaching and learning with my colleagues and students is always an enlightening and fulfilling experience.

All kinds of animals. Observing and admiring their innate intuition and perseverance in every imaginable situation is very humbling and inspiring.

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ARTICULATIONS offers five things important to one of Cincinnati's visual artists. To be considered, contact Contributing Editor Stacey Recht, srecht@citybeat.com