Though ink and illustration, exhibit tells story of hope and healing
By Amber McCain
The thesis exhibition, Echoes of Memories by Sydney Priest opened on Monday, Oct. 6, in the Fine Arts Complex and invites visitors into a personal and emotional visual story that explores memory, loss, and healing.
Photo by Lizzy Hahn
Featuring a mix of digital illustrations and pen-and-ink drawings, Priest’s exhibition centers around two original characters, one representing hope, the other representing despair. The characters are used to explore the emotional push and pull experienced throughout life.
“In the exhibition, I created two characters to embody the duality of hope and despair,” Priest said. “Each illustrated scene represents a key memory from the female protagonist’s life, symbolizing hope. In contrast, the male protagonist personifies despair. Together, they portray a cycle that reflects both personal experience and the broader human condition.”
Born and raised in Fairbanks, Priest has been drawing since early childhood.
Photo by Lizzy Hahn
“I’ve been drawing since I was very little, but didn’t really dive into it until high school,” Priest said. “While I like experimenting with other art forms, drawing has always been what I come back to.”
With preferred mediums of pen and ink and digital illustration, storytelling is the core of Priest’s creations.
“World-building and storytelling have always been central to my creative process,” Priest said. “I use narratives as the foundation for my artwork, often exploring different themes depending on the story I’m telling.”
Priest’s exhibition includes both digital narrative and hand-drawn comics that follow the female protagonist through a journey from innocence to grief and, eventually, toward acceptance. Priest said the story is both personal and universal as the experiences show emotional truths many people share.
“At the core, my goal is to create a connection with the viewer, often through experiences and emotions drawn from everyday life,” Priest said. “Even in the darkest times, there’s always a spark of hope, often found in the kindness of others.”
Past personal meaning, Echoes of Memories carries a broader message about reflection and memory.
“It’s a reminder to learn from history and never forget it,” Priest said.
The show is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Oct. 16 in the Fine Arts Complex, room 313.
