“You are never going to do anything interesting if you're always trying to make sense.” That quote sounds like a mantra, life’s philosophy, or admonition – maybe all in one. It is also the title of the latest art exhibit at the Sterling College Art Gallery. An exhibit of Polaroid photographs by artist Caitlyn Frazer of Hays will be on display now through April 19. 

Frazer has her MFA from Ft. Hays State University and currently works as the Graphic Designer for the Marketing Office there. She recalls the first day of her psychology class when she was a student at K-State remembering her professor starting the hour with, "You are never going to do anything interesting if you're always trying to make sense." 

Frazer said, “His words instantly struck a chord with me. I made it my life motto then and there. I've always been fascinated by the idea of exploration and experimentation, almost as if life is a constant science experiment.”

Explaining her interest in Polaroid photography, Frazer said, “Polaroids have always fascinated me simply for the reason that they cannot be replicated, and they are a moment in time that ‘stands still.’”

She remembers her graduate school photography teacher encouraging her to try new things. She found an old Polaroid SX-70 on eBay and had it completely refurbished. “After messing around with colored filters, I found inspiration in capturing movement. Hence what started my movement series and while working on that series—I would take random Polaroids and see what I could capture. Hence all the other Polaroids in the exhibition.” Frazer said.

She continued, “This exhibition, ‘You are never going to do anything interesting if you're always trying to make sense,’ is a nod to the idea of never giving up your drive to ask the ‘why.’ To keep exploring and evolving your creative toolbox. Art is not perfect; it's supposed to set you free and let you be limitless in your creation. You don't need to make sense; you need to create!”

Frazer hopes that visitors to her exhibition will “walk away with the urge to just create – try something new or just fall in love with being creative again.” 

“As a graphic designer, concept is everything. Usually, we are great with thinking in the third degree but sometimes it's nice to get back to the basics and just create something to create! So that's what I'm hoping visitors can get from my exhibition,” Frazer said. 

Frazer’s Polaroid exhibit is open at the Sterling College Art Center Gallery, 306 West Washington, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through April 19. Frazer will be on hand for the Artist Talk and Reception on Friday, April 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Gallery. There is no charge for the exhibition or the Artist Talk and Reception. 

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.