91³Ô¹ÏÍø

On a Friday in fall, in the central atrium and lobby of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law School, members of Spokane’s community came together with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law alumni, benefactors, Board members, administrators and students to celebrate the unveiling of a specially commissioned art piece by Ben Joyce (’01).

“It’s the people that sculpted my experience,” said Joyce of his own 91³Ô¹ÏÍø experience, which deeply influenced his artistic vision for this work, titled, “Go Forth.”

The painting, a three-dimensional, asymmetrical, multicolored depiction of roots is meant to evoke in those who experience it a feeling of place that is both grounding and inspiring. As Joyce explained, “The perspective and meaning of roots can go as deep as an individual will take it.”

“Ben Joyce’s work comes from this really wonderful tradition of two-dimensional pieces and three-dimensional pieces—intersections with technology and typography and at the same time this really warm sense of belonging and discovery,” said Kim Hai Pearson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Program Innovation at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø School of Law.

The naissance of the piece’s commissioning came from a group of generous 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law supporters, who viewed 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law’s place in the Spokane community and the world as being somewhere people go to grow and make a difference. Having seen Joyce’s work in other places on campus, commissioning the piece for 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law School seemed a natural fit.

“I hope this piece is something that resonates with every student, faculty member, staff member, and whoever comes into contact with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law,” expressed Jacob Rooksby, Dean of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s School of Law. “It’s a symbol to the outward world of who we are and what are aspirations are; it also ties us back to the physicality of this special building on the banks of the Spokane River.”

At the unveiling, Friday, October 11, a brief video was shared, which showed some of the creative process that went into the creation of “Go Forth,” and featured members of the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø community further exploring the connections between art, law, and Jesuit education.

The piece can be viewed during business hours at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Law School or as part of Spokane’s First Friday art showcase on the first Friday of each month.