3 and 1

Austin Thornton

These polyester pants, I relearn,

were once oil, and before that, living—waving

grass-trees in the wind.

–

Even the plaster I

wrap myself in remembers

what it was to hold its breath.

–

Think: they only see

the ‘age’ of rock

as bound to its current stasis.

–

Is it rebirth to change?

Am I newly made with each

flaking cell?

–

Consider the life

of the universe as constant

in value, whatever form.

–

“Passing” is a euphemism

for utility: body, like bread overturned

from one gentle hand to another.

–

We all go back to a history

as infinite and embracing

as our future.

–

As rock reforms to rock,

I look forward to whatever

composite awaits me.

–

In my hands and in yours—binding—see

what maple, what marble,

what meteor we make.

Spencer Daniel

Biography: Hello!
My name is Spencer and I am a third year Marine Studies student here at OSU. The physical environment as well as my lived experiences have always influenced my work. Lately I’ve been exploring how to visualize specific feelings and emotions through color and shape. I hope to incorporate art into my career, but I want to learn more about how our planet works so I can better represent it through art.

Artist Statement: My submissions mostly came from a time in my life where I wanted to feel “grounded” similar to how a plant is connected to the earth through its roots, which is how I connect to this theme. The feelings of indulgence, abundance, and comfort, are very important to me during a stage in my life that seems to be so focused on progress. When I slow down, and try to clear my mind, it’s these grounding moments I think of.

Austin Thornton

Biography: Austin Thornton is a possible human studying at Oregon State University, and the winner of Oregon State University’s Writing in Culture Award (2023). Their work is featured in PRISM Magazine, The Daily Barometer, *82 Review, and KBVR-TV’s Lyrical Lounge. They are currently working on a novel in their spare time.

Artist Statement: “3 and 1” is for our connection to and descendancy from nature.