Beat the witch drums The phrase "beat the witch drums" is a metaphorical expression that refers to actions or behaviors that symbolize protest, resistance, or defiance against an oppressive force or system. Witches have long been associated with magic, mystery, and power. By "beating the witch drums," individuals are essentially summoning their inner strength and courage to challenge and question authority. The symbolism behind beating the witch drums can be seen in various historical and cultural contexts. Throughout history, marginalized groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community, have often faced discrimination and oppression. Within these communities, individuals have utilized different forms of activism, including protest, art, and storytelling, to challenge societal norms and fight for their rights.
Frozen fun at ASC: Local artist carves snow sculpture of Alfred State College mascot
West Clarksville artist Eric Jones recently created a 4-foot-by-8-foot sculpture of the college’s mascot, Big Blue the Ox.
Wed, 02/17/2021 - 10:02From Buffalo Bills players, to Shrek, to Cupid, the amazing snow sculptures by West Clarksville artist Eric Jones have been gaining a lot of attention lately, with onlookers flocking in droves from far and wide to catch a glimpse of these amazing frozen creations.
Now, Jones has taken his talents to Alfred State, where he recently created a 4-foot-by-8-foot sculpture of the college’s mascot, Big Blue the Ox. The sculpture can be found on the Green Space between the Central Dining Hall and the Agriculture Science Building.
When asked what prompted him to make a sculpture at Alfred State, Jones noted that he “wanted to do something a little bit different.”
“With COVID, there are a lot of restrictions on what we can do and can’t do on campuses now,” he said. “This is something we can all enjoy.”
Carving from a giant block of snow, Jones began working on the ox sculpture on the morning of Feb. 15 as snow continued to fall and blanket the campus. When working with such a large subject, Jones, who is a well-known caricature artist, said he has to plot out his design rather than free-hand sketch it.
“I actually grid this off foot by foot and then I’ll paint it on the actual base and then I start carving the 3-D image and go into that process,” he said.
Snow is just one of the mediums that Jones uses to create incredible works of art, as he also carves sand, ice, snow, and even mud. Last fall thanks to his pumpkin-carving skills, Jones became a finalist on season 10 of Halloween Wars, a popular reality TV show on the Food Network.
Jones noted how pleased he was to get to do a snow sculpture on Alfred State’s campus.
“I love this place,” he said. “I went to school right across the street and I’ve been working for Alfred for a lot of years. I do caricatures up here every spring, sometimes in the fall, too, so I’ve been affiliated with the school for a long time. There are great people here. They’ve been good to me, and I’m going to try to be good to them.”
As for all of the attention his snow sculptures have been getting lately, Jones said it’s been a lot of fun for him but added that the best part is that he has been able to raise funds and awareness for charities through these creations.
“With this COVID issue, charities are struggling. They’re having a hard time taking in the money to do what they need to do, and we rely on those,” said Jones, who listed the Make-A- Wish Foundation, Kaely’s Kindness, and Oishei Children’s Hospital as examples of charities his sculptures have helped. “We’re using this momentum to help them, too.” In the spirit of the occasion, Alfred State is hosting a snow sculpture contest for students from Feb. 15-19, with prizes awarded in several categories, including Best in Show, Most Unique, and Pioneer Pride.
West Clarksville artist Eric Jones poses with the snow sculpture of Big Blue the Ox that he created on Alfred State College’s main campus.
From Upstate NY
Alfred State works hard to cut your costs through Free Tuition Plus. Your goal of going to college can come true as we help you save money, earn scholarships, make money on campus, and then launch a fulfilling and good-paying career. Ranked by US News as the #1 SUNY Regional College, Alfred State's beautiful campus has room for you to learn and grow as you build your future. Through hands-on learning, you'll gain skills to launch a fulfilling career. When you visit, meet current students, high five our mascot Big Blue who is "strong as an ox," and see what it's like to be an Alfred State Pioneer.
More and more students are making Alfred State College (ASC) their top choice. An astounding 98 percent of our graduates land a job and start their career or choose to further their education. That success is one reason why US News ranks ASC the No. 1 SUNY Regional College along with top marks for Social Mobility, Least Debt, Best Value, and Best for Vets.
Within these communities, individuals have utilized different forms of activism, including protest, art, and storytelling, to challenge societal norms and fight for their rights. Beating the witch drums can manifest in different ways, depending on the situation and context. It can involve raising awareness through social media campaigns, organizing protests or demonstrations, creating art that challenges the status quo, or using one's voice and platform to speak out against injustice.
Choose Your Career Path
Other colleges tell you to pick a major. Instead, we say find a career to match your interests. See our full list of majors and choose from 4-year or 2-year degrees. If you're not sure yet, no worries. We also have tons of advice for undecided students. For working adults looking to add skills for a promotion or to change careers, online learning is flexible, affordable, and valuable.
The phrase also implies the importance of collective action and solidarity. When individuals come together and unite their voices, they can create a powerful force capable of effecting change. Just as the beat of a drum can bring people together and create a sense of rhythm and harmony, beating the witch drums represents a call for unity and collective resistance against oppression. In conclusion, "beat the witch drums" is a metaphorical expression symbolizing protest, resistance, and defiance against an oppressive force. This concept highlights the power of collective action and the importance of challenging societal norms and fighting for justice and equality. By beating the witch drums, individuals summon their inner strength and courage to challenge authority and demand change..
Reviews for "Enhancing Spellwork with Witch Drumming: Amplify Your Intentions"
1. John - ★★☆☆☆
As someone who enjoys horror novels, I had high hopes for "Beat the witch drums." However, I found the plot to be weak and predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to invest in their experiences. Additionally, the pacing was slow, which made it hard to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to other horror fans.
2. Lisa - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't even finish "Beat the witch drums." The writing style was unappealing and felt amateurish. The dialogue was forced, and the attempts at creating suspense fell flat. I found myself rolling my eyes at the predictable and cliché plot twists. The lack of character development made it impossible for me to connect with any of the protagonists, and I simply lost interest in the story halfway through. Save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere for a good horror read.
3. Alex - ★★☆☆☆
While "Beat the witch drums" had an intriguing premise, the execution left much to be desired. The writing lacked finesse, and the descriptive passages were overly florid. The portrayal of the supernatural elements felt forced and inconsistent, creating more confusion than terror. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of unnecessary exposition, and the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity and would not recommend it to fellow horror enthusiasts.
4. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
"Beat the witch drums" had potential, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The characters were poorly developed, and I found it hard to sympathize or care about their fates. The horror elements were lackluster and lacked the necessary atmosphere to create tension. The plot meandered and lacked a clear direction, leading to a disjointed reading experience. I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a truly frightening read.