In the midst of the hustle and bustle of a close-knit campus community, there is a female elementary education major who is leaving a mark not only academically, but also artistically and compassionately. Moira Lindner is a vibrant person whose talents range from painting and drawing to acting and writing.
For Lindner, art is more than just a hobby. It's a medium that allows her to express herself freely, sometimes with theatrical flair.
“I did a lot of theater in middle school and high school. I love theater and everything related to acting and Broadway. I was one of the most confident actors in high school. [and] “He was often cast as a villain because he was the only person who had the confidence to give it his all, and that's what a villain needs,” Lindner said. “I had a lot of fun playing the White Witch in 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' . ”
From his contributions to the World Banquet mural to the fun and engaging chalkboard art found at The Bell & Beacon (BB's), Lindner embodies the blend of creativity and community spirit. All of this stems from her deep-seated love and affirmation of artistic expression, which has shaped and continues to shape her personality.
“I've always been artistically focused. To be honest, I wasn't very good at taking notes until college, so that's how I continued to pay attention in high school.” Just listen, [sitting there] Drawing pictures and things like that. That's how I focused, and you know, I got good grades in high school, so it worked out,” Lindner said.
For Lindner, life is about more than pursuing your passion. It's about infusing everyday moments (good and bad) with kindness and creativity. In 2020, despite having to leave the familiar comfort of her home and undergo cancer treatment in the hospital, Lindner made the best of the situation and did what she knows best: art. and sought to spread love and support to others.
“One way to do that is to [my mom and I] will occupy themselves [in the hospital] We posted a new fun fact on the door every morning. “The door was glass, so we said, 'Let's use chalkboard markers,'” Lindner said. “We had a little [routine], [my mom] They insisted on facts and even learned how to write backwards. [the text] Easy to read and facing outward. Then put whatever little designs you want around it. So we made something like, “In London, it was illegal to transport fish suspiciously.” So her mother wrote out the facts and I drew a picture of a fish wearing sunglasses.
In an instant, the cold, bleak halls of the hospital were transformed into a canvas of cheerfulness and imagination. Everyone is in childlike wonder and awe.
“Later in treatment, we started designing for more people. Once Covid-19 got a little better and children started walking around the wards and things like that, we started to design for more people. I started getting really excited when I saw what was there. My mom and I thought, “Why don't we just take a look around?'' [and decorate their doors] For them? 'So we looked around and made some doors [one night]Then the next night I closed a few doors and closed the door to the nurses' station. [another] It’s night,” Lindner said. “It was a really fun time, a lot of fun. And the next morning, as I was walking around, I saw kids getting excited about having little unicorns and putting Transformers on their doors. .”
As Lindner continues on her journey to becoming an elementary educator, one thing remains the same. It's about love and passion for self-expression. Whether it's bringing the BB's chalkboard to life with her unique artistic vision, participating in an Orthodox Christian fellowship or participating in Sunday candlelight at Resurrection Chapel, Lindner's vibrant spirit and compassion shine through. I'll release it.
If you would like to nominate someone for the Torch's Artist Spotlight feature, please email torch@valpo.edu.