28 Jan 2013
Staff Writer
Pre- radio television and film sophomore Trevor Lopez interviewed about 50 people for his documentary, Honey Combs, which focuses on various perspectives on art. Film still courtesy Trevor Lopez
Michael Wood
Intern
The word “art” conjures various images in different minds. Someone might see the hallowed halls of a museum or abstract sketches on the walls of a trendy coffee shop. UNT student Trevor Lopez is working to broaden what people imagine, and will accept, as art.
Lopez is a pre-radio, television and film sophomore, minoring in marketing and philosophy. His documentary “Honeycombs” seeks to capture perspectives on art and culture by interviewing random people on the UNT campus and in the city of Denton.
“I’m focusing on my influences,” Lopez said. “I’m seeking to understand the culture behind the art I think is masterful.”
Lopez said he finds beauty in art forms not exalted by society. His film concerns graffiti, street dancing, video games, ultra-violent images and other deviant expressions.
“I love to make movies,” Lopez said. “I started doing it as a kid with a home camcorder and a tape and no way to edit the footage.”
This project not only indulges Lopez’s passion for filmmaking and art, but it has also allowed him to “come out of his shell” and meet new friends, he said. People have reacted positively to his work and are amazed he would undertake such a project on his own.
“I’m really surprised that people are surprised,” Lopez said. “This is something that just feels natural to me.”
Heather Butler, RTVF faculty and Lopez’s former film studies professor, said he was a curious, passionate and devoted student.
“He was very much a presence in my class,” Butler said. “It pleases me to hear that he has undertaken a film project.”
Tuesday Ransen, an art student from Northlake, discusses her work in Lopez's documentary, Honey Combs. Film still by Trevor Lopez
Lopez has interviewed about 50 students and residents for his film.
One of the interviewees, Ben Garside, a computer science sophomore, expressed similar joy that Trevor is out making art.
“There is a lot of talent in Denton,” Garside said. “Trevor’s film is tying it all together.”
Lopez said he is nearly finished with the project and has many ideas about what to do with it when complete. He’d like to have a premiere screening on the UNT campus as well as enter it in several film festivals. His goal is to give the film as much exposure as possible and to challenge general opinions.
“The world needs to hear from him,” Butler said. “He has much to say.”
The trailer for “Honeycombs” can be found on Trevor’s YouTube channel, TrevX Lopez.
