"Wild Things" features the work of four artists who serendipitously found they all create art inspired by animals in nature. Michael Day, photographer says "through my work, I want to share the many faces of nature, the wildness of spirit, and the interplay of light and shadow woven into the tapestry of the natural world." Carol Fitzsimons, using spun fiber to create her "fiber paintings" allows her "to share the unique landscape and wildlife of her rural Cape Cod home." Sharon Pollack, ceramic artist, states "my work reflects my passion for process, love of ceramic objects and exploration of formal elements. The way clay moves in my hands and glass melts in the torch informs the shapes I explore." Lisa May, papermaker, creates unique pieces using plant fibers and a variety of random materials that cohere to form artwork that is both sculptural and functional.
This
photographic exhibit is dedicated to the memory of my mother,
Rosemary Day, a DeBlois Gallery member for over 30 years. From
my earliest years, she took me wading in tide pools at Brenton
Point, told me the names of the birds, beasts, bugs and fishes
we saw and heard, and inspired in me a sense of awe and wonder
for the natural world. In her art, in countless pieces such as
the Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish mirror you see here, she
caught the fierce beauty of nature in her gaze. Thank you Mom.
I have appreciated the beauty of form in nature since I was a
child wandering the tide pools off Ocean Drive. My daily ritual
these days is to walk along the river through the fields and
woods, watching and listening, trying to capture in light,
color, and form in what I see. I have a special affection for
wild creatures, especially birds, whose colors, shapes, and
poses captivate me, and I have worked hard to identify the birds
around me even through their songs. Through my work, I want to
share the many faces of nature, the wildness of spirit, and the
interplay of light and shadow woven into the tapestry of the
natural world.
Spun
fiber is an ideal, yet somewhat unconventional medium that I use
to capture the textures, colors and fluidity of the
ever-changing landscape of my rural Cape Cod home. My fiber
“paintings” allow me to share the beauty and tranquility of this
unique landscape, and the wildlife and plant life it nurtures,
with those who appreciate the natural world.
Inspired by my grandmother's skilled needlework and embroidery
and a desire to paint, I developed my own technique by combining
the two arts. Each piece starts as a rough painting onto which
fibers--chosen for their color, texture, and luster--are
applied. The result is a fiber "painting" that is an expression
of my deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Papermaking
captured my interest while I was studying painting and sculpture
at the Art Students League in New York City. I was attracted to
the manipulative aspects of the medium and its creative and
functional possibilities combining color and shape as well as
texture.
My process starts by mixing two different fibers in order to
make my sheets of paper. I combine cotton linter, which is soft
and flexible with a fiber called abaca, which is strong and
durable. I introduce dye and other materials into the mix to add
color and texture. I then use the sheets of paper to cover my
form. A waterproofing solution of acrylic, matte or gloss is
then applied to protect the work.
My work ranges from decorative to functional and includes cast
paper shoes, frames, baskets, figures, hats, ornaments and other
three dimensional pieces. I display and sell my work at a number
of art and craft galleries and also create custom orders upon
request. In addition to my art work, I teach outreach art
programs through the Newport Art Museum in Newport, RI.
My
work reflects my passion for process, love of ceramic objects,
and exploration of formal elements. The way the clay moves in my
hands, the way glass melts in the torch informs the shapes I
explore along with references to historical work like Korean
celadon pottery. Stripes and dots create rhythm along with the
movement created by stretching the materials hopefully make for
a dynamic tension and balance in objects that have presence.
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