comfort

 

by Mia Hall

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

As an artist I often seek out objects to portray that can communicate a specific feeling, sensation or memory. Replicating that object in a foreign, or contradicting material lends me the option to question the connection the viewer has to the object. It creates an immediate reaction when discovering that a seemingly light, soft and fluffy pillow is in fact constructed out of concrete, or lace doilies that have been stiffened to hold a shape permanently. This interaction and contradiction is where I find fascination.

 

three rings:

tribute to isamu noguchi

 

by Bryan Winfred Massey, Sr.

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

It is my desire that when people view my work that they can see the sincerity and the passion I have developed in the God-given talent that I’ve been blessed with. I want them to leave seeing the materials that I’ve used in an innovative way.

Three Rings: Tribute to Isamu Noguchi is just what the title states. Isamu Noguchi (Japanese-American Sculptor 1904-1988) was one of the three sculptures I studied in undergraduate school (East Carolina University) and continued to view as my mentor in graduate school (Louisiana State University) as I perfected my stone carving skills.

His ability to combine various stones and media fascinated me in the early days of my career and I want to continue to mix various media that reflect his influence, but with my distinctive, artistic voice.

 

control center 5

 

by David Obrien

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

Control Center 5, as well as the majority of my recent work over the last few years is inspired by having lived in large cities, farming communities and mountain wildernesses and noting the clash that exists between these environments. The industrial grain silo can be found in all of these places and is frequently abandoned. These structures have a timeless type of sculptural beauty and will quite possibly remain to mark our passing. This piece attempts to capture these thoughts and feelings.

I work in a variety of mediums, but unifying themes run throughout. In my paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, prints and films I attempt to create feelings of psychosomatic uneasiness and explore the relationship between man and nature.

 

deeply rooted

 

by Stephanie Shinaberry

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

“One of the greatest conditions of happiness is that the link of man and nature shall not be broken.” —Leo Tolstoy

This quote from Tolstoy sums up my thoughts on nature, working from the idea that we are one with nature. Being out in the natural world and being aware of my connection to plant and animal life, brings focus, and increased awareness into my life. Just touching the ground gives me rejuvenation and vitality.

The figure growing out of the earth represents our inseparable, interconnectedness with the planet. It is a dance in celebration of the wonders of nature and all it provides us.

I work in the medical field. I am concerned with health, the human condition and believe our attitudes toward the environment are critical. I believe in the healing power of nature. If we can feel a connection to nature, hopefully we can begin to care about the earth, the impact our actions have and to become stewards for our planet.

 

rebuilding the dream

 

by Tod “Switch” Swiecichowski

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

This project is all about rebirth.

I purchased my c. 1904 home in the Quapaw Quarter after the tornado came through in 2000. There now was a vacant lot across from me and while I didn’t experience the wrath of the storm, I was dealing with the after effects. Though that home was never rebuilt, the lot is now a large playground for the new owners children and there still are the mounds of beautiful flowers that come back each year.

My idea is to show that with the “Bad,” there can be “Good.” It all depends on your perspective.

Working as an architectural photographer for over 20 years, angular, geometric shapes have played an important part of my life. When I came across this geometric pattern, I instantly saw the abstract tornado moving in this form. I added a layered design on the top with repetitive squares, which produced the “flower.” Bringing in some depth with additional triangular “leaves” gave it symmetry, and placing the piece on a shadow/ tornado path ties it all together.

This sculpture, in its own small way, is showing that one needs to look for Life’s little pleasures when others are dwelling on what went wrong. On a much larger scale is what has been done with a sculpture garden in a place like SOMA. I also choose to look for the Good!

 

companions: the three sisters

 

by John Mark Van Horn

Photograph by Tod Swiecichowski

New interest has piqued for historic horticulture practices, resulting in local and community gardens rich with native and naturalized species. These heritage plants have survived among the jungle of conglomerate corporate agriculture in part because of their attractiveness as easy-to-grow “pass-alongs.” Often being shared with a family member or close friend, they carry the weighty sentiment of a life-gift.

An old practice that has recently been reborn through the Heritage Movement is that of companion gardening; by planting species that benefit one another, both thrive rather than compete, and a symbiotic relationship — much like a family bond — is forged. Native American farming societies, understanding the significance of the gifts given by the garden, also equated family bonds with the cycle of growth and harvest. Several nations entertained stories of The Three Sisters; each version had varying details, but the siblings represented three important companion plants that were instrumental to the health of the community.

One myth describes the sisters, who were all very different in style and stature: Baby sister was so small as to only crawl, and she was swaddled in green. The middle sister wore yellow, and had a habit of wandering, running off by herself, toward the cycling sun or in the direction of the wind. The oldest had long yellow hair and held it in place against the breeze with her pale green shawl. She always stood tall and straight, and shielded her siblings.

The oldest is Corn, the middle is the Bean Vine and the youngest is Squash. Baby sister carpets the mound with green, choking out weeds, and keeping moisture from evaporating from the ground. Middle sister fixes nitrogen into the soil so that it can be used by surrounding plants, especially her oldest sister, who is a nitrogen-greedy plant. Oldest sister gives the middle sister a strong support for her roaming vines, and these two work together to shade the babe. The harvest is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber and essential vitamins.

Companions: The Three Sisters is an homage to Heritage and Pass-Along gardening, to those with dirt under their nails and verdant green in their hearts.