Studio News

Dear Readers,

2020 – what a year! Nature continues to take control as the world is confronted with both natural forces (exacerbated by action and inaction) and social unrest. Our systems are wreaking havoc on the environment and each other, and we are poised to repeat (or carry on) the misdeeds and mistakes of the past. Is there another way to explain why significant measures to protect the environment, or to protect the life and health of every individual are not enacted, or the neglect to condemn acts of domestic terror and hate groups, or to protect the right to choose by deliberately denying access and encouraging disruption?  

The adage that those who fail to acknowledge (or understand) history are doomed to repeat it appears to be true as fervent demands for equality and inclusion are interrupted by a growing swell of voices citing weariness as awareness of just how hard it is to effect lasting change, is grasped. Lamentations abound of the world being not as it was, though it was never really how it was thought to be, as layer upon layer of inequity are uncovered. Bewilderment accompanies the realization of just how tenuous advancements in social justice are, and that keeping any progress intact requires constant vigilance.

But we cannot allow tiredness to prevent working toward a country that makes good on its promise, which will never be realized as long as its systems remain exclusive. Those who bear the marks of otherness also possess the hope, determination, and resistance from the ancestors to continue the fight. It seems that society may be standing at the edge of new potential – something that will be significant, something to work toward. So many systemic ills have been laid bare this year. I am hopeful that the hard work to confront and resolve them will endure.

Because of hope, the studio remains busy and I am pleased to share recent activities and introduce new work.

New Projects

Black is Every Color

The idea for Black is Every Color was envisioned in the early months of the pandemic. Each day was met with startling accounts of increased infection rates and deaths, along with conflicting information on how the virus was transmitted.  Adding to the confusion, were reports of increased morbidity and mortality rates, and substandard medical treatment among persons of color, and random killings of unarmed Black Americans. Amid the dizzying sea of distressing news, I happened to glance out the window one day and noticed that Spring had arrived – and it was a stellar season of vivid color. I was struck by the dichotomy of current events and nature, which led to contemplation of the physical and symbolic meanings of black and Blackness. Black is Every Color is a unique work.

Yeene

My paternal grandmother was the daughter and wife of sharecroppers and was larger than life to those within her circle, but unknown and invisible outside of it. This is a tribute to her and to those living on the margins. The box is in the form of a shotgun house with the book and “necklace” affixed to the base. Yeene is a unique edition and is available.

Emergence

In keeping the themes of accuracy and misinformation headlined the news this year, I would like to re-introduce Emergence.

Emergence considers analysis of misinformation in order to develop self-truths. The book consists of three components – Litany, a series of adages communicated to imaginative children; a candle with an embedded medallion of St. Michael the Archangel features carved subliminal texts that also appear behind the images in Litany; and Election, a symbolic culmination of self-acceptance.  Though the messages presented in Litany are clearly inaccurate, it speaks to the necessity of discernment. Emergence is an edition of ten and four are currently available.

On Record

Air

Air is one of four autobiographical books based on the elements and considers air as thought, memory, breath, and wind. The three textural strains appear throughout – the baseline, so to speak, features thoughts on creating a book about air. This is punctuated by a series of vignettes that cover concepts of freedom and captivity, breath, restriction, and flight. The third strain is a poem that weaves through the other texts and takes flight in the center of the book. I envisioned Air as a performative work that sweeps high, low, over, under, and around, as wind sweeps across a prairie. A recording of Air can be found here.

When is Now

When is Now is also a performative work in that the viewer is required to rotate the cover in full circles order to read the text. It is a memorial, a self-examination, a questioning, and a call to action. A recording of When is Now can be found here.

On View

Virtual Meetings

One positive outcome of the pandemic has been the necessity to embrace remote meetings. It has been a true pleasure to meet and discuss my work with folks whom I would never have met in such a short time span by physical travel. I am available for virtual showings, discussions, presentations, and meetings. Please contact me here (or by responding to this message) to schedule. I look forward to meeting you!

You are receiving this message because you signed a notification list from a show, lecture, or workshop, or requested or consented to receive my newsletters. I hope you want to continue receiving these twice yearly updates, but if you prefer not to, please click the unsubscribe link below. Best Always ~alisa