Flight, Growth and Breaking Open

Amalgamated Transmutations:
Flight, Growth and Breaking Open

Artists Nicole Uzzell, Millicent Greason and Woodie Anderson present new work examining transformations of the physical and mental self under pressure. Together, these three artists use trusted skills and materials combined with unfamiliar techniques and new mediums to explore themes of distortion, mutation and renewal-leading to fresh, unexpected perspectives. The results are both beautifully authentic and unexpectedly raw.

The exhibit includes: paper, wire and ceramic sculptures by Nicole Uzzell, mixed media assemblages by Millicent Greason and large-scale screen printing on found fabrics by Woodie Anderson. Together they collaborate on three sculptural, life-size self-portraits built from paper casting and other found objects and materials as a focal point for the exhibit. Visitors may join the conversation on self-image and social expectation through a interactive installation that will evolve throughout the exhibits duration.

Exhibit: May 4th May 31st, 2013
The Electric Mustache Gallery
211 East Third Street,
Winston-Salem NC

Related links: Artist Statement; More Exhibit and Opening Reception Photos on Flickr
Related blog posts: In progress, paper casting and sketches; Exhibit invitation, in-progress work;

“…As collaborators, our conversations began with topics of beauty, decay, mutation. We talked about societal pressures, media portrayals and the weight of cultural judgments. …Every human body is changing, though some work hard to fight or hide it. … Our self image and what our environment tells us we should be are in constant conflict. …” Woodie Anderson, Full Artist Statement

 “… ideas of containment and breaking free can be found in Manic Pixie Dream Girl and Sit Here and Be Adored, two pieces inspired by the familiar profile of Whistlers mother. The artist James Whistler saw his painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1, as a still life composition rather than a portrait. Here I’m exploring the imagined voice of the sitter and how she became an idealized female in our culture. I insert myself, in life-size outlined form, into the pieces—continuing my dialog with this famous mother.” Woodie Anderson, Full Artist Statement

“As I learned the process of paper casting I imagined the form fighting back, bursting out, growing new unexpected appendages and refusing containment. The pressure lines in the paper became the the marks found on something once bound, even after it breaks free.” Woodie Anderson, Full Artist Statement