Ana Jackson Chaves

El Precio de la Lluvia

    2016

    Steel rod, wire, raw clay, acrylic paint, and pinecones

    27” x 35” x 40”

Even in a state of deterioration, construction occurs. Combining elements of decay within the human form, this piece explores the collective decline of the natural systems we rely upon for our existence. As much as we try to separate ourselves, humans are irrevocably tied to the environment. Its vulnerability means our vulnerability. The rain brings both life and destruction.  

Emily DiMaio

Threading

2016

Wood, String

10' x 15' x 10'

My work is driven by the experiences that I have shared with disabled individuals.  I am interested in children's developmental achievements as they apply to recreational activities.  This piece reflects the concept of "threading" and the fine motor skills that the task requires.  I work repetitively and control the pace in which I work as I am to give each component the same level of detail and attention, as if they are individuals.

Matt Mele

Matt Mele

Glass Journal

2016

Glass, wire, metal bails

My sketchbook is my daily journal.  Sketching and writing reveal how ideas transpire and take shape.  These daily sketches are depicted and put onto glass squares.  This transferral onto glass emphasizes the translucency of ideas that collect and take form with time.  Some days hold no sketchbook pages and blank squares reflects those absences.  Other days may include multiple pages, and multiple squares reflect these accounts.  The process of thought becomes illuminated through this collection of time. 

Rachel Truskolawski

Rachel Truskolawski
Earth Omphalos
2016
Wood, Steel, Wire, Stone. Pyrography, Silicone

I wanted to continue focusing on geometric forms and their relationship to nature as well as experiment with combining organic and inorganic materials into a cohesive structure. I placed each form in a specific spot to create a shape that naturally occurs all throughout nature; the spiral. The spiral appears in various plants, shells and galaxies and is thought of as a sacred shape in modern times and throughout history. It is a powerful symbol in Aztec, Greek, and Celtic history and has been referred to as the Earth's navel, a place where energy radiates out from the Earth itself.

Becca Guzzo

Becca Guzzo

Aura

2016

Hand-cut cardstock paper, wood, spray paint 

26" x 22" x 6"

This piece was an evolution of my first paper work last year. I continued to play with the idea of geometric holes being carved out of a white surface and what would be seen underneath the surface in my own head. Layers of color and shape to create depth and dimension. I created a more playful box this time to add to the dialogue and dynamic of the strength of the paper. 

Chrissy Nice

Chrissy Nice

Clash

Steel, Fabric, Wire, Wood, Found Objects

2'x 3.5'x 1'

I come from a very culturally diverse family with many conflicting traditions. This piece was meant to reflect on the differences in customs in my family and convey the difficulties faced when trying to fit them together. 

Chrissy Nice

Chrissy Nice

Gaucherie

Concrete, Found Objects, Wood

4'x 2'x 2'

I have always been somewhat lacking in organizational skills. By stacking these filing drawers and placing patterns in them with marbles I can convey the difficulties of forcing myself to be organized when it does not come naturally to  me. Each drawer has a unique pattern and each pattern contains various flaws and imperfections.

Brenna Smith

Brenna Smith

cat naps and springtime

Paper, Duct Tape, Wood Glue, Acrylic Paint

36" x 72" x 36"

This piece is an experiment in using different methods of using paper mache to sculpt. The two subjects represented in it are based on myself, because I use self-portraiture as an emotional outlet, and the form of a cat, because I find them aesthetically pleasing and interesting. I chose to portray these characters in an abstracted manner to express my own desire for a whimsical, carefree state of mind.

Sanjay Pelinski

 

Sanjay Pelinski

Water Pit

2016

Steel, Brass, Plastic, Garden hose

5'x 3'x 5'

I created a fountain to illustrate the movement of water throughout a system. I took inspiration from the shape of fruit and wanted to mimic the water retained. The piece celebrated the summer weather by bringing us closer to water, which reminds us of our natural life source.

Hannah Zimmerman

 

Hannah Zimmerman

Sitting on the Edge of Trust

Wood, canvas fabric, acrylic paint 

46" x 22" x 36" 

This functional piece is a discussion of vulnerability and the struggle of trusting others. The cushions exemplify the puzzle of wanting to trust but also the harboring fear of betrayal. The warm tone of the bench is meant to draw the viewer closer and have them decide whether or not to trust sitting on it.