Final Weekend of “Sustainable Beauty” Art Show in Pawtucket
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sustainable Beauty at Candita Clayton Studio at the Hope Artiste Studios in Pawtucket closes Monday with a final public reception tonight, Friday, beginning at 6 pm. The concept of sustainability is something that is very close to Clayton’s heart through her various green-focused businesses and this exhibit has found a way to redefine to create sustainably beautiful without presenting a group of work that still resembles garbage. Clayton’s space does not feel like a classic white cube gallery. It feels more like a living room and she uses the space at Hope Artiste Village as a space for the Rhode Island community that happen to be accented by her inventory of local artists. Looking back at Clayton’s calendar this past fall that was full of hosting a season of fundraising events for different local businesses and causes, one would think that Clayton might want to catch her breath, but that does not seem to be the case. Friday night is just another opportunity for Clayton to invite us over to her pad to see how she has decorated her room before she goes ahead and changes it.
Some highlights of the exhibition
The front of the studio features work by Jenny Brown and Mimo Gordon Riley. Brown’s work features a silent level of sustainability as she reuses paper already covered in drawings and collage, but nothing about her work reflects a recycled feeling. These works in the show reflect a new beginning in Brown’s artist journey. It will be very interesting to see this new body of work evolve, once she runs out of recovered drawings from the trash, which is the base layer for this new work. Mimo Gordon Riley’s paintings in this exhibit do not exactly capture sustainability, though it is completely possible there are other paintings under her top painting. Artists have been recycling canvases for hundreds of years. Riley’s strongest paintings feature a strong aqua color and mix of a late 19th century fascination with Japan and stained glass.
The sculptural work of Jeffrey Scorza is also a delight. These 3-D pieces throughout the room combine natural elements such as wood and glass Scorza rescued. A work situated in the far corner with up lighting is worth checking out. Even though this work is made of industrial glass, the color and structure looks more like the inside of a cave. Kate Blacklock’s work is also located at the rear of the gallery. She has printed photographs onto aluminum. Flowers have become the subject of choice for every amateur photographer, but these are far from amateur. At first glance, they do not even look like photographs. Her composition recalls a Dutch still life with a contemporary twist.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCandita Clayton works with artists in the Rhode Island art community who have a couple years of experience under their belt and her personal taste has a lot of do with what she takes into her inventory. The artists in this exhibition are clearly with merit and work together well as a group. It would be worth the trip to Pawtucket to see the show one final time. Just remember that the pedestals around the room are for Scorza’s work and not for wine glasses.
Sustainable Beauty, Candita Clayton Studio. Reception October 28 6-9pm, Hope Artiste Village, Unit 105, Pawtucket.
