November Issue 2000
Compelling Forms of Eva Kwong at gallery W.D.O. in Charlotte
a conversation with Eva Kwong by Jeff Hull
Gallery W.D.O. in
Charlotte, NC, is showing an exhibit entitled, The Compelling
Forms of Eva Kwong: Ceramics and Sculpture, through Nov. 25,
2000.
If you have not had the opportunity to become familiar with the
work of Eva Kwong, you are certainly in for a treat when she shares
her work with gallery W.D.O. in Nov. Kwong's work is a true statement
of one of the founding beliefs of gallery W.D.O. - the ability
to transform what could otherwise be simply a functional object
into a great work of art that not only serves its function but
also elicits emotional responses and tells a story of its own
to those who choose to listen. In a recent conversation with Kwong,
I had the pleasure to hear her thoughts on her work and to catch
a glimpse of the inspiration behind her work, particularly her
series of vases that will be in the gallery.
First, I should tell you that a vase by Kwong is anything but
traditional and although you could describe it as unusual, I think
that the term extraordinary is much more appropriate. When asked
to describe the series, Kwong explains that her desire from the
beginning was to create a piece, a vessel if you will, that is
intriguing to look at on its own - not for the sake of the beauty
of the flowers it may contain, but for the energy it radiates
itself. In fact, she feels that many of her vases work best with
one single flower. This feeling comes in part from Kwong's interest
in Japanese gardens and flower arrangements where the understated
elegance of minimalism becomes integral to the beauty of the environment.
" I have a strong desire to create within each piece the
fluidity of movement and phenomena of color that exists all around
in our everyday lives."
One inspiration of Kwong's that I found particularly charming
is an experience I believe we can all relate to and it amazes
me to see the results of her inquisitive mind in her work, after
hearing her story. " Much of my work is very organic and
almost similar to what you might expect to view through a microscope.
One evening while repeating to my children again why they must
eat the vegetables that they might not like and again ensuring
them that they must eat them because they are good for them, it
occurred to me that I was suddenly unaware why we must eat these
vegetables and more specifically what function they performed
in our bodies. I began to imagine the inner workings of our bodies
and all of its encompassing parts. I became fascinated with the
thought of these colorful vegetables coursing throughout the highways
of our bodies as they journey to a destination where they will
eventually perform the appropriate function. I found myself so
awe-inspired by this image that began with a child's question
that it has influenced the movement, rhythm and inner-logic within
my work. Although my children still do not want to eat their vegetables,
I remain inspired by the concept."
For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings
or call the gallery at 704/333-9123 or at (http://www.gallerywdo.com).
Mailing Address: Carolina Arts, P.O. Drawer
427, Bonneau, SC 29431
Telephone, Answering Machine and FAX: 843/825-3408
E-Mail: carolinart@aol.com
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