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May Issue 2005
Burroughs - Chapin Art Museum
in Myrtle Beach, SC, Features Two New Exhibitions
The Franklin G. Burroughs Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in
Myrtle Beach, SC, is presenting the exhibitions, Ray Kass:
WaterMedia and The Adorning Arts: Art to Wear. The
exhibit will continue through May 29, 2005.
Ray Kass
In the exhibit, Ray Kass: WaterMedia, Kass draws inspiration from nature and creates representational and non-representational works. "Everything in this show will be based in watercolor, water imagery or some effect caused by water," Kass said. "The variety of media and processes employed in my paintings all correspond to water either in imagery or effect."
Kass uses a variety of techniques
including polyptych, which is a format that includes many panels.
According to Kass, this type of work is completed in fragments
and brought together to form a whole. "In working outdoors,
I might work on different panels at different times, and the final
work is assembled," Kass said.
Other interesting effects Kass has perfected include using beeswax
and traditional Asian techniques of paper and silk mounting in
an unconventional way.
Kass has a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the University of North Carolina. He is Professor Emeritus at the College of Architecture and urban Studies, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Kass's work has been displayed in galleries and museums in many metropolitan areas including New York, Washington and Kyoto, Japan.
The Adorning Arts exhibit will showcase wearable art from twelve talented artists who create works using a wide variety of materials that excite the senses of touch and sight. Works include handcrafted jewelry, hand-woven garments, collaged and quilted clothing and original shoe and hat designs.
"This particular exhibit celebrates individuality and creativity like no other," Patricia Goodwin, Executive Director of the Art Museum said. "Whether a hat, a pin, shoes or a kimono, the artists use color and texture and in many cases whimsy to create something totally unique."
Featured artists include jewelry artist Duffy Brown of Greenville, SC; jewelry artist Emilie Cohen of Canton, CT; accessory artist John T. Crutchfield of Richmond, VA; fabric artist Mimi Hodgin Hay of Myrtle Beach, SC; footwear artist Wendy Holden of Los Angeles, CA; needlepoint artist Barbara Julius of Sullivan's Island, SC; millinery artisan Leigh Magar of Charleston, SC; purse designer Constance Muller of Eatontown, NJ; clothing artist Beth Nash of Whipple, OH; hat-maker Tatiana Rakhmanina of Hinton, WV; clothing and jewelry artist Susan Slavik of Conway, SC; and fiber artist Lynn Yarrington of New Haven, VT.
Jewelry artisan Duffy Brown creates jewelry using sterling silver, copper and brass. The shapes she fashions are often adorned with objects found in nature including river rocks, colored porcelain shards, weathered shells and oxidized steel, which Brown embellishes with colored pencils. "I feel that my jewelry appeals to people who are, themselves, original," Brown said. "My inspiration comes from nature."
Jeweler Emily Cohen works with gold, silver and semi-precious stones. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, limited editions and hand-fabricated. Cohen has made jewelry for more than 25 years and still likes to try new ideas. "I use a lot of forming techniques which enable me to go from flat to 3D," Cohen explained.
John T. Crutchfield, who will exhibit belts, pins and neck collars, uses a multi-dimensional graphics technique. His work makes a statement about how technology mediates the world. Images from several world-famous artists are found in Crutchfield's works. "In the end each piece gives a unique feeling to its owner," Crutchfield remarked.
Local artist Mimi Hodgin Hay's drama, texture and color-rich kimonos and coats will be exhibited, as well as, a wedding brocade ensemble. This ensemble, Birds of Paradise, is made from silk brocade, crepe and double embroidered antique silk and includes a coat, skirt, silk vest and shawl. "Being a lover of textile scraps, patterns and texture, I enjoy a rich array of fabrics, thus combining cherished bits of old prom dresses, trousseau lingerie, family linens and laces; little scraps with memories all their own," Hay said.
Shoe designer Wendy Holden creates shoes in styles and colors that are original and capricious. Whether a fun, pink, floral print or a sexy black lace, each pair is expressive and interesting. "When I was taking a shoe class it was clear that I somehow knew about shoes in a deep and complex way; that shoes were my métier, my calling," Holden shared.
Needlepoint artisan Barbara Julius will display purses, belts and chokers with original designs. Using cotton thread, which allows for greater detail, Julius creates colorful beetles and abstract patterns. "Watching the picture emerge slowly is like relishing a great novel," Julius said.
Leigh Magar embraces the classic craft of millinery. Her hats, handmade at her studio, are made from quality hand-woven straws and dyed felts. Trimmings, feathers and other vintage, one-of-a-kind accessories are added. "I am impassioned by the sculptural process of hat-making," Magar explained. "I am inspired by the notion where functional objects transform into art."
Purses by Constance Muller include a line called Frou Frou Bags and several doll purses adorned with colorful silks and rich velvets. Muller's designs are unique, whimsical and upbeat. "My ultimate goal is to joyfully delight and add colorful inspiration to my client's life," Muller expressed.
Clothing artist Beth Nash masterfully dies and airbrushes each piece of fabric for her creations. Her designs are original and require hours of thought and execution to produce. Nash works with natural materials including silk, silk broad cloth and linen. "I start with a white fabric and then go from there. I dye all my own colors and cut out the pieces that I will make into garments. Then, I paint designs with an airbrush or using stencils," Nash explained.
Tatiana Rakhmanina comes from generations of hat makers. Her hats are admired all over the world as innovative and romantic. Each hat is one-of-a-kind and is made from quality materials including velvets, wools, leather, cottons, silks, linens and man-made fabrics. "I am inspired by the romantic and feminine fashions of the first half of the twentieth century, as well as the works of some modern artists," Rakhmanina said.
Jewelry and fiber art to be displayed by local artist Susan Slavik are the result of her desire to give tribute to the heritage of visual arts. Using appliqué and dye dispersal techniques, Slavic creates unique coats and jackets that serve utilitarian and artistic purposes. "Wearable works of art represent the willingness of the wearer to come to the table and keep the conversation about art ever fresh and lively," Slavik remarked.
Lynn Yarrington, whose name means weaver of yarn, creates wildly colorful jackets from single fibers. Yarrington is a third-generation designer, colorist and stylist. She is inspired by the idea of integration and unity. "To me weaving is an alchemy of the spirit and the material," Yarrington explained. "It is a vehicle to explore what fascinates and inspires me, and a way to share that with the world."
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Museum at 843/238-2510 or at (www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org).
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