An MFA Exhibition by Josh Jackson : D.O.P.E.
Josh Jackson's MFA exhibition was an amazing experience. I enjoyed how he employed volunteers to enact his story line that he had created. I did not know about any of his work prior to this event, and was entertained to read the handouts and listen to the commentary before allowed into the gallery. Once we entered that gallery, we were able to walk around and read posters which told us more about this other world. The signs detailed precautions to take and introduced us to some of the installed art work. Each element was thought out and presented in an interactive manner that created a fun and explorative journey for the audience. The colors chosen were bright which contrasted the black that was also used. There were interesting choices made that made certain elements tactile, and employed texture that the viewer could touch. From the ground up, there was something to be seen and enjoyed. Everyone at the event seemed delighted by the experience thoroughly enjoyed maneuvering around the gallery.
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Amy Stevens : Confections
Amy Stevens is an American photographer and installation artist. She received her BFA from Arizona State University, and continued forward to grad school. Inspired by Martha Stewart she decided to bake and decorate cakes to commemorate her 30th birthday. She embraced their imperfections and photographed the outcomes of her cake decorating adventures. She often used unappetizing colors, and used a shallow depth of field with a screen print or fabric in the back. She continued forward, getting the chance to go to Ireland for a residency program. During this time she incorporated more objects, but was unable to find fabrics to photograph. Instead, she improvised and photographed small details around town and then edited the coloration to fit the cake.
After completing her project, Amy Stevens used the fabrics to create prize ribbons, quilts, coasters, and pillows. These pieces would be used for installation work, where she would arrange them in different ways across the walls and floors.
I was fortunate to have Amy Stevens review my work, and receive her input and suggestions. What I learned from Amy Stevens was to have more fun with my work and play with different ideas. I tend to focus on certain details, and stress over a project, when I should be enjoying the process and embracing that mistakes that happen. Sometimes those mistakes can lead you to another direction with your work, which is something I need to keep in mind when working. Mostly, I loved how her work was tied to milestones in her life, but was not so personal that others wouldn't understand. She had a universal image that could be interpreted in to several other directions. This is something I will keep in mind in the future.
After completing her project, Amy Stevens used the fabrics to create prize ribbons, quilts, coasters, and pillows. These pieces would be used for installation work, where she would arrange them in different ways across the walls and floors.
I was fortunate to have Amy Stevens review my work, and receive her input and suggestions. What I learned from Amy Stevens was to have more fun with my work and play with different ideas. I tend to focus on certain details, and stress over a project, when I should be enjoying the process and embracing that mistakes that happen. Sometimes those mistakes can lead you to another direction with your work, which is something I need to keep in mind when working. Mostly, I loved how her work was tied to milestones in her life, but was not so personal that others wouldn't understand. She had a universal image that could be interpreted in to several other directions. This is something I will keep in mind in the future.