Friday, January 8, 2016

Quantum Reconstruction at William King Museum

Quantum Reconstructed/ William King Museum

Abingdon, Virginia, Jan 4- Feb 1

You never know who will show up for an exhibit reception! Photo credit Callie Hietala, Director of Exhibitions

The concept behind “Quantum Confusion” involves the many theories given to the existence of many, or parallel worlds, both in the disciplines of Quantum Physics and Metaphysics.  They range from solid research that can deliver actual theory-proving data, to the more esoteric work of Lewis and Kripke, which has a tendency to sound like the conversation of a couple of 1960’s era grad students on acid.  Popular media occasionally tries to produce their own version of these theories, from an episode of “Lost in Space” that scared the pants off me when I was a kid by showing characters on the program walking into another world through a special mirror portal, to the recent tv series “Fringe”.  Whether any parts of these theories eventually prove to be true remains to be seen, but with further developments in the world of Quantum Physics, we are constantly reminded that the more we discover, the less we know.

My installation originally played with the portal idea, using 4' x 8' sheets of hanging Plexiglas. I've recently been reconstructing the original layout, using the random architecture of gallery spaces and buildings at the portals with which my characters confront.  The Physicist, with her pencil and clipboard, is the only alert presence, as the other participants complacently participate in something they haven’t figured out yet.
All my work is direct drawing with charcoal and pastel pencil on birch or maple plywood. They are then varnished, cut out, back supported, and mounted on the floor stands I make.



Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Commissions for McGhee Tyson Airport Corporate Offices

McGhee Tyson Airport Commissions

My four pieces for the McGhee Tyson Airport Corporate offices have just been installed...in a location most people don't get to go to, so here they are! They are multi layer mixed-media with watercolor on paper, cut paper, wood, plexiglass, archival ink jet prints, and hand built frames with model airplane nose cones and wood propellers. They describe the four main types of travelers. I used as inspiration book and advertisement illustration with a slight suggestion of vintage 1950's/'60's.
Business Traveler
Adventure Traveler
Family Travelers
 
First Time Travelers
There will also be, at some point, T-shirts available at the airport gift shops with my graphic design versions on them. The airport's graphic designer will be adding the text and logos. T-shirt sales will help to support the superb Arts in the Airport program, run cooperatively by the Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance with the McGhee Tyson Airport, which has been supporting two exhibits a year in the airport for years now.