Georgia Museum of Art presents second annual Henry D. Green Lifetime Achievement Award to Brad Rauschenberg

L to R: Linda Chesnut, chair of GMOA's Decorative Arts Advisory Committee; Brad Rauschenberg; and Dale Couch

Brad Rauschenberg became the second recipient of the Henry D. Green Lifetime Achievement award, presented by the Georgia Museum of Art on March 10.

The award recognizes the achievements of an antiquarian, art historical or material culture practitioner who has made significant contributions to the field of southern decorative arts. Contributions include scholarship, institutional program expansion, administration, publications, service, exhibitions, presentations, mentorship, research, education, financial support or advocacy of southern decorative art.

Last year’s award went to prominent antiques dealer Deanne Deavours for her influence on the standards and experience of art collection.

This year, in a unanimous decision by the award committee, Rauschenberg won it for his influence on decorative arts scholars and practitioners through mentorship, articles and books, as well as his work at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) and Old Salem Museums and Gardens.

“This is not a perfunctory award,” says GMOA curator of decorative arts Dale L. Couch. “It is literally next to impossible to exaggerate the contributions to decorative arts scholarship that this man has made. His published scholarship alone would be significant, but he must be credited with the establishment of many of the tools that most decorative arts scholarship is based on.”

Rauschenberg was instrumental in the conception of MESDA’s photographic research files as well as the development of the museum’s field research program.

“What he did is create, largely through his own ideas and efforts, centralized scholarship for southern decorative arts that has been the basis for satellite programs such as the Green Center,” says Couch.

Artist uses art to illustrate interdependence

Installation from "Symbiosis" by Danielle Peters

Danielle Peters is showing our “biological need for closeness” in her performance-based exit show “Symbiosis.”

Peters’ work in the “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” was inspired by her weekly tango lessons as well as videos of mating snakes. The collaborative show will feature organ music, tango dancing and installation and costume design that highlight the similarities between the sensual dance and the entwined snakes.

“Taking cues from systems evident in nature, my work draws parallels between human intimacy and the natural world,” said Peters. She allowed the collaborators freedom to create their own elements of the performance, giving them little direction before they come together for a moment of “spontaneous synchronization,” which will be performed three times on the night of March 22, at the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Peters creates her works of art by layering pieces of hand-cut paper to form sculptures, installations, drawings and costumes. She is interested in the contrast between human physiology and natural phenomenon.

Heavy patterning and texture on Peters’ surfaces suggest bodily elements like hair, tissue and fluid. She said her fluorescent pastels create a clean perception of the body, idealizing its inner workings.

Peters’ influences include swarm dynamics, symbiosis, synchronicity and studies of the nervous system. Her work is often collaborative, building on these ideas of interdependence.

Peters received her BFA in printmaking from the University of Kansas in 2009 and studied printmaking at Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea, that same spring. She is a 2013 MFA candidate in printmaking and has exhibited her works of art both nationally and internationally.

Collaborators for “Symbiosis” include: composition by musician T.S. Woodward; tango performances by Frances Torres, Fuad Elhage, Maggie Malone, A.J. Wheeler, Christie Moody and Dorian Zevos; and set and costume design by Peters with the assistance of artist Katrina Shoewe.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist questions identity and history in works of art

Quilt detail by Mei Ling Cann

Mei Ling Cann’s informative works of art deal with identity politics in relation to race and ethnicity.

Cann has created two quilts for the “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” that question heritage and history and the “irreconcilable differences” that can exist between them. One quilt deals with experiences in the United States while the other focuses on experiences in Taiwan.

“I treat every experience as a valuable tool to learn and create new personal realities,” said Cann. She said her work is influenced by her own experiences living as a biracial Asian American in a “racially disparate” environment.

Cann’s heritage quilts attempt to delve into history and the symbols and biases society associates with past events. For her exit show, she was influenced by childhood stories from Taiwan and recognizable symbols from the South, specifically in Georgia and North Carolina. Both of her quilts deal with controversial symbols that differ in meaning depending on region and culture.

The quilt of Taiwanese experiences depicts large swastikas. Cann said her quilt is inspired by the time she visited Taiwan as a child and noticed the symbols decorating Buddhist temples. She recalls asking her mother why hateful symbols adorned places of worship, and her mother responded that the symbols were not racist in this context, but Buddhist.

“From this initial experience, I would have many more throughout my life involving the swastika, not only as a stereotypical symbol of hate but also as a decorative and auspicious one of good luck and peace—two very contrasting interpretations,” said Cann.

Confederate flags adorn the other quilt, which reflects on the contradictory meaning of that symbol.

Cann’s informative art mainly addresses social and personal issues, health and disease. She prefers not to limit herself to one medium or certain materials; instead, she chooses a topic, then explores how to express it best.

Cann often worked on her quilts in public places during large-scale events. “Art-making in unexpected public venues really throws off inadvertent viewers and makes for interesting conversations between strangers who would have otherwise never spoken,” said Cann.

Cann grew up in the small southern town of Havelock, North Carolina. In 2008, she graduated from East Carolina University, earning a BFA with a concentration in painting and drawing as well as textile design. She is a 2013 MFA candidate at the University of Georgia in painting and drawing.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s works of art structured yet fun

"Pool Block" by Elliot Walters

Sunny days by the pool don’t usually bring up ideas of art, but Elliot Walters hopes her sculptural painted panels evoke fun days of leisure, serving as an escape for the viewer.

Walters’ bright panels in the "Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition" feature sculptural attachments that resemble pool rails. These attachments provide an entry to the work while serving as handles, creating an idea of leisure in the context of shopping. Walters said these handles also mimic the idea of a designer handbag, allowing her work to be carried around.

“For me, a successful work of art almost appears as if it made itself,” said Walters. Her process involves the use of layering and collage, building all parts separately and assembling them. Walters said she values color and humor in her work and often uses a “less is more” approach.

The idea for Walters’ exit show developed after she worked on a site-specific sculpture and a paper sculpture, creating miniature pool ladders and a diving board for the projects. She said the pool accessories for her works of art in the exit show were influenced by this project.

Walters earned her BFA in drawing and printmaking from the University of Central Florida in 2009 and is pursuing her MFA in printmaking. Her work is characterized by minimalistic designs and luxuriant colors.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s sculptures play with ideas of “normal”

"Pink Paradise" by Rachel Debuque

Rachel Debuque places her works of art on the threshold between reality and fiction.

Debuque’s sculptures in the “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” employ color, pattern and design elements arranged in an installation. Her sculptures resemble the natural world while reflecting “alien” qualities.

“Making is simultaneously terrifying and completely absorbing fun,” said Debuque. She described her process as organic, making decisions as she goes while watching her works of art unfold. Her work plays with color, content and scale, challenging concepts of “home.”

Vibrant color patterns are juxtaposed with flattening matte paint in Debuque’s exit show, which will feature painted wall patterns that interact with repeated 3-D elements. A female performer will also perform tasks throughout the show and in the installation space. Debuque said she is interested in how the body can be both a prop and an activator of space.

Dubuque believes her own experiences reflect a broad cultural experience, and she strives to be honest in her work. She challenges herself by thinking outside the boundaries of what is expected, saying it makes her “feel alive.”

Debuque’s research involves installation, sculpture, video and performance. She has studied and exhibited both nationally and internally. She is an instructor of record in 3-D design at the Lamar Dodd School of Art and is a graduate research assistant for Ideas for Creative Exploration (ICE). She was a recipient of the 2012 Willson Center Graduate Research Grant, which helped create her installation.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s photographs evoke oppositions to modern day

"Transmission" by Clay Jordan

Clay Jordan’s photographs in the "Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition" are about nostalgia, growing older and “cheap pleasures” that are both enticing and unfulfilling.

Jordan’s photographs feature saturated colors and reflect these sentimental ideas. For example, Jordan said his work focuses on accessibility, especially the modern conveniences of technology and the Internet, allowing people to have whatever they want, when they want it.

“I want to make things that I find beautiful and beguiling but that are also sad and ephemeral,” said Jordan. He said he works prolifically, shooting until he recognizes a theme. He then edits his photographs into a cohesive body of work.

Jordan received a BFA in psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1998 and is an MFA candidate for photography. He became interested in art after collecting photography books, with the help of his girlfriend’s worker discount, from Powell’s Books, a large and independently owned bookstore in Portland, Ore. Jordan is also a founding member of the band pacificUV.

                          

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist uses form and function with interior designs

"Fighting obesity within the built environment while promoting physical activity" by Nicole Williams

Nicole Williams has designed a building that houses both a rehabilitation and wellness center to aid the fight of obesity.

Williams’ designs in the "Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition" will be presented on banners and a television screen with walk-through animations of the structure. Williams designed the building, located in Richmond, Va., as a multi-use facility that leads to healthier lifestyles.

“My ultimate goal with design is creating an environment with a sense of place that integrates functionality, aesthetics and cultural influences,” said Williams. The rising rates of obesity in Richmond inspired her to design a building that would help alleviate these health issues.

One of Williams’ goals when designing is to enhance experiences while promoting productivity. She particularly enjoys doing research to reach these goals and help overcome obstacles. She says the process of design, from coming up with the initial concept to finishing the final computer renderings and animation, allows her to be creative in both the technical and artistic aspects of her multifaceted profession.

Williams earned her BFA in interior design at Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010 and is a 2013 candidate for the MFA degree in interior design at the University of Georgia. In October 2012, her work “Tribal Ink of Polynesia” was selected and presented at the Design Communication Association’s national conference at Oklahoma State University School of Architecture.

Williams plans to find a job in a design firm upon graduating. She hopes to continue traveling and learning about other cultures around the world.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s paintings inspired by human behavior

"Lynn and Little Ones" by Christine Roman

Christine Roman is interested in the origin of human behavior, specifically in relation to her family history and herself.

Roman has incorporated collage, acrylic painting and mixed-media drawings on her 3- to 6-foot-long canvas paintings in the "Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition." Over the years, Roman said she developed a set of symbols relating to memories, experiences and family history, which she then used as a basis for her paintings.

“I want my paintings to be strong, colorful, tactile images that act as voyages into dreams, memory and the subconscious,” said Roman.

Roman said she allows her subconscious to direct her painting, using intuitive mark-making to reflect ideas about human behavior. Her conceptual ideas combine with this instinctive physical process, allowing her final works of art to form. According to Roman, her narratives reflect the evolution of her ideas, memory and movement.

Roman received her BFA in drawing and painting from the University of Georgia in 2006 and is an MFA candidate in painting. She has exhibited her work in the Southeast and in Cortona, Italy. She plans to continue painting, teaching and exhibiting her works and hopes to remain in the Southeast with her husband and daughter.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist captures fleeting moments in painting

"Camping Inside the Fence" by Brock Gordon

Brock Gordon is all about the “right now.”

Gordon created his paintings in the “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” over the past two months, working quickly to show what he was interested in at that moment. These fast decisions made his works of art his own, he said.

“I work quickly as a way to capture what I see as a poetic moment in our culture,” said Gordon. He uses the Internet as a tool to identify the global cultural landscape, creating narratives for his paintings.

Gordon emphasized how the works of art in his exit show are not a collection of his “greatest hits.” Instead, his paintings serve as a reflection of his current interests and as a commentary on global events.

“Gone With the Wind,” a painting in Gordon’s exit show, features an image of the main characters gazing at their plantation during a sunset. He turned the famous image upside down, abstracting the landscape while adding other images from American antiquity like a buffalo head and axes. The painting’s bright colors serve as a comparison of the introduction of Technicolor in movies and the “flamboyant” uses of color in contemporary times, he said.

Gordon said he appreciates the idea that painting continually reinvents itself after its ideas have become outdated and technologies have changed our perceptions. He said his work plays with ideas of physical and virtual space, investigating these ideas with the “language of painting.”

Gordon is an MFA candidate for painting and currently teaches drawing and painting classes as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Georgia. He uses his background as a farm worker to form landscapes in his paintings.

“I think speed and immediacy are things we expect now as a culture, and I like making work in that manner,” said Gordon.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s colorful paintings keep viewers’ attention

"Yellow Line Explosion" by Stacey Elder

Stacey Elder’s abstract paintings are covered in layers of paint and glossy textured surfaces.

Elder will display five of her paintings in the "Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition." She hopes to draw in viewers and keep them looking due to the sheer amount of material on the surfaces of her paintings.

“The process behind my work is very responsive. I pour, scrap and cover to build layers upon layers of thick paint that interacts with thick glossy surfaces intertwined with gestural drawing,” said Elder. She paints based on previous choices, building on layers until reaching her final product.

Elder earned her BFA in 2010 from Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va. She is a 2013 candidate in the MFA program at the University of Georgia. She has shown her work in juried exhibitions and in group shows. Her current work focuses on color and textured surfaces created through gesture and material.

Elder prefers bright, saturated colors and unusual or imperfect patterns in her work. She often mixes planes of color with completely opposite elements in her compositions. She plans to continue making and showing work after graduation.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.

Artist’s designs transform community

Conestee Mill: A Revitalization Project Combining Historic Preservation and Interior Design

Kaitlin McShea wants to improve the community of Greenville County, S.C., her hometown, by redesigning the historic Conestee Mill there.

McShea’s interior design project in the “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” transforms the aging textile mill into a mixed-use development that includes luxury loft apartments, retail spaces, a conference center, a community fitness center, a textile history museum and a South Carolina-themed restaurant.

“My goal is to not only design a beautiful, livable, walk-able space, but also to revive the Conestee community through preservation of the mill, interior design and programming in order to create a sustainable complex that future generations will continue to enjoy,” said McShea. She based her design concept on the textiles once produced at the mill. The interior spaces have elements playing with the textures, forms and physical qualities of fabric and historic textile equipment.

McShea has worked in community design through her fellowship with the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute and Carl Vinson Institute of Government. In her work, she combines historic preservation with modern and sustainable designs.

McShea is combining her two MFA degrees (master of historic preservation and master of fine arts with a focus in interior design) with this project. She began with historical documentation, studying historic floor plans and interviewing people in the community about the mill. Her research also included case studies of two other similar mills in the Southeast.

McShea said she wanted to choose a community that would benefit economically from the redevelopment. She chose the specific businesses in her design based on what the community was currently missing. She created both hand and 3-D computer renderings of the spaces as well as choosing materials, finishes and furniture for each space in the new facility. Last, she created a brand identity for the site with logos and color schemes for each space and combined everything in a visual package for the exhibition.

The final design reflects McShea’s goals of creating a space that is attractive in its living, work and play spaces. Her design also reflects the unique history of textile mills in Greenville and in the Southeast.

The “Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition” is on view at the Georgia Museum of Art March 16 to April 22, 2013, with an opening reception in conjunction with 90 Carlton: Spring on March 22. MFA Speaks is scheduled for March 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the artists discussing their work.