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.