January 2 – February 20, 2015

The first exhibition of 2015 will feature two artists who use methods of construction, deconstruction, repurposing, and reassembling. Christina Massey works in paintings and textiles and hails from Brooklyn, New York. Her works have been shown in museums and galleries from the east coast to the west coast. Page Turner works in mixed media  often including textiles, bones, and antiquities. She resides in Roanoke, Virginia, and her works have been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the east coast. The artists’ joint exhibition will open in the Craddock-Terry Gallery on First Friday, January 2nd from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.

Christina Massey

“Using methods of constructing and deconstructing, I am constantly re-using and repurposing my own artwork. One series literally leads to another, where previous series of works are cut, torn and sewn or woven back together again into new series of works, which may again be reconstructed into yet another art form. The past always present in the current and future works, they tell a story of my progression as an Artist, and question the finality of Art.

I often use word play and general political topics as a way to communicate opinions that ultimately define an observation about the Art world itself. Painting as a medium has been my primary focus of material, be it acrylic or oil on paper or canvas, however I remain inspired by influenced by textiles and Fiber Arts.  I “destroy” my traditionally framed paintings by cutting and tearing them apart, then mend them together by thread, a series of knots or weaving them together again giving them new life as a different form.”

How I choose what works to re-work, and what works to remain is a difficult process. Often it is work that has sat around for too long, perhaps “failed” in some way, by not showing or selling or simply no longer satisfying my creative desires. There are “favorites” so to speak that will stick around for years and not be touched, however, on occasion, even these “favorites” sometimes get the ax if it’s what I feel the new work requires. It’s a therapeutic process of letting go in order to move forward. Ultimately, any work that I have created in the past is subject to be re-worked again in the future in some way shape or form as my own tastes and opinions change, my body of work continues to evolve with me.”

Click here to learn more about Christina Massey and her art.

Page Turner

“My delicate sculptures are sewn and constructed entirely by hand, using heirlooms, preserved animal parts, domestic tools, and sacred objects. My work honors the high art of domestic skills and is a reflection of femininity. Each sculpture in my series A Stitch in Time Saves Nine is a totem of a specific woman who helped to forge my identity.

As a child, I was steeped in Mormon culture and taught by elders who strongly defined and enforced gender roles and responsibilities. These sisters emphasized domestic skills and traditions to ensure my proper education. While under the sisters’ tutelage, I discovered the sacredness of personal objects and how they truly reflect our identity as women.

I have always been bewitched by what is kept and saved, and by objects that are perceived to have little to no value. I am attuned especially to objects and tools that women have owned or own, such as material remnants, and the everyday mementos that someone saves—sentimental objects, trifles, trinkets, and sundries. ”

Click here to learn more about Page Turner and her art.