‘Interwoven: Seeing And Making’ To Feature Photography, Thread Paintings And Pottery By Proctor And Stevens
A new exhibition by Kimberly Day Proctor and Missy Stevens will open Saturday, June 10, at Art and Frame, 77 Main Street. The exhibition will feature photographs by Proctor and thread paintings and pottery by Stevens.
In “Interwoven: Seeing and Making,” Proctor and Stevens will explore the multitude of connections between how they see and feel the world, especially the natural world, and what as artists they make of that vision.
Proctor was transplanted from Florida to New England at an early age. She is now well rooted in Yankee soil. She received her formal education with a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design. Less formal, but no less valuable education came from teachers and mentors in many different fields. Several paths have been followed and explored as a means of creative expression, including photography, printmaking, painting, illustration, and landscape design.
Each medium informs the next in the tapestry created by this artist over time. But the constant has always been a deep connection to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The photographs collected for “Interwoven,” according to Proctor, “have been gathered from explorations in the countryside of Connecticut.”
There has been an ongoing search in her work that asks the question: “What does beauty in nature mean?” Beauty is expressed here in the quiet moments, in both minute and grand changes that take place over time.
The captured elements, she says, are indeed “Interwoven” with time, light, and transformation.
Stevens migrated to New England when she was 17, drawn by an ancestral gravity. She has used fabric and thread as expression since she was 5.
She is nationally known for her thread paintings: dense, delicate embroideries worked with sewing thread and a punch needle.
More recently she has also turned to clay to express her sense of joy. She became fascinated with the creation of clay whistles, many in the form of animals.
In all materials, her work is inspired by her feeling of kinship with the natural world, and is known for its rich color, surface detail, and playful spirit.
Her work is a manifestation of her imagination. It leads viewers into a world of mystery where flowers are bigger than the people, and everything is animate. Flowers smile down at viewers, birds frolic, and mythical sky-filled creatures accompany gallery visitors on their way.
“Interwoven: Seeing and Making” will draw viewers into the peaceful, joyful, and unexpected world of these two artists.
The public is invited to an opening reception scheduled for 4-6 pm June 10. “Interwoven: Seeing and Making” will remain on view until August 10.
Art & Frame is regularly open Monday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm. Call 203-748-0197 for additional information.