"The Art of Place" in Silhouettes

I was not planning on doing any exhibits until later in 2015 because I am just finishing up my 2014 showings on December 28th when exhibits at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, Vermont and the Bryan Gallery in Jeffersonville, Vermont come to an end.  Also, on January 20th I am starting a twice weekly digital media class at Johnson State College.  Surely that should be enough of a January start to creative work in the New Year!

However, a friend suggested I apply to an upcoming juried exhibit at the Chandler Gallery in Randolph, Vermont.  On a spur of the moment I sent them two of my silhouette photographs. 

The exhibit is called "Art of Place" and the call to artists states:  

"We are considering both two- and three-dimensional interpretations of this theme, which need not rely on literal depiction of location, but use the idea of place as a starting point for inspiration or source of material, art that evokes a sense of place and space".

I am happy to announce that I have been selected to participate.  2015 starts now!

The two pieces I will have in the show, Starynk and Death are based on art I created with my father and my paternal grandmother in mind. A class in silhouette photography coincided with the 6th anniversary of my father's death; he and my grandmother were in my thoughts. Although I didn't consciously work to achieve anything specific, what arose for me clearly depicts the loneliness of being left behind at death.

Death by Patricia Lyon-Surrey

My grandmother, Buchta's piece holds more nostalgia than sadness but it also depicts a certain wistfulness.  She has a special place in my heart, for she took care of me as a baby when my mother visited my dad who was stationed away from home in the Navy shortly after World War II.
Grandma Buchta was the typical starynka (slovak for grandmother) in that she wore babushkas and dresses, believed strongly in her catholic faith, and baked wonderful traditional sweets (kolachki, zazvorniki) from the old country.  She never learned to speak English but sometimes her vocabulary included words that combined the two languages.

Starynka by Patricia Lyon-Surrey

I am pleased that this experimental--and new work in silhouette photography-- has been recognized by the Chandler. Especially since it features two people that I love very much.  I haven't yet decided whether to frame them in a simple black frame as they are, or to mat and frame them.  I want the art to have as much visual impact as possible.  If you have an opinion, or a preference, you can comment here or e-mail me at pmlyon@juno.com

The exhibit runs from January 17, 2015 through March 8.  More information on the opening reception and directions to the Chandler will be forthcoming in a future post.