“Twig”-an exhibit by Carolyn Capps
Twig // mixed-media exhibit by Carolyn Capps // Opening Reception February 3rd, 6-8pm
Artist statement:
My current body of work is entitled Twig because the multiple meanings of the word fit well with the layers of thought in this series. A twig is a small branch, which is suggestive of the many branchings of the natural world, from our own nervous and respiratory systems to the branching of the evolutionary tree. The image of growth from a common source reminds us of connections near and far. The word twig also means to observe, notice or watch and to understand. To draw, even loosely as these pieces are drawn, allows one to notice much more than one might otherwise see. The drawing brings these details to our attention and deepens our understanding of the world.
The animals and humans that populate my work should be seen as protagonists and are therefore chosen for their sympathetic appeal. While drawing, I work to reveal the intrinsic emotional intelligence of the subject. With the animals it is important not to anthropomorphize yet to consider that nonhuman thoughts and emotions have significance. For the human subjects I have chosen the very young, often newborns. This extreme youth allows the viewer to see the world from an untainted perspective.
The works are done quickly, almost gesturally, in oil on Mylar. The gestural quality creates a sense of life and narrative immediacy that is imperative to the emotional impact of the pieces. I wish to convey that both the subject and the viewer are in the moment. The extremely personal style of gestural drawing also suggests the presence of the artist. I do many pieces and succeed in only a few. Just as each individual creature is a product of both design and chance, so are these drawings.
I have found that Mylar is great to draw on because it allows me to return over and over to the unblemished surface in search of just the right facial expression or gesture. The brown paint is wonderfully organic in quality while the Mylar is so manmade. The variable surface qualities like nature itself I find extremely seductive.
The emotions conveyed by the work vary from piece to piece, but collectively they acknowledge our ambiguous feelings about nature as a whole. This mix of emotions has formed our current relationship with nature. By taking a sympathetic look at ourselves and at nature I hope that we can form a new world view, one does not place the needs and desires of humans above those of other animals. I hope this work opens a small window to this more sympathetic paradigm by allowing us to see ourselves in others and others in ourselves.
