The Shape of Art
December 3, 2020 - By Joy Reed Belt
As I look around the Gallery this Christmas season, I am struck by all of the different shapes of art that are on display. Shape along with line, texture, form, space, color and value are the ways that artists communicate. In addition to being an aesthetic concept, shape can also be an identifying concept. For example, Christmas can be identified by shape(s). The shape of a Christmas Tree, a Wreath, a Candy Cane, a rotund Santa, an antlered Reindeer, or an Angel with a halo all speak to us in profound ways.
My mother once told me that when awaiting my arrival on this earth she prayed I would have straight teeth. Shape and proportion were important to her, and therefor to me. As a child I wanted to be an average height and weight and look as perfect as I could. Mother wanted me to have long hair, so it grew and grew until it reached my waist. When I was about four years old, I cut my hair off above my ears, leaving one strand I could not reach hanging down my back. Much to my dismay that single act of defiance became conversational fodder at family reunions for years. When I was an adolescent, I longed to become my own individual self and started experimenting with my persona. For instance, one month I would be all feminine and act like Scarlet O’Hara, or I would have a Goth weekend, or dress and act as I thought Jo in “Little Women” might. Consequently, I think my family was somewhat relieved when I decided to pursue an undergraduate drama degree thinking that I could and would act out on stage vs. real life.
Artists also go through developmental stages. A beginning artist might just be pleased to create something that others can recognize. As an artist develops, they begin to experiment with shapes, colors and materials by distorting them for enhanced effect. Mature artists often intentionally and dramatically use shapes, lines and colors to express themselves. When the political climate in the United States became so negative and uncharitable, John Wolfe, decided to create a series of sculptures that he entitled “New Figures.” Each figure is made with a body of frosted Plexiglass. He masterfully used found wooden objects, metal scraps and beads and other gathered materials to create each figure. John then imbued each figure with its own character by naming them with respected, admirable traits like: “Benevolence,” “Understanding,” “Perseverance,” and “Kindness.” Each figure’s name is handwritten on the back of the sculpture along with the definition of that trait.
We recently received a large vase in the Gallery that was created by Denise Duong, well known for her distinctive narrative paintings, and Matt Seikel. The measurements, or external boundaries, of the vase are: 30” x 20” x 20,” and while the vase has symmetry, it is not symmetrical. The figures and landscape surrounding the vase create a narrative. So, when you walk around the vase a tale of love, longing and life unfolds. Two painters who dramatically use shape in their paintings in dramatically different ways are Michelle Mikesell and B.J. White. OU Professor and Sculptor Jonathan Hils laser cuts materials and fits them together in mind boggling intricate ways creating fantastical shapes in all sizes.
In what has become an annual tradition, the Gallery is hosting a BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Stella Thomas Trunk Show on December 10th, 11th and 12th. Stella consistently breaks creative barriers with her extraordinary jewelry and fashion creations. She does not feel at all limited in her use of shape, color, line, form, or texture. She gives us inventive clothing and accessories for today’s contemporary woman. Additionally, Stella gives me the Gallery owner, new roles to play regardless of the length of my hair.
Images:
Jonathan Hils, "Void," 2012, Powder Coated Steel, 45 x 13 x 10 in., $3,500
Denise Duong and Matt Seikel, "Untitled," 2006, 30 x 20 x 20 in., $3,000
John Wolfe, "Benevolence," Mixed Media, 21.5 x 6 x 5 in., $900
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