Saturday, March 24th, 2012
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, has the work of 20 local women artists on display through the month of March. As part of this exhibit, there is an Artists’ Panel discussion and closing celebration on Tuesday evening, March 27th, at 7 pm. Come join us and gain insight on our work…
As Night Falls on Almena
My largest mixed media collage makes use of “photo transfers” and represents a broad time dimension, incorporating several events from my family background. I grew up in what was called a “Sears house” on Almena Avenue (depicted in the top right corner). The plot had a steep rolling front lawn. My process allows for textural layers and structural shapes to intuitively take form. I believe it is my Great Grandmother holding my Grandfather placed in the door-like space towards the bottom of the composition. My Great Grandfather exists higher up in the image, but remains buried and practically invisible to the viewer’s eye. My late brother composed the letter at the bottom right as a child. And lastly, the inclusion of a few ordinary items enhance the earthy and organic feel of the work.
Rwanda
This 16 “ x 20” piece portrays Marcia, my 23 year old sponsored “sister” from Rwanda. In 2007 she enrolled in a rights awareness and job skills training program offered by Women for Women International. Upon graduation, her last correspondence expressed concern for me, as she had not received any letter from my side. I was heartbroken, as I had been writing for months. This is in her honor, conveying both my sadness and her courage as she sought to survive a war-torn environment and better the lives of those around her.
View these and four more mixed media pieces at MHHC through March 28th. : )
Tags: artbyrox, fine art, mixed media collage, Printmaking, Roxie Johnson