{"id":7337,"date":"2020-09-24T15:26:21","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T15:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elizabethfram.com\/Blog\/?p=7337"},"modified":"2020-09-24T15:26:21","modified_gmt":"2020-09-24T15:26:21","slug":"the-light-and-the-dark-of-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elizabethfram.com\/Blog\/the-light-and-the-dark-of-it\/","title":{"rendered":"The Light And The Dark Of It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before I begin, the Grange Hall Cultural Center<\/a> is hosting an in-person exhibition called DWELL<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Sixteen artists’ responses to living during a pandemic will be on view, including my piece “Cocooned #2”. Visit by appointment from September 24 – October 24 (see contact info below). \u00a0COVID precautions will be in place (no more than 5 people in the gallery at any time). If you’re in the area, please plan to visit — and don’t forget your mask!<\/p>\n

\"Dwell<\/p>\n

Now, for the “light”…<\/p>\n

On our recent stay-cation, we visited a spot that has been on my list for years but, for whatever reason, I hadn’t been to yet. As long as it isn’t pouring rain, just about any day – in any season – would be a great time to go check out this gem. The beautiful, sunny September morning of our visit was perfect.<\/p>\n

\"Bundy

Please go to the Bundy Modern’s website for lovely pictures of the gallery in all seasons<\/p><\/div>\n

The Bundy Modern<\/a> of Waitsfield, VT was built in 1962 in a lush natural setting with mountain views. The structure itself, designed by Harvard GSD architect Harlow Carpenter, is a wonderful example of the Bauhaus style and is an unusual treasure for central Vermont.<\/p>\n

\"Jacobs

The Sound of Light for WS Merwin<\/strong> \u00a92020 Richard Jacobs, Oil on 6 canvases, 90 x 80 inches. \u00a0 \u00a0This piece is in the current exhibition “Triad”<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Paul

Zeus<\/strong> \u00a91966 Paul Aschenbach, Sorten Steel, 20 feet. \u00a0 \u00a0The lighting of my photo was so bad that the best and only way to show this striking sculpture was to convert the photo to black and white. Even though it was unintentional, I think the contrast between the hard sculpture and the trees and sky in the background make for an interesting duality that wasn’t immediately apparent in the color version.<\/p><\/div>\n

Conceived as an art and sculpture gallery, it presents a unique intersection between the modern and contemporary artwork that is displayed within the building and on the grounds, and what is “an unusually pure example of modern architecture”.* The natural surroundings play as strong a role as the art and the building that sit within them, making for a truly exceptional visual experience.<\/p>\n

\"Dunphy

Traitor<\/strong> \u00a92019 Patrick Dunphy, Aqua-dispersion and gesso on paper, 60 x 84 inches. \u00a0 Also part of the “Triad” exhibition.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Pallini

Triforms<\/strong> \u00a91965 Fred Pallini, Steel, 96 inches. \u00a0 \u00a0What I loved most about this piece is that it seemed that it was made of textile rather than steel. There is a lightness (almost pillow-like) and a visual tactile quality to this sculpture that I find very appealing.<\/p><\/div>\n

Current owners, Wendell and June Anderson, are doing a marvelous job as stewards of Carpenter’s vision while bringing exciting contemporary art to our area. Put a visit on your list, if you haven’t already.<\/p>\n

And now for the “dark”…<\/p>\n

To date, the COVID houses I’ve been making have skewed toward the optimistic in my search to find and express a sense of hope and positivity in the midst of this pandemic. But as the months have worn on, I haven’t been able to ignore the bleaker aspects of these times.<\/p>\n

\"Caged\"

Caged<\/strong> \u00a92020 Elizabeth Fram, Wrapped-resist dye on silk with foraged branches, 8″H x 3″W x 4.5″D<\/p><\/div>\n

My latest two pieces lean toward this darker direction. I don’t consider myself a political artist, but there is catharsis in creating a fuller picture of what is happening now and in striving for empathy.<\/p>\n

\"Swirl

Swirl of Fire<\/strong> \u00a92020 Elizabeth Fram, Stitched-resist dye on silk with foraged branches, 10″H x 8″W x 6″D \u00a0 This piece speaks to the devastating wildfires out west.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Swirl

Swirl of Fire<\/strong>, alternate view<\/p><\/div>\n

Perhaps a sense of fellowship \/ camaraderie \/ community is the best and most hopeful of what we have to offer each other. With that in mind, I came across two sources of interviews that have brought some light to my reading, and perhaps they will for you as well.<\/p>\n