| Editorial Profile sanantonio.citysearch.com Stones and Clay
Walking into the UTSA Satellite Space this month is a bit like entering an abandoned civilization and trying to make sense of the unbelievable artifacts left behind. Although the two sets of work included in Stones and Clay are of completely different styles, materials and content, both seem to serve as cryptic messages from another time, and deciphering them is half the fun. The Space has managed to organize an exhibit that avoids trite reproductions of other artists' work and instead strikes the viewer's fancy with its intriguing and quirky nature. Susan Budge's work stands tall--the clay forms compose what she calls a "forest of beings." These are pieces from a most fantastic chess game, one whose moves are directed by the opposing players of modern art and society. Baked at a low fire to preserve the explosive color and surface texture, the resulting forms are bright, whimsical, organic and unexpected. Humor and thoughtfulness are at continuous interplay in the clay crafted by Budge, an Assistant Professor, Head of Ceramics and Art Metals, and Exhibitions Chair at San Antonio College. Scott Nichol's forms hang stoically--like the stalactites to which he relates his work, Nichol's pieces inspire the same forbidden desire in the viewer to reach out and touch. Nichol's art consists of stones roped together in somewhat precarious packages, bound with hemp. Two such pieces are installed at the Space and are accompanied by photos of similar site-specific works. Also included in his presentation are large-scale conte drawings, representing and expounding upon the process of stringing the stones. Nichols' ability to take natural found objects that are available to everyone, everyday, and create something so otherworldly is uncanny. Susan Budge and Scott Nichol's clay and stones, respectively, will be on exhibit through Nov. 27.--Jennifer Wehunt |
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