Jessica and Bette in the WXOX studios.
Bette Levy & Jessica Beels join us to discuss their new exhibit at Pyro Gallery. Tune in to Artists Talk with LVA each Thursday at 10 am on 97.1 FM or Artxfm.com.
Tangents, a wandering off course, is an apt title for an exhibition by good friends Bette Levy and Jessica Beels. The title demonstrates how both artists diverge from traditional treatments of materials and processes in creating innovative artwork. But, despite using different techniques, both are fascinated with found objects, bought, given, or stumbled across. Additionally, while both artists often work on a large scale, Tangents presents smaller, more intimate work. The opening reception is Friday, July 31st from 6 -9 pm.
Bette Levy is interested in adapting historic handwork techniques. By pairing vintage tools and other objects with crochet, she honors various modes of production. Her work contrasts men’s work with women’s, physical with sedentary, outdoor with indoor, gross motor with small repetitive gestures. Although hand- and tool-work skills have been largely replaced by technology, Levy wants to examine history and respect for family and gender. Her approach results from her interest in maintaining craft skills in an increasingly technological/virtual world.
A dedicated collector of odd bits, Jessica Beels repurposes discarded materials to make small sculptures. The recycled bird series addresses paper and packaging waste with a whimsical eye. Unusual juxtapositions draw observers in to take a closer look and reconsider their assumptions about how we value the utility, beauty, and worth of the things we encounter in our everyday lives. Beels hopes to spark a sense of wonder as well as encourage people to be more mindful about how their decisions impact the planet.