MAin Space
Internal Rhetoric
Laura Clayton, Jennifer Kenneally, Courtney Robins
April 8 - April 26, 2008
Artist talk: April 9th, 3p | Reception: April 12, 6-8p
Laura Clayton, Free Floating 2, acrylic on canvas with screenprinting 2008
Laura Clayton
Through my work I am examining obsessive behaviours and the neurotic feelings associated with anxiety. Etching is my primary focus. I create small spaces filled with multiple lines and shapes. The scale of the work and the attention to detail requires one to take a closer look at examining the piece. It allows one to experience the obsessive nature that went in to producing the work. Through the work I try to better understand my relationship with anxiety, as well as enabling others to do the same.
Laura Clayton is currently in her fourth year of the BFA honours program at Queens University, concentrating on painting and printmaking. In her final year Laura has concentrated on etching as a primary medium. Following graduation in June of 2008, Laura plans on pursuing a career within and around art.
Jennifer Kenneally, Untitled Triptych, detail, mixed media on unprimed canvas, 2008
Jennifer Kenneally
The source for much of my work comes from conversations with those around me; my daughters, students, and associates in the social activist world. I find that trying to explain the status quo to those younger than myself makes me see it in a new way and forces me to confront some of the entrenched attitudes within it. Out of these conversations will come the idea for a single piece of work or body of work. In visual form I try to address issues in a way that I can not through writing and speaking about them. Hopefully then, these works continue the dialogue that has begun through my conversations with others. If sometimes the viewer takes issue with something they see, then I am delighted. That to me means that the initial conversations are continuing and a dialogue can only be enriched by multiple viewpoints.
Jen Kenneally graduates in 2008 with her BFA clutched tightly in her hot little hand and a desire to go out and draw the world. She is hoping to go to teacher’s college next fall. The daughter of a teacher, she literally grew up in a classroom and initially vowed never to have to work that hard. Her mother is still laughing at this recent career choice. Mother of two daughters herself, she has made a firm vow that any career her children choose will be wonderful… so long as it’s in the Arts!
Courtney Robins, Brittney, Mixed media with serigraphy, 2008
I am fascinated with individuality; I want to capture the uniqueness of a person. Using shadow boxes, I play with the theme of containment, and allude to the preciousness of what is contained within. My interest in the observation of individuals has compelled me to study how our psychological profile leads to the expression of one’s personality. An understanding of my own conscious and unconscious thoughts about the people I observe allows me to express the complex layers of a personality, which creates a disconnection between the person I am studying and the viewer. The creation of the artwork begins with the gathering numerous images, such as, faces and textures, that I not only find aesthetically pleasing but also inspirational. I surround myself with these images as well as objects and textiles and become completely engulfed in their presence. I’m interested in the uniqueness of a person. What makes us similar and what makes us different? Erasing physical characteristics. Raw. You see the person for their personality not their physical attributes. Where do I fit? Do I fit in a bubble? Do I fit in a box? Do I fit in anything?
Courtney Robins is currently completing her fourth year of her BFAH at Queen’s University. Her interest in the observation of individuals has compelled her to study how our psychological profile leads to one’s expression of their personality. After completing her post secondary education, Courtney plans to attend teacher’s college. She would like to spend her future teaching and exploring her art practice.