September 22 - October 22, 2017
Melanie Kluender – "Show and Tell"
Small Mixed Media Collages
smallspace Gallery
Opening Reception for the Artists
Fourth Friday, September 22, 2017
7:00-10:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public
Closing Artist Talk
Sunday, October 22, 2017
2:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public
Artist Statement
I'm a Richmond native. I keep myself busy working as an Hanover County art educator, being a mom, and sneaking in as much studio time as possible.
My work reflects the change, growth, metamorphosis, duality, and search for balance that exists in my life. I focus on the process of change and necessity for adaptation. I'm interested in finding balance among the chaos of everyday living. I'm an observer, an introvert, and a thinker. I see and experience opposing forces all around me. Some are simple observations, such as good vs. evil, chaos vs. order, organic vs. geometric, while some are more personal, such as anxiety vs. depression, conflict between the inner and outer self, disorganization vs. obsessive compulsive. I'm fascinated by the delicate point at which opposing forces meet to create balance.
I use a variety of papers, found objects, fiber, paint, drawing and stitching to represent things that are picked up along my journey. Using a variety of materials and imagery represents the chaos of life. Editing, rearranging, dissecting, and reassembling these materials and imagery with deliberate choice are a way to balance the chaos I see and experience to take back control.
More at melaniekluender.com