Art comes in many shapes and sizes and sometimes the artist?s materials are unexpected. In "Concrete, Sticks, & Wire: Recent Sculpture by Joy Brace," now on display through March 29 in the Sonoma State University Library Art Gallery, Brace departure from her previous work, most often assembled with clay to create pieces primarily constructed from concrete.
The artist feels the materials impart the essence of strength - both visually and structurally. "I have spent the past three years reflecting on materials other than clay, materials that would enable me to get much closer to the ideas I want to express," says Brace.
Through this new work, the artist is examining obstruction and superficiality as related to such things as emotion, disease, and absence of voice. "I think that most of us have a tendency to easily deny what is right under the surface and go on with our daily existence. I want to look at what is underneath that surface, expose it, and force it out."
Brace was born in Florida and studied at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. She received a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. She has exhibited nationally, including various shows throughout California and on the East Coast. Currently, she is working in Oakland.
The exhibition is sponsored in part by the Friends of the University Library and Barbara Llewellyn Catering and Event Planning. The University Library Art Gallery hours are Monday ? Saturday 10 a.m. ? 5 p.m. A daily parking permit ($2.50) is required M-TH 6 am ? 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. ? 5 p.m. Fridays except holidays. Daily permits are not valid in reserved lots.
