Rust to Dust: Frayed Opulence - Luxuriant Ruin, November-December, 2017
exhibition of works by Paula Nees and Eileen Woods, Columbus Cultural Center, Columbus, OH

Artists Paula Nees and Eileen Woods share an interest in the dichotomy of sumptuous beauty and the decay that time and neglect inflict upon it. From the remnants of exquisite textiles and papers, to letters that spell out someone’s last words on earth, the exhibition looks at the ephemeral nature of animal habitat and human works. Both artists work with fabric and use unusual media in the translation of their ideas.

works by Eileen Woods (left and center) work by Paula Nees (right)

Works by Paula Nees: left, Twilight Aviary; right, Habitat I

Twilight Aviary, 2017 90" x 294" pigment on paper $8000

Paula Nees: Statement
 
What is opulent and luxuriant are subjective notions based on a perceived value of a thing or place. The question of what is valued is where I began a series of works devoted to the natural world – its environs, habitat and creatures, both wild and captive. Driven in part by the fragile state of environmental protections in this country, I started by choosing certain situations and creatures that speak to that tenuous predicament.
 
The valuable and sacred are notions that drive the use and care of animals of diverse countries. The question of which animal is better off – the rodeo bull or the sacred cow of India- is presented in the work “Sacred and Profane.” Freedom to roam versus a life in captivity is tempered by conditions of life on trash littered streets compared to being a captive given nutrient-rich feed. Both are revered and respected but for different ends.
 
The diminishing number of vaquitas in the Sea of Cortez has brought attention to this small porpoise and to its demise through illegal fishing. As their numbers dwindle toward extinction, will that lead to capture and life in a protective space?  “Diamonds over Silver” considers a similar fate (or protection) for animals whose natural habitat has now become more valuable to mining resources than as a home to the fauna and flora.
 
Materials and methods changed with each piece.  I juxtaposed the luxuriant surface of embroidered fabrics with industrial colors of grey paint and graphite.  The pattern of the delicate embroidery added to the contrary nature of the massive image.
 
In “Vanishing Vaquitas,” dyeing with indigo allowed for a range of blue shades, from intense to subdued. Using bleach, shellac, and rust was intrusive to the purity of the blue much like pollution dumped into the sea. These fading lengths of textiles also present an image of loss. The action of erasing used in “Twilight Aviary” works to define the silhouette of birds but also points to elimination.

detail: Twilight Aviary

detail: Twilight Aviary

Sacred and Profane, 2017 54" x 176" graphite on embroidered fabric. $3500

detail: Sacred and Profane

Diamonds over Silver, 2017 89" x 59" acrylic and rhinestones on embroidered fabric $1500

detail: Diamonds over Silver

Habitat I: Karst, 2017 83" x 67" pigments, tea stain on rust dyed vintage textile $1500

detail: Habitat I

Installation: Vanishing Vaquitas, indigo dyed textiles with relief printing, rust, mica and bleach. POR

interior view of Vanishing Vaquitas: indigo silk dyed panels with relief printing, rust, mica and bleach (60" x 30" each)

end panel: silk organza textile with white ink relief printing (72" x 54"). Shadow on wall created by spot light.

exterior view of Vanishing Vaquitas. 6 textile panels (90" x 96" each)

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RASA: AN ESSENCE BITTERSWEET solo exhibition January - February, 2017
Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Mt. Vernon, OH

The Reign of Marigolds, 2016 20 textile banners - dyed cotton; various lengths

Weaver's Wall, 2015 46" x 48" oil and resin on linen

The Residue of Work, 2015 60" x 84" pigments, rust, shellac, polymers and oil on tea stained canvas $4000

Paint, Dross and Pigeons, 2015 66" x 46" oil, rust, glass beads, and paint scraps on linen $2000

Gopi, 2015 (NFS)

Fetid Offering, 2015 (NFS)

Roadside Shrine, 2016 (NFS)