“The Serpent Tree: Breath of Life” Stoneware by Allison Luce
Sculptures and monoprints by Allison Luce will be on display November 14 – December 13 in the third floor art gallery of Hartzler Library.
A reception for the artist will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in the gallery.
Ms. Luce teaches ceramics at Mitchell Community College, Statesville, N.C., and is studio artist at Clayworks Studio and Gallery in Charlotte, N.C. She is also affiliate artist at McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte.
The exhibit will include prints, wall sculptures, pedestal pieces and three-dimensional artwork.
“Conceptionally, this work is based upon the notion of the human body being a shelter for the soul,” said Luce. “Beginning with the concept of clay as a metaphor for the body, these pieces are hand built and are hollow inside while mostly appearing to be solid. The hollow interiors of these pieces are symbolic of the soul, while the clay exterior references the delicate and ephemeral nature of life.
“Most recently, I am interested in the frailty of the body and the fallibility of man,” Luce stated. “This work explores concerns about my own fragility and femininity and its relation to my constant struggles with the concept of eternity.”
The artist graduated with honors with a BFA degree in painting and history from Ohio University at Athens and earned an MFA degree in painting from Hunter College, New York City.
The exhibit is open for viewing every day during regular library hours, and admission to EMU’s art gallery is free.