Knots

For the past few weeks, I have been reading about different kinds of knots and making a series of gouache paintings on paper loosely tied to different types of knots. 

In a 2014 article in T Magazine, Jody Rosen discusses the importance of knots throughout history. Still nots are an undervalued craft today, often relegated to the storage rooms of major collections. More here. 

all works are 9 inches square, gouache on paper

Knots have been on my mind for a long time, and they've surfaced in various forms in prior drawings and paintings. Since ancient times, knots were an essential form of technology for seafarers, among others. Moreover, knots have served deeply symbolic purposes; they were used to keep records for the Incas, celebrate a birth or marriage in numerous cultures, and summon strong winds for the Laplanders, for example. They are practical, yet deeply mystical at the same time. 

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

In today's Monadnock Ledger-Transcript you can read more about my current show at the Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough, New Hampshire. 

"Making her Point" by Ben Conant

Everything old is new again, and nothing is permanent. Artist Jacquelyn Gleisner’s new exhibit at the Sharon Arts Gallery in Peterborough makes important statements about the fleeting nature of art and the importance of not letting things go to waste. Plus, it gets student artwork into a fine art gallery — in a manner of speaking, anyway.

Read more at the link below. 

http://www.ledgertranscript.com/brarSACInstall-ml-062917_-10959303

Staff photo by Ben Conant

Leonardo in Bloom

The 23rd Leonardo Challenge

The theme for the The Eli Whitney Museum's annual fundraiser is "Leonardo in Bloom." Artists are challenged to create a work of art inspired by the fullest expression of a flower, the bloom, and the quintessential "Renaissance man," Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci

In his notebooks and sketchbooks, the Italian artist and scientist, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), explored botany, geology, geography, cartography, zoology, engineering, anatomy, as well as countless other topics. He adamantly believed that his scientific investigations helped him become a better artist. Indeed many of his scientific illustrations are appreciated as works of art. The artist also believed that reality was fathomable only through what could be observed through the eyes—the most vital organ according to Leonardo.

Lion's Tooth

Below are a few images of my submission for the event, a freestanding sculpture made from paper, glue, turf, glitter, and sand. The shape of the sculpture recalls both an explosion and a geometric interpretation of a dandelion flower. The title, Lion's Tooth, comes from the French name for this common weed, dent de lion.

Click on the image above to see detail shots. 

Crown Street Window Installation at Artspace

I have an installation at the Crown Street windows at Artspace this month. Check out the windows from now until April 30, 2017. The reception for these windows, as well as the current exhibition, Laughing Skulls, will take place this Friday. The installation will also be up during the Annual Gala and Silent Auction on April 29.

Paris, Texas

Crown Street Window Installation

Work in progress shot 

A view of the installation from outside with the reflections of the city