By Bella Erakko
Why is art important? That is the question Ann grappled with, along with other board and staff members of the Quincy Art Center. Gradually one answer kept popping up. Connection. Ann explains, “That got me thinking about doing a new series. There is the beauty, the wonder, that comes out of connection. Even in situations of unresolve … there is a connection. Connections are hard, but that is where we unfold. That is what we are supposed to do. I don’t think we are made to be disconnected.”
Reflecting on this theme, she explains, “I had some work previously where I used a motif I really enjoyed—circles, orbs, donut shapes. I’m exploring how these shapes can represent people. They can interact, touch, connect.” She began to create.
“Cautiously Contiguous”, which recently won Best-of-Show at the Quincy Art Center, embodies the connection where we may sit close to one another but not really be transformed in any way … like strangers on a subway.
“A Favorable Exchange” in Ann’s words, “features two orbs at the top, not touching, but there are visual elements that connect the two like exchanging information or ideas. A lot of energy.” One senses an outpouring of creative ideas, shared enthusiasms, pure joy almost leaping out of the fibers.
“How Can We Be Together,” is actually the first piece she created. Ann wonders, “How do we exist when different? How can we be authentic and still be together?” These are questions we grapple with today. Forthcoming pieces? She is developing the design for “To the Point of Vulnerability” where orbs intersect in such a way as to lose their boundaries. Another she tentatively calls “Find Me” where there are lots of orbs, but which one is “me?”
Embarking on a series means a multi-year commitment. Her first series, “The Things We Carry” took three to four years to complete. Like a story slowly unfolding, as each piece is added, the series takes on MORE power, MORE meaning, MORE connection. We become connected to the work, to the art, and in a way … find ourselves.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 4 until 7:00 with an artist talk at 6:00. This event is free and open to the public.
