Culture
Pottery, Photography, Woodwork Come Together In New OU Exhibit
By: Heather Burnett
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Four artists are displaying their work at Ohio University's Multicultural Center Art Gallery in an exhibit titled 4 Excursions in Wood.
The exhibit, which runs through March 31, includes four mediums of artwork: pottery, photography, regenerative design and cabinet making.
4 Excursions in Wood was given its name because all of the artists in the show are tied together by the common theme of wood.
Throughout the show, wood is used in raw form and is transformed into heat energy. No matter how it is displayed, wood is an essential element in the gallery.
Curator Wesley Thompson engages in the act of pottery making. He believes that potting is a "joyful act of practicality, creativity and uncertainty."
Thompson began potting in the 1990s in California. He enjoys this art because "pots remind (him) of (his) power to create as well as (his) fragility."
Josh Birnbaum, photographer, is currently a visiting professor at Ohio University where he teaches photography, picture editing, digital imaging and audio/video courses.
Predeep Edussuriya's photographs are also included in Birnbaum's collection. Their photographs are sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and National Network of Forest Practitioners (NNFP).
Molly Schoenhoff is an artist, graphic designer and educator with an interest in regenerative culture. Regenerative design, or paper regeneration, is a process that revitalizes energy and materials, and recognizes the intelligence of ecological patterns. It takes inspiration from the forest floor.
She said she enjoys regenerative design because it is a conscious approach.
"It is a way for humans to acknowledge (their) place within, rather than above, the whole of nature."
Thomas Bennett is a cabinet maker who is inspired by the beautiful wood in Southeast Ohio. He has been a professional woodworker for over 35 years.
This event is sponsored by the Ohio University Multicultural Center, located on the second floor of the Baker University Center. It is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, associate director of Multicultural Programs at 740-597-2111.