This review first appeared in the Vermont Art Zine in November 2010. It was a result of a“Writing About Art” class at Studio Place Arts led by Marc Awodey.
Elizabeth Nelson’s “In Between” show at the Supreme Court is a series of puzzles to be solved. Nelson works in mixed media, but largely acrylics, in this show and in many of the two dozen pieces photographs are hidden, painted over and into the work. A sideways glance down the hall of the exhibit reveals the slightly shiny spots in the pieces that contain the photos, drawing the viewer into a search-and-find game.
Largely a show of fall and winter paintings, “Crazy Spring” seems downright out of place, but may, in fact, be the lynchpin of the show title. It is the sole abstract, color-filled piece, completed between 2007 and 2010, on paper. It is also the only piece devoted to springtime, certainly a season that feels awkwardly “in between” the longest and shortest seasons in Vermont. Spawning off of a centerpiece photograph of birch and greenery is a brightly colored cacophony of springtime watercolor exuberance.
In stark contrast, are Nelson’s winter and fall paintings. The majority demonstrate her expertise with light and dark contrasts; the fall paintings present darker values in the foreground and the winter paintings recede those dark values to the background, creating depth and movement for the viewer’s eye.
“Pewter (2010)” is a realistic acrylic painting of a snow-covered stream with fir trees in the background. Nelson effectively uses blocks and ribbons of darkness (the woods and stream) to add layers to the scene and move the eye from upper right to lower left. She also captures well the stark, but inviting, Vermont winter light.
In “Choice,” two snowy dirt roads converge in the foreground, but photographs anchor the roads in separate places in the background. One can practically hear the slush underfoot. “Choice” most skillfully demonstrates Nelson’s imagination amongst her realistic paintings and leaves one wondering where the two photographed roads actually are and if, in fact, they do converge.
Elizabeth Nelson offers us excellent scenes, playful mixed media compositions, and a very serious eye for Vermont seasons and the light they bring.
More on “Writing About Art” at Studio Place Arts
The class was extremely helpful in giving me structure for discussing/critiquing art. I can talk about a color palette or form or content or narrative. I also feel a little more confident in writing from my own perspective, although I want to further develop that. For example, I’m not certain I want to write in the first person, but I definitely want the review to be personable.
The class was conducted over two afternoons, a week apart. In the first class, we discussed and read reviews then went to Nelson’s show at the Supreme Court and another at the Governor’s Office. The next week we visited the show at LACE in Barre and returned to the three shows at SPA. Back in the classroom, we all read our “homework.” I was relieved to not have to undergo a lot of advice or criticism myself from Marc or the other students. We were all remarkably observant and eloquent and I was grateful for the positive learning environment.
If the class is offered again, I highly recommend it. Marc Awodey is a quirky and fun teacher, also a great artist in his own right and a very keen art critic.
