Thursday, January 24, 2008

New Struggles at Second Street Gallery


For February, SSG presents works by artist Rob Tarbell in the Dové Gallery. Tarbell's animal sculptures-mostly rabbits and bears-take on a life of their own, often humorous and suggestive of play. The multi-step process Tarbell uses to make the creatures represents a transformation: well-loved stuffed animals found at Goodwill assume new forms as their stuffing is replaced with porcelain slip and then fired in a kiln. The resulting unconventional figures evoke childhood memories as they explore notions of cremation and preservation, where the original's fur becomes threatening ceramic spikes. Nearly two-dozen sculptures will be on display, creating a tongue-in-cheek environment of animated characters.

The Struggles Play Nice is on view at Second Street Gallery, 115 Second Street SE, February 1 - March 1, 2008. There will be an opening reception for First Fridays, February 1, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, with an artist talk at 6:30. Rob Tarbell: The Struggles Play Nice is sponsored by the L.E.A.W. Family Foundation.

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