It Bounces. Sara Bell, artist
The Asheville Gallery of Art presents Poetic Artistry, an exhibition featuring collaborations between artist Sandra Brugh Moore and poet Susan Holt, and artist Sara Bell with poet Mary Jo Amani. The show runs Monday, June 1, through Tuesday, June 30, with an opening reception on Friday, June 5, from 5–7:30 p.m. There is also a special event at the gallery on Saturday, June 20, from 3–5 p.m. that includes poetry readings and artist discussions.
Azalea Wonder. Sandra Brugh Moore, artist
Moore and Holt have been friends for many years, and when Holt recently moved to Charlotte, Moore suggested they collaborate artistically as a way to stay in touch. “I expected it to be pretty straightforward, but I found certain words [in her poems] really influenced my thinking,” says Moore. “Sometimes, I felt connected and led in different directions within the same poem. I had to decide which section of the poem I wanted to use for the feel of the painting that I wanted to create.”
Holt also adapted some of her poems when Moore had a more clear vision for a painting. “I had some ideas for paintings, but she could use her words to create a deeper meaning for me,” says Moore. “This challenged me in ways I did not know it would.”
The partnership between Bell and Amani began when the poet saw Bell’s art at Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar about a year ago. Amani thought Bell could give life to “Green Girl,” a character from one of her poems. “She realized that my work and her work would be synergistic,” says Bell. “We’ve also found that our work feeds into each other well. She wrote poems to a couple of my previous works and I will be forever grateful for the introduction to Green Girl.”
Bell’s inspiration often comes from one or two lines of Amani’s poetry. “I’d find myself drawing in my sketchbook and then working on an enlarged version for the actual piece,” she says. “While each image is based on a poem and there is meaning contained in the interaction of the words and images, the viewer will bring their own experiences and meanings to the table as well.”
The Asheville Gallery of Art is located at 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. To learn more, call 828.251.5796, visit AshevilleGalleryofArt.com or follow the gallery’s Facebook page.
