Opening Reception: Saturday, March 31, 11—2pm | Artist walk-through at noon
Gallery Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, noon–6pm and by appointment
Morphologies presents work from 2017 c3: Papermaking Residency artists Mary Campbell, Brenda Mallory, Benjamin Mefford and Jenene Nagy. Culminating from their experiences in the Pulp & Deckle studio, each artist utilized handmade paper as a primary medium to create new works that present ideas central to their art practice.
The morphology of papermaking is the story of fibers. Plants are harvested, cut up, cooked, and pulped. The cellular structure of the raw material is cajoled into a new state of being. It is not until the end of the making that we see the final result. As it is with many craft and art processes, the resulting product may be wildly different than the steps along the way.
Morphologies focuses on four different takes on the same process. A process that has seemingly infinite variations. The works examine an intersection of elements, a re-contextualization of everyday objects, abstracted landscapes that reference commercial photography and production sets, and an investigation of materiality and surface. By removing papermaking from its primary, ubiquitous function, this work subverts expectations about the role craft should play in object making, and engages in deep play.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
PAPER + PRINT WORKSHOP | A DESIGN WEEK PORTLAND EVENT
April 21, 1-5pm. Learn how to make paper from varied fibers and use it to create a letterpress broadside. This hands-on event is part of c3:initiative’s public programming series that tie-in to the exhibition on view. You’re invited to make artworks in response to the concepts on exhibit. Try out new materials and tools while exploring your ideas. Drop in for a few minutes, or stay all afternoon. We encourage you to dive in, make new friends and connect. All ages are welcome; suggested donation $25, no one turned away.
PANEL DISCUSSION | SEISMIC SHIFTS
May 5, 2-4pm. This panel discussion will focus on the way an artist’s practice has the potential to transform when given time, space and resources. Join moderator April Baer with panelists Michael Endo, Ryan Pierce, Heidi Schwegler, Patricia Vazquez and Marie Watt for a conversation about the role and importance of residency programs. This public program celebrates c3:initiative’s five year anniversary and is the closing event of the exhibition, Morphologies.
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
The c3: Papermaking Residency was established in 2014 to engage artists with little or no experience in hand papermaking, and offer them an opportunity to learn the craft and stretch the limitations of what the medium can do. Provided with instruction, guidance and technical assistance from a professional papermaker/artist at Pulp & Deckle studio, residents create and exhibit new work outside their usual area of practice. Upon completion of the studio residency year, a group exhibition is held at c3:initiative or a partnering location.
The residency focuses on illuminating possibilities within the medium of papermaking and encourages experimentation, risk, research, and collaborative learning. The group exhibition highlights hand papermaking as a contemporary art medium.