April 4-28, 2024
Artist Reception: Saturday April 6, 2024 3-5 pm
To view the virtual tour, CLICK HERE
We are delighted to be showcasing the extraordinary collages, paintings and ceramics of artist Holly Hudson. Hudson's work delves into the intricate relationship between humans and their environment, evoking a powerful sense of interconnectivity through her meticulous creations using carefully curated cuttings.
Drawing inspiration from her childhood in Southeast Alaska and the captivating Native American creation myths of shape-shifting entities, Hudson's earliest memories serve as a fertile ground for her artistic exploration. After honing her skills through years of studying and teaching figurative painting both domestically and abroad, she returned to the majestic Pacific Northwest where her deep admiration for nature and the narratives of her youth were reignited.
With a foundation in anatomical studies, Hudson ingeniously pieces together mythical creatures that combine elements of both humans and plants. Through the repetition of organic patterns and structures, she merges the two worlds, revealing the striking similarities between the natural world and human anatomy. Sticks find new life as arteries, root systems transform into veins and capillaries, while the intricate knots and joints present in wood mirror the knuckles, joints, and phalanges of our own hands and feet.
Beyond the surface-level connections, Hudson's work transcends to a profound level, illuminating the interdependence and deep-rooted reliance of humanity on the natural world. By highlighting the recurring rhythm of organic forms, patterns, and structures, her art serves as a testament to our interconnectedness with both the external world around us and the internal world within us.
The upcoming exhibit at Smith & Vallee Gallery presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the thought-provoking and visually stunning works of Holly Hudson. Prepare to be captivated by her ability to seamlessly blend elements of flora and fauna with the human form, forging a dialogue that resonates on both a personal and environmental level. Join us as we cherish the rare glimpse into this artist's profound exploration of humanity's relationship with nature and our collective reliance on the natural world.
Artist Statement
