Sharon Bartel-Clements
November 8th, 2011 – December 17th, 2011 
Reception: Nov. 10th, 6-8p 

The Nature Of Things 
Franklin 54 Gallery + Projects is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new paintings and sculptural objects by Sharon Bartel-Clements. In keeping with the theme of the show, nature is once again a driving force behind her work. However, this time she is encompassing human nature along with the elements. There are some wonderful torso forms here made from plaster wrap, sewing patterns and collage. Named Ancient Warrior, they appear on one hand to be armor, strong and defiant yet soft enough to have been sewn by implication of the patterns - all this presenting a powerful image. These forms fashioned after real women stand tall on poles, regal and one looks forward to a future of many more of them (this in is the works) at different heights, even taller and joined together in the strength of an army.  

The large paintings in the show are more spatial, also incorporating the sewing patterns. The Field becomes atmospheric in its vastness reflecting a sense of mystery with its transparency. There is a beyond sense to the painting and above and below ground visions. The sewing patterns suggest many references about the land- has it been taken apart or worked back together – like shattered glass is it a field to enter into or for us to beware of? The contrast of strong and fragile makes us feel indecisive and the field becomes tenuous and yet centered and held up by the red poles or tree trunks in the painting.  As the use of the sewing pattern brings many things to mind, we are reminded there are many women working lands and many at home sewing for their families.  

Entering sewing patterns into these works begins a new exploration for this artist – in doing so the works become patched, fragmented and put back together entering a new dimension and emotional feeling. Sculptural objects include Making Waves, an impressive spider web made from paper clips and wire, Raise a Stone and You Will Find Me and Big Red made of Plexiglas, electrical wire and mirrored glass.  

Bartel-Clements is using her imagination and moving on with texture and other materials to continue her exploration of nature and its wondrous influences on her art – it seems to be a path that suits her well. Sharon lives and works in Santa Fe, NM  - her works are included in numerous private, corporate and museum collections.