Amy Hamblin
ARTIST STATEMENT
This recent body of work of wire exoskeletons allows me to examine and explore objects in a different way. With the surfaces transparent and irregular, and the mass merely air, the focus is on the interrelationships of the many “skins” of the surfaces, elements and portals. Each “skin” a layer of scrim through which the rest can be seen; changes in weight and density of the forms vary according to the angle of view.
The scrims, or skins, themselves, are gnarled here, grid-like there, suggesting a computer generated topographic simulation that has leapt out of the monitor and shaken itself loose. The ethereal shapes are defined by changes in the topographic grid; the three-dimensional cross hatching subtly define the edges, folds and curves of the actual shape. As one moves around the piece, the grids weave and shimmer suggesting a slightly tipsy moiré.
As an artist I am intrigued by the insouciant juxtaposition of form and function in organic nature: the physical opulence and visual cacophony that belies functional economy and efficiency. The heart is a soft, gibbous, mass of gulping plumbing. Lungs, as they form within the thorax, delicately divide into two sacs each filled with thousands of little sacs; a humorously fussy design. The shimmering tiny villi of the intestines churn and squeeze with amazing pressure. I love the visual tenuousness of tender stalks that hold up ample, heavy organs; the decorous spindly roots trailing off a plump nerve cell; the lovely slick fit of the scooped joint of a horny bone in its socket. With these images in mind, I have created these odd, delicate husks, with their portals and bumps and valves and stems that glory in the anti-intuitive designs of nature that inspire me.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Selected Professional Experience
2004-2006 Art Consultant, Special Projects, University of WA Medical Center, Seattle, WA
1998-2004 Art Program Director, University of WA Medical Center, Seattle, WA
1999-2005 Board Member, Society for the Arts in Healthcare
1996-1998 Executive Director, Kirkland Arts Center, Seattle, WA
1994-1996 Mediator/Court Conciliator, King County Dispute Resolution Center, Seattle, WA
1993-1994 Exhibition Coordinator, SAFECO Corporation, Redmond WA
1990, 1992-93 Visiting Lecturer, University of Washington School of Art, Seattle, WA
1992 Interim Public Art Project Coordinator, King County Arts Commission, Seattle, WA
1991-1992 Public Art Project Assistant, King County Public Art Program, Seattle, WA
1989-1992 Assistant to Curator, SAFECO Corporation, Seattle, WA
1991 Educational Coordinator, Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA
1990-1991 Artist in Residence Liaison, Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA
1988-1991 Instructor and Teaching Assistant, UW Extension Program, Seattle, WA
1989-1990 Studio Assistant, Dennis Oppenheim and Donald Lipsky, NYC, New York
Education
1989 MFA in Art / Sculpture University of Washington, Seattle, WA
1987 BFA in Art / Sculpture Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA
1979-1982 Studies in Law Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA
1978 BA in Liberal Arts/Political Science Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA
1995 Mediation Certificate Training University of WA Continuing Legal Ed.
1979 Training in Legal Writing & Research, and Radio News Journalism
Art Scholarships, Honors and Awards
1990 Artist-In-Residence Program, Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA
1987-1988 Tuition Scholarship, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
1986 Graduation with Honors, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA
1988 Award for Excellence in Art, Scholarship, and Achievement, MA College of Art, Boston, MA
1987 Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Lock Haven University, PA
Selected Exhibitions
1993 Gallaria Potatohead Invitational, Seattle WA
1992 The Art Store, Linda Farris Gallery, Seattle WA
1992 A Show of Small Work, Solo Exhibition, Madrona Bistro, Seattle WA
1991 Come to Your Senses, Bellevue Art Museum
1991 Counter Positions, Installation at OK Hotel, Seattle, WA
1991-1993 100 Pleas and Thank Yous, Traveling Retablo Project, National
1991 Ten Eyes, Clif Michel Gallery, Seattle WA
1991 Artists’ Choice, Linda Farris Gallery, Seattle WA
1991 War in the Gulf, from the Artist’s Perspective, William Traver Gallery, Seattle WA
1991 Women Working in Glass, Evergreen College Gallery, Olympia WA
1990 Northwest Annual, COCA, Seattle WA
1990 History of the World Part III, Stanwood WA
1989 International Glass Exhibition, Tokyo Japan
1988 Two Person Exhibition, Ikon Gallery, La Conner WA
1987 Two Person Exhibition, Harbor Gallery, U. Mass Boston
1987 Clay in the East, Pennsylvania State University, PA
Professional Affiliations
Board Vice President, Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH)
SAH/NEA Symposium to Promote the Arts in Healthcare Speaker and Report Co-Author
Grant Selection Committee for King County Office of Cultural Resources, Special Projects Grant
Member, Puget Sound Grant Writers Association
Member, Bellevue Art Museum, Henry Gallery, Seattle Art Museum
Member and Publicity Committee, Seattle Art Museum Contemporary Arts Council
Board Member, Mediation Consortium of Washington State
Charter Member, National Museum of Women in the Arts
Charter Member, National Museum of Women in the Arts