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Prospectus

The clown exists in a world that is neither here nor there. The clown of the center ring is but a small part of the varied tapestry of clowns and their history. The dimensions that they embody are mysterious and other worldly.

This show focuses on the clown that exists in the shadows. The mystery of the clown that exists behind the mask. The acrobat, the trickster, the deceiver. The masquerade of the darker clowns.

The surreal clowns of Fellini and the Cirque de Soleil. The consummate tricksters harlequin and the vice clowns of England. The evil clown of "It" and the frightful clown of "Poltergeist as well as the jester that had license to speak the truth to the king. All are from the dark circus that exists in all of us. These are the clowns, as well as the circus freaks, the acrobats, the very essense of carnival, that we seek to call forth in this show.

This show is open to all juried members of EBSQ Plus.

All media and styles are welcome. Limit 3 pieces per entrant.

Entry fee: $7 per piece. Winners split the proceeds.
Entry deadline: 13 August 2003

This is the last EBSQ Plus Show of the season.

I take things that seemingly are without value and breathe new life into them through applications of joint compound, primer and acrylic paint. I'm invigorated by this work because it's economical, it's sustainable and it's exciting to know that a buyer will live with a beautiful, functional piece that was almost destined for a landfill!

In my work I attempt to find a discarded piece that has good bones and then take my inspiration from the piece's form. The form can provide inspiration regarding the motif I'll apply, what surfaces of the piece will actually be decorated and what parts of the piece should "fade away." The colors I use are complementary, light and fun. I also use a good deal of black, both to accent the motif and to downplay other structural parts of the piece such as the legs or the back.

Salvaged furniture is a natural medium for me. As a teenager I collected discards - empty spools, broken jewelry, bits of ribbon and string - and I experimented putting these bits and pieces together to create new artworks. I studied painting with Connie Merriman for a year at that time and then pursued a BFA in painting from SUNY Purchase. (However, I actually graduated with a BA in Medieval Literature from Purchase after a freshman-year, inter-departmental transfer.)

Right now, I'm far more excited by the unique, three-dimensional forms of old furniture than I am by flat, two-dimensional stretched canvases. Additionally, I am motivated to create things that are functional. I commonly use plants, flowers and animal motifs in cheerful colors. My bright, colorful pieces - shelves, chairs and tables - enliven a living or working space and make occupants feel happy when they glance over.

This is a Juried Show

Juror: Lauren K. Blair

Juror's Statement

What a strong showing! It has been about a year since I had the pleasure of jurying an EBSQ exhibit and the work is more strongly tied to the theme in this show than in the previous one I juried. This is a very tight showing indeed!

As juror, my three picks include:

Freak Show Self, Jen Thario – Visually this is a great piece but the artist’s statement about the piece blew me away.

Jester Jiggs, Linda O’Neill – The sad, forlorn and resentful look in the dog’s eyes perfectly captures emotions a human clown might also feel.

A Clown’s Rose, Sherry Pearl – The limp rose, the limp clown – post-performance let down - well done!

I also very much liked La Femme Savant by O’Neill and I wanted to read a statement by the artist concerning this piece. (Please consider writing one as this piece begs narrative!)