Libby Hawk’s Innovative Forms Invite a Close Look – Nothing “Off the Wall” about this December 2nd Reception.
“It’s like getting ready for a terrific party,” artist Joan Libby Hawk says about the preparations for the December 2nd reception to highlight her new show, “On + Off the Wall.” But she adds, “you never know who and how many people are coming! So, the suspense mounts.”
The exhibit displays innovative clay vessels and sculptures that the artist explains tested technical limits and stretched visual and material skills. Most of the pieces installed at Sarasota’s Main Street Art Uptown gallery, on view from November 26 – December 30, came to life during a period of isolation. “This reception marks the opening of a new social reality,” Joan says. I’m really looking forward to people’s responses and feedback. Oh, was that sorely missed during the pandemic.”
The show contrasts the colloquial phrase “off the wall” with the buttoned-up concept of how most people view and accept art. The artist exploits clay’s shape shifting nature revealing inventive forms with plenty of attitude. Whether viewed on a pedestal or wall, Joan treats each piece as a distinct, named individual and melds her palette of studio-mixed glazes to vessels and sculpture.
Weathered gray-green tones distinguished Walk thru Fire, a tall three-legged creation that nods to antiquity but is firmly rooted in a contemporary sensibility. “I’m intrigued by both Asian and pre-Columbian ceramics,” Joan says. “The three-legged form goes back to ancient times. In China the innovative shape was used as a cooking pot above the fire; it later evolved into a ritual vessel.” Pointing to a vessel glazed in warm brown and cream tones, the artist laughs. “This character called “Hi, I’m Toast” highlights why it’s so fun to work with clay. Made on the wheel, altered and added to, the possibilities are endless.”
Joan’s previous involvement in human rights and women’s empowerment inevitably finds expression through art. She explains, “Art and commitment to women’s and human rights converge as I work. It’s impossible, at least for me, not to comment.” The sculpture My City in Ruins represents an elegy to Ukraine and Social Distance stands as a rueful riff on our collective Covid experience.
In addition to clay forms and vessels, “On + Off the Wall” includes a series of the artist’s abstract acrylic paintings consisting of shapes that push, nudge and pull realized through a subtle palette. Joan explains, “Through this show I wanted to capture the atmosphere that exists in my studio between mediums, three-dimensions talking all the time with their two-dimensional friends. I feel the companionship and contrast enrich the visual experience.”
“I’m really looking forward to welcome folks during the First Friday Reception, it’s a great way to see art up close, mix, mingle and meet the artist!” Mark your calendar: “On + Off the Wall” reception, December 2nd, 6 – 9 pm at Sarasota’s Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main Street.” Visit Art Uptown for hours and further information.
Photos from Libby Hawk