Jessica Novak Martha Simons, Kathy Strauss, Penny Bamford and Laura Vernon-Russell put ruthless artists to shame.
“Sometimes artists can be cutthroat ? I win, you loose ? but this group of women is empowering,” said Martha Simons of an all-female collaboration presenting the exhibit Roots at the Sowebo Arts Gallery.
The artists? connections reach well beyond their shared subject matter of literal and figurative roots, Simons said. “Seeing the pieces together for the first time raised the hairs on the back of our necks.”
For the multimedia exhibit, Simons crocheted 25 free-range doilies.
“Most are suspended from branches,” she explained. “Breezes in the gallery move them, casting shadows on the wall.”
For Roots, Linthicum artist and scientist, Kathy Strauss created dyed, silk gauze sculptures with fellow scientist and artist Penny Bamford.
Suspended between the layers of silk gauze are delicately crocheted and beaded representations of the molecules such as sugars, starches and phosphates that are transported through roots or found in surrounding soil, Strauss said.
“Working in both science and art as I do, I have a continuous urge to peer beneath the surface of things,” said Strauss from her lab.
In addition to the installation, Strauss contributes three drawings, including two depictions of a Locust tree, over 150 years old, given to a bride from her groom as a gesture of love before their wedding. Unlike some contemporary artists who tackle social and political issues, Strauss focuses on scientific themes because they will remain meaningful over time, she said.
“These women are some of the smartest women I know,” said exhibiting photographer Laura Vernon-Russell, who shows silver prints and digital images in Roots. “I?m hoping some of that rubs off on to me.”
Every week for the past five years, Russell has photographed earthly elements in Baltimore County?s North Point State Park.
When Hurricane Isabel tore back the earth, exposing never-seen roots, Russell found her inspiration, she said. “Not only was the topsoil washed away, but hundreds of trees were knocked over. The roots and trees drew me in by their inherent beauty, grotesque forms and by the tale they told of the storm?s dynamics.”
IF YOU GO
Roots
» Venue: Sowebo Arts Gallery
1111 Hollins St. Baltimore
» When: Through Oct. 6
Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment
» Information: 410-244-5707
