Where We Left Off

All Hung Up was a partial tour of Beneath the Surface, my exhibition at the Siegel JCC ArtSpace in Wilmington, DE, up through May 9, 2013.  Here are some more images to wet your appetite. (pun intended, sorry!)

Where we left off...
photos by Dain Simons

 Suspension is the large work on paper on the far end of the wall shown above, using graphite with accents of pastel,  I captured the shadows of my hanging net sculptures over spray painted stencils.

Suspension, 2012
Acrylic, spray paint, graphite, pastel on paper
48" x 96"
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Dain Simons

Here are more images of the work as we continue over to the facing wall.

Beneath the Surface at the Siegel JCC ArtSpace
Photo by Dain Simons 

From far left above, starting with Fishing.            and far right above- Beneath the Surface

                                                                         Be Still My Heart- sculpture of

                                                                         wire, paper pulp, encaustic and collage.

Fishing, 2012
Acrylic on canvas
30" x 40"
(Now!) Private Collection
©2012NanciHersh
photo by Dain Simons

moving along to this newest pair in the exhibition- the title of each are from lines from Derek Wolcott's poem Love After Love.

Give Back Your Heart, 2013
Acrylic, collage, spray paint on canvas
16" x 20"
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Dain Simons Photography

To the Stranger that has Loved You, 2013
Acrylic, spray paint on canvas
16" x 20"
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Dain Simons Photography

with Frenzy between them!

Frenzy, 2012
Acrylic, spray paint on canvas
30" x 40"
©2013NanciHersh
photo by Dain Simons Photography

There you have it... private tours and studio visits are welcome.
For more info contact me at nancihersh@gmail.com

Which is your favorite?

Love, Loss and Healing

As heavy rains and wind whipped outside my studio doors I have been working on the newest evolution of my nets which I have come to realize are also nests. Nets/nests- both are vessels for holding, a sanctuary, a filter for memories, objects. The hanging teabags mark time, a daily ritual in our home.

Love, Loss & Healing, 2012
detail 1
Wire, pulp, encaustic, collage, vinyl tubing, teabags
©2012NanciHersh

In one incarnation they hung from lines, fishing lines, like the flotsam and jetsom that wash ashore and come in with the tide.  Now they hang from clear vinyl tubing, like i.v.'s or life lines. No longer are they only bare and skeletal, most are now enveloped in another kind of netting- pantyhose that has been burned to also be net like, think fish net stockings.  The inner frameworks support the more decorative coverings which reference fashion of some kind- mostly the flamboyant hats I grew up with in my dad's milinary stores- Nobby Hats.  Family. Home.... and loss-

Love, Loss & Healing, 2012
detail 2
Wire, pulp, encaustic, collage, vinyl tubing, teabags
©2012NanciHersh

There is something breast- like about them, as they float detached from the body. But art is about creation, redemption and transformation.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has or is facing loss during this "Frankenstorm."

Aha! Moment

My "gathering nets" are evolving in the heat of these summer months. It seems they are morphing into hives, serving as both a sanctuary as well as, a holding and filtering vessel.  The original wire, pulp and encaustic structures function more as skeletal supports and inner collections. These organic forms have become encased in netting (ok pantyhose- thanks to a family connection to hosiery, and lots of it) that have been, cut, burned and sometimes embellished. Much like the skin that covers my body (though no piercings- yet.) 

(Note: writing this is one of those self realizations and aha! moments. ah the power of writing about your work)

This evolution is both natural and surprising. There it is again. The body, home, and sense of place all finding its way into my work.  With that in mind, I felt that these nets needed to be in nature, where I am most at peace.  

    

And here in the Delaware Valley Region of the country that place is in a preserve where I walk with my dogs in and around the creek.

Finding a place in the sun with cool water and lovely shadows.

A sense of peace, a sense of place.

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The journey is the destination.