Phenomenon
from the press release
Art Produce Gallery Presents:
Phenomenon
Natalie Macellaio and Shannon Sullivan
August 8 - September 5, 2009
Opening reception: Aug 8, 6 - 9pm
Art Produce Gallery
3139 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619.584.4448
artproducegallery.com
Lynn Susholtz: lynn@artproducegallery.com
Phenomenon is a blending of Macellaio and Sullivan’s interests in the physical world resulting in dynamic installations in unexpected materials. Objects are reinterpreted as the artists look at, react to, and contemplate nuance in nature.
Sullivan finds intrigue in microscopic cell forms or macroscopic kelp clusters, creating work that is tactile, viscous and sensuous. Further investigation reveals repetition within a hybrid landscape and the perseverance of order in nature. Macellaio finds disgust, interest, and intrigue within the world of insects. She interprets life cycle, chaotic balance, adaptation, and the significance of arthropods in every aspect of life.
Understanding how simple entities can be complex in their reproduction and honoring the prevailing ways of nature, these two artists are creating significance in scenarios that are always occurring, but rarely celebrated, revealing a stunning vocabulary of forms and ideas.
The artists transform the gallery space creating a unique experience with the viewer in which the work engages subtleties in architecture, surface, and palette. Tactile, malleable materials such as metal, resin, paint and fired ceramic are used creating a physical dialogue with the audience inspired by the cause and effect of the natural world.
Macellaio received her MFA from the University of North Texas and has been exhibiting her work nationally. Her work has been featured at Studio 832 in Dallas, TX at the Waco Art Center in Waco, Texas and at the Studio Gallery in Farmers Branch, TX. Currently her work is being featured in a solo exhibition at MFA gallery in Dallas. Natalie is the president of 500x Gallery, Texas’s oldest artist-run gallery located in Dallas. Born in Chicago, IL Natalie lives in Dallas, and teaches at Brookhaven College.
Sullivan's work has been exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally. Most recently her work has been featured in Lincoln, California for the prestigious Feats of Clay exhibition, in China for the Contemporary Young Ceramics Exhibition: Our Generation, and in St. Charles Missouri for the Of the Earth show at the Foundry Art Center. Her work was selected for the book 500 Ceramic Sculptures and for Ceramics Monthly's review of the Clay on the Wall Exhibition. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Sullivan lives in Arcata, CA and teaches at the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA.