Every unit depends on every other unit. I have so much to say and an inadequate relationship with language. My work is an outlet for me to ask questions or hold ideas that I have no other place for.

The repeated circular units and repetitive processes that I build with are symbols of these repeated thoughts and unanswered questions. Eventually, these units come together to create other forms, define interior and exterior spaces, or create patterns and imagery. Adapted and adopted from other historical craft disciplines, the techniques of linking and looping or weaving units together are physical reminders of the power of many and the agency of one. Even with thousands of units, one broken link or one frayed thread reshapes the whole.

Unlike the mantras or the slogans we shout and post to align ourselves with social groups or ideologies, the questions that consume me are full of contradictions and confusion. They are powerful, present, quiet, persistent. In a Whisper, With a Word brings together works that embody seemingly dichotomous physical and emotional truths — that we can be both strong and fragile, simple and complicated, long-lasting and fleeting, vague and specific, concise and discursive.

In Arthurian legend, the Questing Beast was a monster born of a cursed woman. In the story, the woman strikes a deal with the devil to make someone fall in love with her, and thus ultimately brings a curse upon herself. Once born, her child becomes the Questing Beast, a fearsome, snake-headed chimera and the hunting target of many a knight. The beast, through the curse laid on its mother, is born into a world in which its role is cemented and its fate sealed.

I think often in my work about roles which are set out for us by others. As a young woman, I could not help but notice gendered expectations of how I should look and behave, and what skills and career paths I ought to be interested in. Frequently I felt that I did not quite fit in. I often turned to fantasy tales for solace, but there were gendered expectations there too. Female power was often depicted as entirely evil, as with powerful witches, or entirely good, as with angelic princesses. Cursed women, and figures such as the Questing Beast, tugged at my sympathy because of their tragic origins and seemingly incontrovertible fates. Generally, these women sinned by desiring things they should not. At times I wondered what the author was trying to say by including female characters with such unflattering, ill-conceived and petty motivations. What if these cursed women were allowed to step out of these roles? If they wrote their own stories, what would be the purpose of their quests?

In this show, I’ve included a number of works featuring young women and their animal companions on their own individual quests. I invite the viewer to consider what roles each might be playing and what is happening in each story.

We are excited to be open for August First Friday! Join us any time from 5 – 9 PM. Grab a drink, relax, and experience music in a way you might not have known was possible. The Sound Environment sells and installs home music and theater systems. Our expert guidance puts you on a path to a system designed expressly for you. Stop by! Chat with us and learn more about how you can make movies and music more enjoyable in your home.

Join Jones Gallery this August First Friday. We’re open from 10:00am — if you’d like an early viewing — to 9:00pm. Artists will be available from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Regular Dates. Wed., Aug. 4th to Thur., Aug. 26th
Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Sun.

Jones Gallery 1717 Walnut, Crossroads Arts District, KCMO. 64108 816 – 421-2111

https://jonesgallerykc.com/

8 to 10 vendors set up selling all goods! From food, to drinks, to clothes to candles and more!! Please come out and support your local artist! Always a great time