Alien Bones - New Work by Steve Foley
Foley describes his work process as one akin to the surrealist technique of automaticism. The material used in the initial phase of the work will suggest a direction to move in, and each subsequent manipulation of the form will take the piece further. What might appear as suggestive warm and womb like, will suddenly re-appear as harsh cold and parasitic. What might first appear as a product of decay, will re-invent itself as a dynamic ecosystem.
As a student at Syracuse University, Stephen Foley traveled to Haiti with his mentor, cultural anthropologist, Bill Waters. There, Foley taught pit firing techniques, bead making, and pottery processes. He also worked with local craftspeople to help establish fair trade and profit networks with several U.S. businesses. During his teaching stint, Foley's own work became influenced by the local artist and by the traditional artwork of the region. He found a renewed sense of liberation in his sculpted forms, the colors he used became brighter and the pattern work more ornate.
Opening reception Sunday, February 20 from 2-4 p.m.
