Laura & Tina in Providence
Yesterday marked the beginning of Laura and Tina’s third studio collaboration. Tina arrived in Providence Rhode Island and we quickly went for a bite to eat at Cafe Nuovo, a lovely restaurant along the river. It was the perfect place to catch up after Tina’s long flight. Both the food and service were fantastic.
View of Cafe Nuovo from the other side of the river
Catching up and planning our To-Do list we embarked on a walk in the city to see some art. Our first stop was at the Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum. We walked into a gallery to find a “Soundsuit” by Nick Cave. Tina did a post on this artist’s exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in Charleston SC. You may find that post HERE. We thought that was an interesting connection between our art communities.
Another interesting exhibit we saw was in an alternative space in the city- store front windows. Here is a link to the participating artists and more information on this clever idea: Providence Art Windows. We responded to two of the artists and thought we would highlight them below.
Jenine Bresner, “Why are we fighting when we’re on the same team?”
Jenine Bressner, Providence Art Window
About the Work
I’m frustrated by the inescapable theme of “Humans vs. Nature.” To tolerate it, I have to find humor in the inanity of this idea, and its failure to recognize humans as nature. Though it might be possible for people or other animals to survive in mostly- synthesized environs, such a state of existence would be an artificial life.
The most inspiring works I’ve witnessed have all been naturally- occurring ones. I aim to make things that reflect my respect and awe for the natural world, my quiet sadness for its/ our uncertain future, and the irony of humans trying to control and recreate nature itself in artwork that can only strive to be as beautiful as authentic life.
About the Artist
Jenine Bressner wants to see things she has never seen before. She aims to satisfy this wish by drawing with glass rods in a torch flame, laser cutting textiles, and by working in other various media. She studied glass at RISD and Digital Fabrication at AS220, through MIT.
Jenine was awarded RISCA’s Fellowship of Craft in 2009 and is currently preparing for a show next year at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. To learn more about Jenine, please go to jenine.net.
Our reflection in the installation
Heather Freedman & Greg Kozatek “Habitat Becomes You”
We really responded to this collaboratively made installation so we took the liberty to include ourselves in the reflection of the window!
About the Work
Shelter is a common theme, as well as necessity, shared by all lifeforms. Architecture peppers our planet, taking the form of nests, cocoons, hives, apartment complexes and high-rises. As humans, we find comfort in the idea of home. It is a place to retreat to, and a place to start out from. We rest, we reload. Sometimes, after we’ve done all the growing we can do in one place, we get pushed out of the nest. We must move forward towards new opportunities for growth. All aspects of ourselves, as well as our habitats, experience the unavoidable change found in moving through the stages of life. Opened cocoons speak of a stage of life completed. They are left behind as time moves on, and serve as beautiful sculptural reminders of time past. A sense of history, as well as future, is created.
About the Artists
Growing up in the midwest, Heather Freedman relocated to Providence to attend Rhode Island School of Design. Graduating in June with a BFA in Illustration, Heather’s work explores themes in nature and movement. She enjoys experimenting with a variety of 2D and 3D media. A background and continued interest in classical dance adds an aspect of performance to her work. Heather is currently serving a summer term at CityArts with AmeriCorps, where she is teaching a creative movement class and is enjoying sharing art with young people. Heather loves trees, dancing, and a leisurely coffee break.
Greg Kozatek was born and raised in Apple Valley Rhode Island, where he consequently spent most of his childhood picking apples. Greg attended Smithfield High School and now a graduate of the Illustration Department from the Rhode Island School of Design, Greg hopes to work as a part of a creative design/production team to create work for film, television and theater.
Thank you for sharing our adventures. More to come!
Cheery Smiles,
Laura & Tina
