bennettgalleriesnashville

Mel Rae

My artwork is the reflection of my fascinaton with influence; whether it be the layers of human experience or the influence of nature's elements on material objects. I want my surface to hint at what may be happening underneath, to entice the viewer to draw in closer and to wonder how the surface evolved to it's current state.

Objects influence my work as I wonder when rust may have appeared, how and why the surface bowed, or why did a chair lose it's leg? When did a piece travel or exchange hands of owners? Human nature equally influences me as I wonder why people react and handle situations and emotions the way they do. What happened to influence what we become? Did our mother constantly bake homemade cookies, giving us a sense of peace when the aroma of baked goods filled the room? Did our father prefer the company of a lap dog to his golf pal? Why are we who we are? I utilize color to reflect these infulences. I place layer upon layer of color visually interpreting historical or emotional time lines. My layers of color come from unpredictable influences, constantly challenging me to keep my eyes open.

I am not sure where my artwork will take me in the future, but I hope I will always be asking the question "What will I be when I grow up?" You see, as my artwork is me, and it is always being changed and refined, I am therefore always in a state of becoming.