And, also, everywhere at threesquared gallery
It doesn’t take an agriculturalist to see the roots of Jessica Owings’ influence in her show “and, also, everywhere,” at threesquared gallery. Her exhibit, comprised of comprised of works on paper paired with sculptural elements made from discarded books and prints, uses text as an introduction to meaning but leaves the narrative to the viewer.
Framed prints bookend two large, paper constructions, a sculpture made from found materials, and a trio of graphite drawings. The prints highlight Owings’ experience as a commercial printmaker and reflect her dedication to process and a deep, adaptive awareness of paper. Owings describes this work as her “seeds,” and the prints work as a point of departure for the show.
Deliberate and investigative, the paper constructions grafted to the gallery wall are not overgrown; rather, they distill the essential curatorial process found in wild flora. For “the grass is always greener,” (2011) thinly-wrapped book-page reeds thrust out from the gallery wall. Sourced from book pages and hand-printed patterns of cut grasses, “and, everywhere” (2011) sprouts paper bubbles containing the word “and.” A found branch and suspended weeds comprise “Shady” (2011). Even the unexpected process marks found in the graphite drawing trio “up and up and up” (2011) cultivate a larger sense of direction seen throughout the new work.
Though relatively young saplings in Owings’ artistic investigations, don’t miss this forest for the trees. “And, also, everywhere” continues through October 22nd at threesquared, located inside artist Dane Carder’s studio at 427 Chestnut Street in Nashville. Threesquared is open by appointment only. Call 615.945.2382 for “a place to think, quietly,” a place to spend time enjoying nature.
