SXU Gallery Presents "Channeling"
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will host "Channeling," the work of Chicago artist Constance Volk, from now through September 27.
"Channeling" is a painting technique that Volk developed that begins with a clay foundation on canvas forming channels that allow liquid prismatic oil to flow and marble as it cures. Over a multi-day curing process, the liquid prismatic oil produces organic networks that appear repetitive but reveal unique subtleties upon closer reflection.
"I am interested in pathways, found both in the mind and in nature. I represent these pathways with mazes and streams. The maze invites you to journey toward an answer. The stream embodies the perpetual movement of nature. The channels form puzzles, appearing to have right answers and dead ends, but as one experiences the intricacy of each moment along the marbled pathways that evoke nature's beauty, they might realize the 'answer' is everywhere," said Volk.
Volk believes her mazes represent the framework that the events of our lives are embedded within.
"These mazes all begin and end at the center, with numerous openings to choose from. Conceptually, the idea is that at the beginning of your life, you appear, you find yourself here, having no recollection of choosing to arrive. In this way, these mazes are not something you 'enter,' they represent where you already are. You are already in the maze, and in this mini-life experience, every answer is yes," said Volk.
Volk gets her inspiration from a variety of places.
"There are some places that stay with me, drifting through my thoughts, revisiting me and absorbing my attention. I honor these places by trying to capture something of their essence in my artwork while layering my channels into their form. The expanding list of muses includes Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, and Olympic National Park. Many of my water features, such as the Bogachiel River System and the Chicago River System, rely on channels formed by nature, whose twists and turns influence the line-work throughout this collection," said Volk.
Volk is a musician, painter and illustrator who has exhibited paintings at Bridgeport Art Center, Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, Rendezvous Arts, and the Oak Park Public Library. Volk's paintings, poster art, coloring books and music can be found on her website.
The artist's presentation and reception will be held Wednesday, September 11 at 4 p.m. at the SXU Gallery. The SXU Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Gallery at 773-298-3081.