ERICA IMAN

Sunday, July 29, 10-4

I will be showing and selling both sculptural and functional work as part of the Contemporary Art Museum City-Wide Open Studios this weekend.  Since my studio set-up in St. Louis is still in the works, I will be showing with a group of other artists at the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) in The Loop across from the Pageant. 

6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri

Many St. Louis artists will be opening their studios for the weekend and there are pre- and post-party events happening at the Contemporary Art Museum.  Check the website for details, lists of artists, and a map.

“Bridges” 2012, porcelain, glaze, cone 10 reduction

“Bridges” was awarded second place at the San Angelo National Ceramic Competition juried by Garth Clark and Mark DelVecchio.  I was also very excited to have the piece purchased by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show.  It was great night with the help of many friends and family.  Here are some images if you couldn’t make it.  Located in the Historic Lemp Brewery.

Artist’s Statement

 I am interested in creating objects that are obvious products of the raw geological materials and formative processes from which they are derived.  By exploring forms that teeter on the familiar and reference natural phenomena, be it glacial ice or weathered rock, I am searching for a more visceral connection to the tactile world. 

Often in simplicity and solitude there is clarity: in the case of my artwork, an opportunity to be absorbed by an object or see something of ourselves reflected in it.  Exploring the essence of our physical existence, through both the rational and the emotional lenses, I feel more deeply and assuredly engaged in my effort toward finding something meaningful.

This thesis exhibition is an opportunity to show my sculptural work in the context of an emotionally charged space.  The history of the Lemp Brewery, along with the 19^th century brick and mortar construction, creates an emotional association within me.  The structure is in a state of decay but kept marginally alive through the attention and effort of a few individuals.  The raw state of the space, with exposed brick, peeling paint, collapsing ceilings, and yellowing windows demonstrates nature’s constant influence on the constructs of the man-made.  I can feel and see this natural interplay, which is vital in my efforts to make sense of the world that surrounds me and find something at the root and essence of my existence.