Sally Hayden Gilmore

United States

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Where do you live ? City, State and Country

Portland Oregon

Place of Work ? Example: Studio, College, Gallery, Museum, ...)

Studio

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Bio____________________

I have worked with an array of materials and processes, specializing in sculptural Fiber work and Mixed Media Drawing. Currently I work primarily with cast paper and mixed materials to creating evocative sculptural forms and relief collage drawings. I received my MFA from Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. I'm working hard in my studio, I exhibit nationally, and am trying to find my way in NW Oregon hoping to eventually teach and show locally.


Artist Statement_______________________


When admiring the color and structure of floral blooms, consider that they are the sexual reproductive organs of another organism. The sensual pop of color commonly marks a display of sexual courting that occurs throughout the natural world. The colorful bounty of animal sexuality: the bright allure of bird plumage, the fluorescent glow from ocean-trench denizens, even the fiery red of baboons’ rears. It is in these details that I take my inspiration.

This work is made from a desire to know and understand sexuality, not in terms of political correctness or social structures, but as the natural world knows it: a wondrous force too powerful and beautiful to ignore. Through various evocative forms I explore these natural concepts of sexual seduction. The objects become fetishistic because they are a safe representation of our own libido. No shame, only a glorious display of stamens, semen, ovipositors, scrotums, tentacles, pistils, vulva, filaments, cloacae and anthers.

Ultimately, sexuality, whether in the plant or animal world, comes down to touch, exchange and proximity- all of which are significant to my process. I use cast layers of unryu paper with acrylic medium and incorporate variety in color, texture, material, and dimensionality to communicate with my audience. Wrinkled and pocked surfaces are simultaneously sensual and delicate. Round, twisting mouths and seductive hollows invite viewers to explore the inner and outer anatomy of each piece (a dichotomy of sexual intercourse). These forms seduce the viewer to reach out and explore the untouchable surface, creating an electric tension that reflects our own longing and desire.

Your website, DIRECT flickr or DIRECT facebook links where your work can be seen.

http://www.sallyhaydengilmore.com

Comment Wall:

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  Brenda Factor

  Hi Sally - thanks and I really like your work too. In fact I found you on the web a couple of weeks ago when I was doing some research into casting (and that led me to crafthaus) and included your name in a list of practitioners for my students. Hope to post some more images soon.

  Mar 16, 2010

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  Brigitte Martin

  Thank you very much for your membership payment and support of crafthaus. Your membership is good through Feb 15, 2012.
  
  Enjoy crafthaus, participate often :-)

  Feb 1, 2011

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  Renee Rouillier

  Sally, I am a very textural person and your use of texture is very admirable.

  Aug 24, 2011