Come view the evocative collages currently on display in East Shore’s gallery (from August-until the end of September). The images which explore the relationship of life and language are, by turns, whimsical, thought-provoking, fanciful, intense, dark, quirky, ironic, funny. You are invited to choose your favorite and share your comments in conversation or in writing. Or, imply come by and take a look!
A self-taught artist, Beth Brownfield is also a social justice activist now living in Bellingham, WA. She is also a long-time member of Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. Over two years, 1998-99, she produced a remarkable array of visually powerful collages some of which are on display at East Shore.
As Beth has suggested, “The language we inherit and speak influences and shapes our very lives. The cliches we utter, the thoughts we think, the words we carelessly say, the conversations we engage in may affect us more than we realize.”
For Beth, making collages is a joy because it helps her explore ideas that cannot be easily explained in words. She uses collages to “tell stories, express ideas, transform thinking and explore concepts”. Collages can open us up to other worlds, both visible and invisible.
If you examine the collages, you may want to reflect on these questions as you gaze on the images:
- What are the conversations you have with yourself about life?
- What conversations are you having with others?
- How does life SEEM to you?
- What conversations, concepts and influences have shaped your life?
by Marilyn Mayers, Campus Aesthetics Team