Stephen F. Austin State University graduate student Lindsey Creel will present “Clean Fields: The Antidote to Overstimulation” as her Master of Fine Arts exhibition to be on view Nov. 1 through 18 in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.
Comprising 15 large-scale drawings on paper and linen, “Clean Fields” is part homage and part documentation of the emotionally restorative properties found in Creel’s horticultural practices. Constantly moving from the garden to the art studio, Creel transforms would-be garden waste into contemporary drawings. In reducing the vibrancy and color of a garden, she guides the viewer toward a more open interpretation of the content on view.
Creel’s presented works include traditional materials, such as charcoal, with the addition of more obscure materials, like plant emulsions. Composition and scale are at the forefront of the exhibition and aim to move the viewer into a simulated meditative state, according to Creel.
“The work reflects the allure of the garden – of being drawn to something you do not need to fully understand to enjoy,” she said.
Creel is a designer and artist currently living in Garrison and attending SFA with a focus in studio arts (drawing). She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009 with a B.F.A. in fashion. Creel said she considers art and design two branches on the same tree and does not discriminate when it comes to art media. She has a background in patternmaking and drafting in the apparel industry and was featured on Season 14 of Lifetime TV’s “Project Runway.”
An artist talk will be at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, in Room 106 of the Lower Art Building on the SFA campus. An opening reception for “Clean Fields” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Reavley Gallery at Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Contact Cole Art Center at (936) 468-5500.
