Craft Flowering by Susan Dayal

Medulla Art Gallery is pleased to invite you to “CRAFT FLOWERING” by Susan Dayal

[tw-divider]ABOUT THE EXHIBITION[/tw-divider]

This is an exhibition of Decorative Art Objects, some of which have a function. They are handmade with hand tools using an indigenous craft technique known as wire bending.
I have been working in the medium of wire since 1990 and began producing decorative art objects in 1993. I wanted to take wire bending out of the Carnival context and create decorative / functional art objects for our homes that would reflect the tropical flora and fauna that surrounds us.
I enjoy seeing the collaboration between nature, artist and collector. When someone buys a wall vase for example, the collector carefully selects and arranges the flowers and foliage in the vase. Each bouquet is unique, thus continuing the creative process.

[tw-divider]ABOUT THE ARTIST[/tw-divider]

Susan Dayal was born in Trinidad on November 8, 1968. In 1992, Susan graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee Scotland, with a degree in Fine Arts – Sculpture.

In 1993 Susan began developing two intertwining creative paths, one as a conceptual artist and the other as a craft maker. Thematically, Susan’s artwork is influenced by Trinidad Carnival, costume, fashion, feminism, folklore, tropical flora and fauna. The technique that she uses to make her work is known locally as wire-bending. Wire-bending is a traditional folk technique originally used to create elaborate, large-scale, Carnival costumes for the annual Trinidad Carnival. Her work differs from traditional wire bending, in that she does not cover the wire structures but instead considers these wire forms as 3D drawings in space.

Since 1988, Susan has exhibited her work in solo and group shows, locally and abroad . This will be her 6th solo exhibition to date. In 1992, she exhibited her Colorvir manipulated black and white prints at the Autograph Open Photography Exhibition in London. In 1994, Susan exhibited a ballet tutu made from tin cans in the exhibition Tin, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Collective Gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1998, Susan participated in the 7th Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop in Namibia, Africa, as well as Lips Sticks and Marks – a regionally touring exhibition of 7 Caribbean Women and CARIFESTA in Barbados. In 1999, Susan assisted in the organisation of and participated in the first big River International Artist’s Workshop in Trinidad, hosted by Caribbean Contemporary Arts and the Triangle Arts Trust.

In 2004, Susan participated in Beauty Queens, a traveling exhibition that featured the work of artists from islands all around the world. The exhibition toured the Canadian Islands of Prince Edward Island, Vancouver, Newfoundland and Labrador. Susan is currently participating in a group photography exhibition in Martinique entitled Visions Archipeliques Exhibitions, Photographic Portraits of the Caribbean.

[tw-divider]WHERE & WHEN[/tw-divider]

• Opening Reception: Tuesday 22nd November, 2016
  Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  Address: 37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain
  RSVP: 680-1041, 622-1196 or medullaartgallery@gmail.com
• Closing with an Artist’s Talk: Tuesday 6th December, 2016 at 7:00pm

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am – 2:00 pm