DIGGING DEEPER
A figurative showcase
When artist Mark Bettis came up with the idea for his gallery’s upcoming show, he decided to create an exhibition centered around works that are mighty in meaning and not necessarily size.
“I have always wanted to do a figurative show and I try to do two large group shows annually,” he says. “So I thought the time was right to try a show that is based on the figure. I wanted artists to try and do something that wasn’t a traditional figurative show… so I asked them to think ‘out of box.’ The title of the show is Larger Than Life, which does not mean ‘large pieces’ but rather showing the figure in a different context, such as capturing a special moment or feeling.”
On view from November 9 through 25 at Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina, the exhibition does just that.
Featuring an array of works from local artists, Larger Than Life celebrates life’s boldest moments—from a hearty, genuine belly laugh to falling in love. “To be or experience something ‘larger than life’ isn’t just one thing, feeling or person,” explains Bettis. “We’ve all internalized different, but equally meaningful moments and this reality gives the show special power.”
Exuding such power is the woman in his work Strength. “I wanted to do a female figure that elicits strength not only in beauty but in spirit,” he shares. “I wanted it also to combine my abstract painting ability with textural elements that I am known for.”
Another depiction of the female form presented in the exhibition is Ben Hamburger’s Flora/Fauna, which explores the relationship between humans and nature. “I think of people and plants on either end of the spectrum of the natural world,” says the artist. “People are animals with a unique capacity to imagine scenarios, think ahead and reflect on memories. Plants just grow or die. I have been contemplating the ways that we, as humans, hold ourselves back and limit our own spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth. I found myself jealous of plants. Flora/Fauna is about the contrast between plants’ simple desire to grow and people’s conflicting desires that leave us stuck in rumination.”
A variety of mediums are presented in Larger Than Life, including Deb Williams’ glass sculpture titled The Smiths. “Creating the body forms was definitely outside the normal focus in my glass work,” says Williams. “The size alone creates some interesting challenges. The mold for the male weighed in at over 100 lbs. Then it took days to lay all the shards of broken glass in the mold with tweezers. A couple days in the kiln and voila! Meet The Smiths!”
An opening reception on November 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery will kick off the exhibition, giving guests the opportunity to mix and mingle with the featured artists while enjoying refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.
Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery
123 Roberts Street • Asheville, NC 28801 • (941) 587-9502 • www.markbettisgallery.com