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Artist Statement / Bio
My work utilizes elements of basic structures which are abstracted from architectural forms. Some have components loosely drawn in ink that contrast with the precision of sewn Blackwork patterns surrounding them. Blackwork is a type of counted-stitch embroidery made popular in the 15th and 16th centuries that often decorated sleeves, collars, and ruffs. Though traditionally done in black thread on a white ground, I have sewn Blackwork patterns in white-on-white, black-on-black, and most recently, in combinations that involve some element of color.
Based on the grid, these hand stitched designs create networks of geometric stitches that become their own architectural structure with the paper.
The process of hand stitching is a very methodical and determined act, which gives each stitch a sense of intention and purpose. I choose to depict architectural forms using flexible, delicate materials like thread and paper to serve as a metaphor for ideas about strength and weakness. The assumption that these forms are inherently strong and that thread and paper are weak, is a concept I enjoy challenging in both the form and content of the work. Questioning perceptions of what may be strong or weak, reliable, or tenuous in our daily lives is at the heart of the inspiration for this work.
Education
2004 Bachelor of Fine Art, Maine College of Art: Portland, Maine
Major: Painting, Minor: Art History, Thesis Topic: Contemporary Art and Contemporary Science: Artists Mine Genetic Issues
Exhibitions
2008 CMCA Biennial, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport
2008 Works of Art on Paper, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, Loveladies, NJ
2007 Tiny, Whitney Art Works,Portland, Maine
2007 Misuse, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport
2007 Intelligent Design, Whitney Art Works
2007 Body Parts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, at June Fitzpatrick Gallery, Portland, Maine
2006 Holiday Mixer, Whitney Art Works
2006 The Ostrich Diaries and Other Stories, SPACE Gallery: Portland, Maine
2005 New Directions ‘05, Barrett Art Center: Poughkeepsie, New York. Juror: Stephen Evans Asst. Director of Dia Art Foundation, received Honorable Mention.
2005 Reclaiming Space, SPACE: Portland, Maine.
2005 From the Inside, June Fitzpatrick Gallery
2004 BFA Senior Index Exhibition, Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art: Portland, Maine
2004 BFA Thesis Exhibition, Maine College of Art
2004 Emerging Artists, The Clown Gallery: Portland, Maine
2003 Local Artists Thinking Globally, Juried exhibition at the Chocolate Church Arts Center: Bath, Maine
2003 Merit Exhibition, Maine College of Art
2002 BFA Exhibition, Maine College of Art
Awards
2007 Good Idea Grant, Maine Arts Commission, Augusta
2003 Frank M. and Olive F. Gilman Foundation Challenge Scholarship
2003 Doris L. Glover Endowed Scholarship
2003 Alfred “Chip” Chadbourn Scholarship
2002 Stephen and Palmina Pace Endowed Scholarship
2002 Honorable Mention, Merit Exhibition, Maine College of Art
2002 Nancy Stewart Deming Endowed Memorial Scholarship
1999-03 Upper Valley Scholarship Fund Student Aid Award
1999-04 Maine College of Art Talent Award, Awarded upon entrance
CONTACT
Sage Lewis
www.sagelewis.net
Email: slewis@meca.edu
The Artist Studio Building #307
536 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
News & Links
Visit my website to view more of my work!
Press Release: Intelligent Design at Whitney Art Works
Review of Intelligent Design in the Portland Phoenix
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