Continuing through February 26, 2011
Ryan McLennan and Laura Ball form a dynamic pairing that contemplates numerous aspects of the natural world from both conscious and subconscious perspectives.
Richmond, Virginia's McLennan focuses his subject matter heavily on plants and wildlife endemic to North America. He uses these elements to create scenes and narratives that parallel the real world. The result is an acrylic and graphite based diagram that integrates lessons in evolution, natural history and ecology.
California based Ball's surrealistic and sometimes totemic creations have deep intellectual roots in such precedents as Joseph Campbell, Karl Jung and Greek mythology. Her multi-disciplinary background includes architecture and art history, and her knowledge of these two subjects helps provide the framework for her meticulous and highly detailed watercolors. These influences shape a series of hybridized creatures that help narrate a woman's journey into her own psyche to confront her own demons or personal obstacles.
David B. Smith Gallery
