Santa Barbara artists Giuliana Mitchum and Shelby Scudder create in opposite mediums and formats: organic and flat; synthetic and dimensional, respectively, and there is visual harmony between the two, as well as within their message and source of inspiration.
An opening reception for their joint exhibit will be 5-9 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at Helena Mason Gallery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone
Both women experienced major life changes simultaneously, and responded by using their art as a therapeutic outlet and a means to channel their emotions.
Each artist collects while in nature — flowers and dirt for Mitchum; found objects and repurposed materials for Scudder — and builds a new narrative for these items that now stray from their originally intended purpose.
They want viewers to find the beauty in small details that might otherwise be overlooked, giving them value and purpose, and reminding us that the potential of evolution lies in our willingness to embrace change.
With evolution as a key element of the show, the artists asked floral designer EmmaRose to contribute alongside them, adding a live element to the space that will be in a constant state of change, appearing transformed from opening night to the closing of the show.
The three women then collaborated on an immersive installation that will incorporate each of their mediums to tell a story of life using a variety of elements – big, small; organic, synthetic; rough, smooth; colorful, muted; lively, boring; planned, unplanned.
For more about Scudder, visit: www.shelbyscudder.com; for more on artist Mitchum, visit: www.giulianamottin.com.