News | Urban Art Lab

“Dawn” is a collection of new work from the artists of Urban ArtLab Studios exploring themes of dawn as a metaphor for the continual cycles experienced in life. This symbol is indicative of hope felt for nearing change. As artists working in a shared space, separated from the world, we have been waiting for the dawn of this year, the ending that brings a new beginning. In our work we reflect on these ideas of change and rebirth found in nature and the collective human spirit through diverse artistic styles and perspectives. We invite viewers to engage with these visual messages and locate where their own hope lies in this unique time. In acknowledging the darkness of the night, we find greater hope for the emerging light of dawn.

IMAGE BY KAYLA ANDRUS

Artists: REBECCA JOSKEY, SALLIE GODWIN, RITA ROWE, DEAN WYATT, KAYLA ANDRUS, TYLER GRIESE, LIZ DUECK, ZAC HEIMDALE, JULIE O'CONNELL

Liz Dueck- “I am a landscape oil painter, and because of this exhibition I gave myself the challenge of painting a scene in dawn lighting. Having a personal experience to connect with the place I paint is important to my process; so for my piece “Rise as the Morning Light” I went on an early hike to the forest I volunteer at in the first week of the new year. I started the hike in the dark, and as I moved carefully the light softly grew and I could see a bit more with each step. The morning light arose slowly and steadily; the colors constantly changing...until I was not nervous about the darkness anymore, but enthralled by the play of colors in the sky. I could not think of a better analogy and advice for this past year-to move like the trusted morning light-softly and strongly, knowing it will always get brighter.”

Kayla Andrus- “My art is about the cycles of life interpreted through native Oklahoman flora and fauna. Due to the vast uncertainties of life and the unknown I am drawn to the grounding qualities of nature- the smell of dirt, the feeling of grass between toes, and the fostering wildlife. I often use symbolism in my work to communicate this; the black background functions as the infinite that constantly surrounds us, the flowers represent major life events, and then the animals in different life stages communicate the cycles of birth and death all living things experience. Some pieces may appear dark at first glance, but these inevitable cycles contain a sense of hope and connectedness, as we are all continuously a part of each other’s existence.”

Sallie Godwin- “In making my Warriors of the Heart figurative sculptures, I had in mind that we have all been through a hard time this year, and because of that we need protectors in life. It is important to start a new life with something or someone who can help look after your heart. So these figures represent loving protection and emotional safety in transitional life phases.”

Rita Rowe- “The color palette I chose for my paintings are lighter in emotion and each one has a 'glowing' feature that is reminiscent of sunrise - an awakening of sorts.”

Rebecca Joskey- “My set of three paintings “Molecules of Dawnlight” are my interpretation of what the molecules of Dawn would look like when viewed microscopically. The theory with light and color comes down to wavelengths, when the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon, that is when you start to see the first wavelengths of Dawn. So, when those wavelengths are broken down into molecules, I imagine this is what it would look like.”https://www.liggettstudio.com/dawn

Dean Wyatt: PRESENT TENSE

DAWN

TAC Annual Member's Show

Masks are Required for Entry