"NATURE D E C O N S T R U C T E D"
at Spoonbill Art Gallery
1292 Pendleton Street, Greenville
www. spoonbillgallery .com
1292 Pendleton Street, Greenville
www. spoonbillgallery .com
“Nature Deconstructed”, a collection of artworks featuring Becca Splawn and Shelley Cade reinterprets the natural world in abstract and dynamic ways, inviting viewers to consider the fundamental shapes, colors, and forms that compose the landscapes around us. This collaboration between two of Greenville, South Carolina’s highly acclaimed artists is set for release in January 2025.
Both Splawn and Cade take their exploration of nature to new depths in “Nature Deconstructed.” This series is about breaking down what we see in the natural world and reassembling it into something unexpected. It is an invitation to reflect and to see nature not just as a whole, but as a series of interconnected elements that come together in surprising ways much like how life experiences shape and mold us as individuals. Each piece in the exhibition serves as a meditation on nature’s (and our own) resilience and vulnerability, offering a fresh perspective on the landscapes (and life) that often go unnoticed in their simplicity.
Both Splawn and Cade take their exploration of nature to new depths in “Nature Deconstructed.” This series is about breaking down what we see in the natural world and reassembling it into something unexpected. It is an invitation to reflect and to see nature not just as a whole, but as a series of interconnected elements that come together in surprising ways much like how life experiences shape and mold us as individuals. Each piece in the exhibition serves as a meditation on nature’s (and our own) resilience and vulnerability, offering a fresh perspective on the landscapes (and life) that often go unnoticed in their simplicity.
"If you were to say I paint landscapes, I might deny it. Of course, that may just be my stubbornness. On the other hand, this body of work has never been about landscapes.
My impressionist work came out a need for distraction. A time in my life when several close friendships unexpectedly came to an end. I sought an escape; or more, to avoid the pain of my new reality. I was hurt, confused and not in a place where I could sensibly sort out my thoughts. These new openings in my schedule urged me back into my quiet studio — a studio which, at the time, was mainly used to plan and create for others. Amidst this emotional storm, I went in to create for me. A needed distraction, expressed through fast paced brushstrokes and the heeding of impulse.
What came out of these dueling emotions of grief and relief were pillowy palettes, blending dark and light. Colorfully blended cloudscapes, ushering out the storm and, ushering *in* much needed clarity. An inner assurance, that even life’s most turbulent storms bring along a silver lining. And that, what awaits on the other side of the storm, makes the journey one worth taking.
My oil paintings are still my dowsing rod for purpose. Although I don’t always know where they’re taking me, I *do* know growth will accompany me. Nowadays, I refer to my process as “chasing the blend.” The act of merging color through persistent brushstrokes, taking cues from intuition, as it signals for scenic routes and end points.
I try to approach each canvas with few pre-made decisions. My color palette is grounded in what I am enjoying at the time, often informed by my latest finds in fashion and design. I will forever — somewhat nostalgically — embrace any color found in an 80’s Tupperware collection. I also have a hard time resisting the urge to add a touch of bashful blush; thank you, Steel Magnolias. My practice is grounded in the ever-shifting movement of intuition, a steady connection to the present moment, and a whole lot of wonder.
When someone sees my work, my hope is that it draws them in, makes them want to stay a while. Beyond that, I’d love for this work to send audiences on an exploration of their own: seeking out color, exploring tastes and preferences, chasing the blend.
Perhaps most importantly, for all who might need it, I genuinely hope the work brings quiet moments of reflection and relief from the storms *they* may be facing. And that, no matter what comes up for them as they explore the piece, the reflection brings with it *their* silver lining."
See Blues As I
Curiosity fills my eyes. And I wonder if you see blues like mine.
Are your blues more? Something I very much wish for.
As my own are old and sorrowful and day to day I grieve. For the hues so blue are simply being.
Long lost is the life and breath I breathe but tight to the chest and rather longing, to just be.
Leaving me pale and in my head. Knowing your holding a secret to deaths bed.
So should I wake up tomorrow, will I see? As you keep this secret so well; and not whisper a dream to me.
Do you see blues like I? I wonder but scorn that it is only mine.
WHERE TO FIND CURRENT WORK:
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