Introduction
Amy Bennett constructs a large diorama in her studio, and within this landscape, she creates several scenes. Placing it before her as if painting a still life, she produces her paintings. Reminding one of a folktale, the paintings' charm is full of beautiful light and an air of mystery.
This exhibition features the last images in a series created from her lake diorama constructed in 2008. A resin lake expands across a 4 x 1 styrofoam base, upon which wire trees, cardboard cottages and model people are arranged. In order to make each scene stand out, the sky is painted in the background, and delicate lighting is applied, completing the motifs. Amy looks over the diorama for the point from which she can freely paint the scene, completing the image over time.
"I am interested in storytelling over time through repeated depictions of the same house, car or person, seasonal changes and shifting vantage points. Similar to memory, they are fictional constructions of significant moments and distillations of experience."
Her themes include loneliness, transition, loss, mystery, and the awkwardness of a group of people trying to coexist and relate to one another. In addition to images of the lake as a summer retreat, images of a desolate winter lake will be shown. Many may feel an attraction to the quiet, similar to that in the works of Edward Hopper.
Concept
This show will feature 8 new paintings. The quiet lakeside landscapes and mysterious snowscapes are delicately depicted as if they are photographs. Hope you enjoy the show.