If you go
› What: “Gunk Heads,” mixed-media illustrations by Alecia Vera Buckles.› When: Through June 16.› Where: ErrSpace at Palace Picture House, 818 Georgia Ave.› Admission: Free.› Phone: 423-645-8920.
With Cine-Rama and its Swine Gallery now a memory on Main Street, local film club Mise En Scenesters has opened new Chattanooga Film Festival headquarters, the Palace Picture House, and added its requisite art gallery, ErrSpace, on Georgia Avenue.
Alecia Vera Buckles has the honor of the first solo exhibition, a fact she partly attributes to a favor after "an incident" at First Tennessee Pavilion in late April.
"My entire tent was destroyed in the storm at the opening weekend of the Chattanooga Market, and [curator] Aaron [Cowan] was kind enough to offer the June spot to me," she says. "This seemed to be the perfect opportunity for me to produce new work as quick as I could to get back on my feet and to give the community another chance to see my work in person."
A North Georgia native, Buckles has titled her exhibition of mixed-media illustrations "Gunk Heads." It will be on view through June 16.
Her work features "unabashed ladies [who] are fun, whimsical and outright honest to themselves, much like the artist," says an online description of the show. They are adorned with "fierce fashion stylings, topped with peeled acrylic paint for that 'gunk' effect, reminding us all to live life and not to sweat the little things."
The Times Free Press caught up with Buckles last week for an email interview. Here are excerpts of the conversation.
Q: Are you a full-time artist? If so, how long have you supported yourself through your art? If not, what else do you do?
A: I would totally consider myself a full-time artist especially within the past six months. It's kind of funny actually. I never thought I would be into sitting at my desk most of the day drawing, but it has easily become my favorite thing to do and it's mainly because I have such a random work schedule.
You see, art doesn't pay the bills - yet - so I have been scraping by with the help of some of Chattanooga's coolest small-business owners. You can find me bartending Nightfall and other various events downtown with the help of Tara Viland. On some days, you can also spot me slinging tacos at Taqueria Jalisco in Miller Plaza. You might even catch me working some weddings with Liza Greever! Honestly, I pick up work where I can find it - so hire me for your next odd task! [Laughs]
Q: ErrSpace is a gallery for nonconventional artists. Would you say that's a fair description of your art?
A: Oh, for sure. I believe Errspace is bridging the gap between artists whose work isn't necessarily what you would consider seeing on the walls of your typical fine-art gallery. I'll be the first to tell you that I usually turn my head at the gallery scene. I've always wanted my work to be seen in a different light. I love showing at community events, holiday markets and any opportunity that provides a wide variety of people! It's interesting to get feedback from a 6-year-old compared to a 65-year-old. Errspace provides a comfortable space for artists like me, and I am excited to be their first feature!
Q: Do you have pieces that are considered more conventional?
A: Yeah. I'd say so. You can spot a couple of pieces that seem a little more conventional. There are some abstract pieces that reference my inspiration behind color palettes. [I call those pieces "couch art."] It is when I move past that step when things begin to get a little more unusual. Overall, the show isn't too alternative - maybe just the no limb, bald pink sculpture in the plexi box. [Laughs]
Q: This exhibition is mixed-media illustrations of "unabashed ladies." Anything autobiographical about them?
A: Haha, these illustrations definitely have an autobiographical tie to them. I subconsciously create things that I am experiencing or feeling quite often. It is kind of nice because it seems to be an open opportunity for me to be honest about myself with everyone around me but in a playful way. You can watch my love for Cheetos shine through a romantic scene, or you can easily spot my interest in fashion and style with the outfit that I choose to dress my figures in. Pay attention to my drawings, and you could probably get to know me fairly well.
Q: What are the various media you use?
A: Wow. What don't I use? I have been a hoarder of supplies in the best way possible. I keep things that I know I will use, and I always do. I use anything from the dried latex/acrylic paint on my paint palette to graffiti chips that fall off the walls of abandoned buildings. I use lint, toilet paper, dried paper towels that are stained with markers (Viva paper towels are the best!) to even tape that is bundled up and happens to look cool to me. You can even check out a piece that I have used my own blue hair on. I dare you.
Q: Why the title "Gunk Heads"?
A: It's the only way that I could describe the process when I began this experiment. It was the best fit! I use all the things people would normally dispose of in the studio. It's also vague enough that it causes the viewer to truly question what is going on with the piece, and I like that sort of interaction.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: I think I am influenced more on my surroundings and the experiences I have. I don't think it's so much of a "who" as it is a "what." I enjoy lighthearted conversations and references such as a friend's junk-food habit or the fact that I ordered egg salad on a first date. Those are the moments that inspire me. I may browse style blogs on Pinterest, but it's the emerging social-media artists who are staying true to themselves despite the social norm that truly influence my work.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.