By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
An exhibition of new sculpture by Verina Baxter opens at Tanner Hill Gallery on May 7. Titled “Solid and Round,” the show is composed of work that addresses balance between the masculine and the feminine. Ms. Baxter has combined different materials, such as alabaster with stainless steel or soapstone with bronze, to achieve harmony and balance.
In her artist’s statement, she says the first essential element in construction is making sure that the parts work together esthetically.
“You can’t just stack a piece of bronze on top of stainless steel and then add a stone,” she said. “There has to be harmony and balance between each of the components and they must compliment each other with their shapes, color and texture.”
Ms. Baxter’s interest in structure and assembling parts to form a stable, successful unit dates back to her childhood. She watched her father single-handedly build their family home and became fascinated with building things herself.
Some of the sculptures in the exhibit relate to machinery and a number of other pieces are from her new Tower Series.
“These sculptures are elegant and reverent,” she said. “Towers are important in many religions and that is one additional thing we all have in common.”
A reception will be held on May 7 at 5:30 p.m., followed by an artist’s talk at 6 p.m.
“Solid and Round” continues through June 4.
Tanner Hill Gallery, 3069 S. Broad St., Suite 3, is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and by appointment. Call 280-7182.