Two exhibits, “Pavimenti: Reclaimed Objects” and “Black Star: Self-Portraits in Clay,” are on display at ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries in Ball Hall through Sept. 21.
“Pavimenti: Reclaimed Objects” showcases the encaustic paintings of Nina B. Marshall. She is an expert in the 2000-year-old painting technique – the oldest painting technique still in use – which involves melting and painting with a substance similar to Crayons that consists of oil paint and wax.
The art professor at Ball State University has had work featured in national juried exhibitions and solo shows, and has received grants for her research on encaustic painting.
In “Reclaimed Objects,” Marshall pays homage to manufactured objects discarded because they had outlived their usefulness and natural objects taken for granted because of their abundance. She has collected and reclaimed such objects for re-use as models for paintings – bottles, gears and other parts of machines, old tools, bugs, flowers and toys that appeal to “imagination and emotional identification.”
“I move to assert their aesthetic value, and thereby remind viewers of the integrity of objects and of the importance of our relationships with the things of our world,” she says.
“Black Star: Self-Portraits in Clay” features the ceramic art of Paul Wandless. In these self-portraits, Wandless uses the torso as a tablet or canvas to place images, symbols or forms that reflect his perception of his place in the world. “They serve as a point of departure, putting a face on personal concerns, beliefs and fears, . . . allowing others to share in my unique experiences, both cultural and personal,” he says.
Wandless, a recent visiting professor at the Herron School of Art, is a ceramic studio artist and board member for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. He is also co-founder of an educational resource web site for artists of color, www.culturalvisions.net.
Both artists will present public lectures and weekend workshops sponsored by the ETSU Art Students League and Student Sculpture Society.
Wandless’ lecture is planned for Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in 127 Ball Hall, and his “Figurative Expression” workshop will be held Sept. 20-22. Participants will focus on a figurative self-portrait coming from an abstract expressionist view, with “the resulting torsos being more expressive of the self than true to one’s physical appearance.” Participants must bring high fire clay of their choice and basic clay working tools.
Marshall’s lecture is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. in 127 Ball Hall, and her workshop will be held Sept. 28-29; participants will paint an 8×10 still life with emphasis on preparing encaustic, blending of colors and application of the medium. The $10 cost covers the paints; participants must supply various sable and china bristle paintbrushes, an 8×10 or larger masonite panel, polymer medium and paper.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The exhibits are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for both workshops. For more information or for special assistance, call Slocumb Galleries at 439-5315.

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