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By Diane O'Neal
I was first drawn to Allison Andrews’ sculpture installation Zen Garden, pictured
above, due to the piece’s ironic profundity. The juxtaposition of a Hummer frame
with a Japanese Zen Garden speaks volumes about the globalization of cultures
and the influence Eastern philosophy has on the West. In short, I saw it as peaceful
commentary, a quiet reflection of commoditization and spirituality, begging our own
questions of meaning and purpose as we advance into the future.
After meeting Allison, I discovered that my interpretation was not far off from her
own. I also learned that, for her, the success of the piece was simply that it made me
think. While she has strong concepts which lead her in the beginning of a project, she
feels strongly that ultimately, her responsibility is to the viewer. When creating, the
first thing cut away is her opinion, allowing the work to speak for itself, and leaving the
viewer to interpret freely.
Through the use of iconic images, Allison is capable of creating juxtapositions which
suggest meaning to the viewer, rather than spell it out. Minimal amounts of information
are best, considering that during
the artistic process, she finds herself
forced to go with the flow. The
artwork often takes off in its own
direction, becoming something
completely different from the
original concept upon completion.
In her work, she must leave room
open for the message to take its
own shape, empowered by her choice of materials and her technical skill.
Humbly, Allison told me, “I don’t know why I make the stuff I make.” It is as if the
art is using her as its means of manifestation. “Anytime I force anything, it doesn’t work.
Anytime I cling to anything, it doesn’t work.” For artist Allison Andrews, both her art
and her life alike are a practice in discipline, service and letting go.
Allison Andrews is a board member of 1708 Gallery. She graduated from
VCU with a BFA and MFA in sculpture. For more information, contact Allison at
allison@fitinyourbody.com. |
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