Bear breaks into the Candy Kitchen in Gatlinburg

Playscapes: Exhibition by Chandra DeBuse at Charlie Cummings Gallery

Check out current resident Chandra DeBuse's new work online now through November 17th at Charlie Cummings Gallery.  Her exhibition is titled, Playscapes and is a response to living in South Florida and the mountains of Eastern Tennessee over the past year.  In her exhibition statement, she writes:

Dangling Acorn Butter Dish by Chandra DeBuse
Photo by Charlie Cummings

Recently I moved from south Florida to the mountains of eastern Tennessee.  Although Gatlinburg and West Palm Beach are 800 miles apart and are situated in different climates, the similarities between the two places are remarkable.  Both areas contain natural landscapes of astounding beauty, but many visitors forego trips to the ocean or the mountains for a more contrived setting, such as a world-class golf resort, theme park, or outlet mall.  Through observing landscapes of leisure in these two regions: (parks, golf courses, beaches, swimming pools), I am inspired to create voluminous three-dimensional forms with manicured, controlled surfaces and divided spaces.  I create salt and pepper landscapes, multi-level treat servers, and jars, plates, cups, or bowls with hand-drawn characters engaging in various playful activities.  Because I consider all surfaces of my objects as canvas, imagery often wraps around a piece.  These objects become playscapes for pattern and character to frolic, inviting human fingers to also roam the topography, seeking out their own morsels of delight.  . Often it is only through experiencing the piece: physically holding it, exploring it, and hopefully using it, can the whole image be seen.   It is my hope that through this interaction between user and object, a playful attitude is sparked.