“Petals and Wings: Works in Cut Paper,” a new exhibit by Ingrid Erickson will take place at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St., from Dec. 2 through Jan. 28. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
The three dozen works in hand-cut paper on panel and screen reflect the influence of Erickson’s two years of living abroad in China and Thailand where she taught English and art, from 2004-2006. In addition to Asian influences, Erickson’s passion for nature and contemporary textiles are apparent in her monochromatic botanicals and bird images.
Using a range of utensils from one-inch folding scissors to full-sized shears as well as x-acto blades and utility knives, Erickson’s works range from small, unframed 3” x 5” pieces to full scale, framed pictures. Although she did not return to this medium until 2007, she created her first pieces of cut paper artwork, a series of fish bookmarks, at age seven.
Erickson received her B.A. in art history and minor in studio art (with a focus on printmaking) from Middlebury College in 2003, and K-12 Studio art certification from the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine, in 2008. She moved to Salisbury in July with her husband Buster Smith, who teaches sociology at Catawba College. Her work can also be seen locally at The Green Goat Gallery in Spencer and Southern Spirit Gallery in Salisbury.
Erickson’s work has also recently appeared in museum shops and galleries including The Kemper Museum of Art in Kansas City, Women and Their Work Gallery in Austin, Texas and The Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory.
Petals and Wings: Works in Cut Paper can be viewed during Rail Walk gallery hours Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., or whenever the green open flag is flying. For more information email ingridaerickson@yahoo.com or call 413-884-4499.