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Susan Mattson an art activist

Susan Mattson is perhaps the most considerate person I have met. She deeply considers the ways in which various pieces of the world, herself included, influence and impact each other. Through her sculptures, Susan works out unresolved issues; both interior and exterior. While sculpting and carving, she allows her mind wander freely, reminiscing and following the flow of memories, regrets, projections, relationships.

 

Originally from Bozeman, Montana, Susan has traveled the world, taking a solo bike tour across the country at the age of 25. Every experience she has had, every place she has been, is still very alive within her.  The past is carved into her psyche in a powerful way. She is a vessel of lessons.

Susan carries out her intentions through action. She remodeled a house in Butte to rescue it from demolition. She uses the pulp from her fresh juices to bake scones, because, even pulp can be useful. She works in mental health. Every decision Susan makes is preceded by the question, “what would happen if every person on the planet did this?”

She is a steady and humble activist; her art is a demonstration of her deeply held beliefs.  But, she also has a goofy side.  Let’s just say she’s spent a decent amount of time on testing the limits of the face-swapping app.

Driven by curiosity, Susan researches her subjects exhaustively which translates into unparalleled originality in her pieces. For example, her current piece, Nacho Scapegoat, led her on a quest to discover how goats have taken on the burdens of humans throughout history in many, many ways. Susan never just randomly selects a subject, they all have a story behind them, they are thickly layered with meaning.

Susan is pretty much the MacGyver of art galleries. She’ll improve mopping methods, solve temperature and lighting issues with nothing but a bed sheet and a clothespin and conquer mounting dilemmas in the craftiest of ways.

Something to keep in mind when experiencing Susan’s work: every face is made separately with tiny ceramic and dental tools, then pressed onto the body of the sculpture. This requires massive focus, determination, and patience; every sculpture takes many, many hours.

So, come.  Plant yourself in front of one of Susan’s sculptures. Let it speak to you. Let it lead you down new path, or remind you of another time. Open up, lean in, listen.

 

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time by Peter Shaughnessy

Elements Opens August 12

Elizabeth Hughes Bass Painting

Our next exhibit at 1+1=1 Gallery is “Elements: Water Earth Air Fire,” featuring seven artists from Montana, and British Columbia. The work of these artists fits harmoniously into our theme of the natural elements of which all things are made. Each artist has been working on pieces for this show that embody one or more of the elements in some way. Some pieces have a elemental theme, others by the nature of the medium, represent an element such as clay/fire; wood/earth.

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WATER

Tim Carney, a master woodworker and artist, creates one-of-a-kind furniture that reminds us of a swift river current, a leaf floating on a stream, ocean waves or steam rising from a caldera. His signature “urban organic”style looks great in an elegant lodge, a midcentury modern home or an urban loft.

"Aspen Leaves" by Tim J. Carney
“Aspen Leaves” by Tim J. Carney

EARTH

John Andrew makes earth vessels from local hardwood trees that have been scarred by beetles, fungi and other natural forces. Peter Shaughnessy is inspired by his love of the environment and uses various woods, bone and glass in his philosophical biomorphic sculptures.

Cherry Burl Vessel by John Andrew
Cherry Burl Vessel by John Andrew
Sculpture by Peter Shaughnessy
Sculpture by Peter Shaughnessy

 

AIR

Elizabeth Hughes Bass‘ oil paintings in this body of work, depict luminous skies, approaching storms and the color of the air and land with luscious palette knife and brush strokes.

Painting by Elizabeth Hughes Bass
Painting by Elizabeth Hughes Bass

FIRE

Gregg Edelen’s raku and wood-fired vessels are simple organic reminders to live with beauty everyday. With bodies covered in human faces and life-size heads, Susan Mattson’s birds, mammals and human figures are provocative and strangely compelling. Trudy Skari tells visual stories and makes ceramic poetry with her delightful animal sculptures and wall pieces.

Handled Mug by Gregg Edelen
Handled Mug by Gregg Edelen

 

Mourning Dove by Susan Mattson
Mourning Dove by Susan Mattson

 

Rabbit sculpture by Trudy Skari
“Fluctuating between more than two things can be interesting” by Trudy Skari

 

Watch for updates here on our website or on our Facebook page. We’ll be posting sneak peeks of the artist’s work as we receive photos. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive an invitation to the opening reception.

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