Circles of Influence

Presented by Salt Lake City Public Library at Salt Lake City Public Library Main Branch

Artwork by Virginia Catherall, Sheryl Gillilan, Rebecca Klundt, Jaye Rieser, Kandace Steadman, and Camille Wheatley – Exhibit runs from June 23 to Aug 4, 2023.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Circles are found everywhere in the natural world, from the solar system to stream-tumbled rocks, to microscopic cells. Sound waves radiate outward. The sun’s rays penetrate inward. Circles are vibrant shapes because they absorb and reflect what is around them. “Circles of Influence” uses that imagery as the foundation of each artists’ work. Sheryl Gillilan focuses on the interplay of circles and straight lines in her quilts. Jaye Rieser incorporates the natural motion of the potter’s wheel to craft her pieces. Kandace Steadman creates collage mandalas and mixed media pieces that focus on circles. Camille Wheatley uses her camera to document the world she sees, capturing the immediacy of circles in her scenes. Virginia Catherall is inspired by the natural world and translates that vision into circular, knitted art pieces. Rebecca Klundt uses reclaimed wood to create landscapes and other imagery. This exhibition looks at circles of influence as experienced by artists through six different media and textures, bringing together a rich exploration of the same theme. Although each woman has her own interpretation of the circle in her work, the pieces resonate and influence one another because of the fundamental, primary use of a circle. The artists worked independently in creating their pieces, being inspired by their own circles of influence, whether their creative influences have external ripples or internal reverberations. Although these artists haven’t exhibited together, they are each acquainted with one another from different aspects of their lives. Each artist has encountered at least three of the other artists in professional and personal capacities and appreciate each other’s medium. For
example, Kandace and Sheryl have known each other professionally as art administrators. They came to know Camille through the work of her husband, who exhibited at venues where
Kandace and Sheryl each worked. They also know Virginia through her work at the UMFA, but also for the exhibition of her knitted pieces. Jaye has known Sheryl for years as they have both
knitted together and Kandace joined this knitting circle a few years ago. Both Kandace and Sheryl exhibited the work of Rebecca, and along with Jaye, have taken workshops Rebecca has offered. The circles of these artists have overlapped for several years in the creative and professional community and are now drawn together for this exhibition.

This exhibit is in partnership with the Utah ARt's Festival.