Jenny Reed
Paradise is Exactly Like-

April 28 - May 20, 2023

Ceramic and fiber assemblage sculptures

Artist Statement

I discovered the title for this exhibition in a song by Laurie Anderson that begins with, “Paradise is exactly like where you are right now, only much, much better.” Both surprisingly optimistic and brutally mundane, these works imagine what could be so great about the here and now. My sculptures are physical manifestations of the space between myself and my surroundings, what provides comfort and joy, and what makes me feel unimpressive or lowly. The craft based materials in my work carry their own moral weight and myth in American history and afford connotations to time, record, sentimentality, low brow, and the domestic. I intuitively curate a sense of balance and imbalance while arranging components of my work. This is comparable to the chaos and chance that pervade whatever plans and dreams we may have, like the whiteflies that infest my kale plants. To depict a playful mood that can entice viewers, I incorporate absurd humor, wonky shapes, and bright colors. Ordinary objects and scenes are transformed into whimsical abstractions that act as illustrations to a recurring coming of age tale. The good, the bad, and the ugly of daily life are transformed in a way that melts meaning and sparks joy and wonder.

— Jenny Reed

Biography

Jenny Reed is an assemblage sculptor whose work is predominantly composed of ceramics, fibers, and other craft based materials. Her works depict abstracted, whimsical representations of domestic objects and spaces. Jenny received her BFA from Northern Kentucky University and MFA from Indiana University Bloomington. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout the US, including The Lormina Salter Fellow Solo Show at Baltimore Clayworks and Spring / Break Art Show in NYC. Jenny also creates community art projects, and recently showcased Community Installation: Drawing the Still Life with support from the Maryland State Arts Council. She has participated in workshops and residencies across the US and beyond, including Scuola Internazionale di Grafica Venezia (Italy), Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Penland School of Craft, and Baltimore Clayworks. In addition to her art practice, Jenny enjoys gardening and hanging out with her favorite tubby orange tabby, Benjamin.

Website: jennyreedart.com