Wave

The new collection of works by Nancy Sansom Reynolds is at Addison/Ripley Fine Art from September 7 through October 19, 2024. Opening reception for the artist is Saturday, September 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Reynolds' signature forms are reminiscint of the great Japanese artist, Hokusai, in particular his “Great Wave”, from the 36 Views of Mt. Fuji. The intricate dance that these forms make in treading their way from powerful shapes to graceful forms, from intricately fabricated layers of shop grade plywood to weightless, wall mounted flows resembling still lives of fabric, is medium defying. The crests of breaking waves, the hushed drape of fabric on skin or the invisible waves that make up light itself seem almost impossible to achieve.

These sculptures are all created from multiple layers of plywood made fluid with an artisan’s skill and an artist’s imagination. Each one begins with a complex working drawing, several of which are included in this exhibition, that serves as a template for the finished work. Each has a palette which has been carefully chosen for its harmony with the overall composition. And expanding on the fabric theme, the artist has included several of her “wearable” sculptures. 

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With her 7th exhibition in the gallery, the artist continues to confound viewer’s expectations of her medium’s possibilities, working the wood to create delicate shapes which defy every presumption. Presented in single shapes, series and couplets, the artist’s work is flawlessly finished and occupies a stage like presence once installed in its space. Reynolds feels that utilizing latex paints and lacquer gives the work a slightly industrial feel and adds to the work’s sense of modernity as well as protecting delicate edges and surfaces. 

As the artist writes, “Since 1984 I have predominantly used shop grade plywood as a medium, laminating it to expose only the end grain. I love how the end grain describes the form with line. I love how its flaws and ugliness can be transformed into works of beauty. But as in life and nature, that beauty has an edge, and that edge keeps the beauty in check, giving it power.” Her technique, refined over decades, is flawless and her command of her medium without peer.

Nancy Sansom Reynold’s work has been widely exhibited throughout the United States and abroad. Among many other places, her public commissions can be seen in Paris, Hong Kong, Barcelona and Australia. Work has been selected for United States Embassies in several countries including Nepal and Ethiopia. The artist maintains a studio in Virginia after many years in Arizona.

For more information about the artist, her work images from the exhibition or to schedule an appointment to view the exhibition, please contact Ms. Romy Silverstein, info@addisonripleyfineart.com or 202.338.5180.

The gallery is located at 1670 Wisconsin Avenue in Upper Georgetown at the intersection of Reservoir Road.