Ceramic sculptures composing the “Allison Luce Collection” will be displayed through Friday, Sept. 29, in the Popp Martin Student Union Art Gallery. An artist reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
“Nature, art history and travel are my biggest inspirations,” said Luce. “My artwork always grows and changes when I am able to travel and experience different cultures, natural phenomenon and artistic practices.”
Luce is a studio artist and an adjunct art instructor based in Charlotte. She graduated from Ohio University with a dual BFA degree in painting and art history and a graduate degree from Hunter College, City University of New York. She has been a resident artist at the International Ceramic Research Center in SkaelskØr, Denmark; the Zentrum Für Keramik-Berlin in Germany; and the Shaw International Artists-in-Resident in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
After arriving in Europe from Charlotte, Luce recalled how her artwork altered. “The change in the climate, the foliage, scenery and culture were having an impact on my artwork,” Luce said. “The textures, forms and colors were changing in response to my new environment. After three months, I had a fresh body of work that was a significant departure from what I was previously making. I am still building upon this series today.”
Luce offered some advice to art students and emerging artists about staying positive and focused.
“It is important to have a mentor in your field and a group of fellow artists for moral support,” said Luce. “Work hard and don’t take rejection of your artwork personally.”
More information is on the Popp Martin Student Union website.