Textile and fiber artist Janet Lasher will display “New Works: Figurative Sculptures in Paper” in the Student Union Art Gallery through Friday, Jan. 31. It features handmade cast paper sculptures.
According to the artist, the works are inspired by the world’s cultures, especially cultural icons and calligraphic forms, methods of personal adornment and a variety of traditional hand and fine craft forms. Through her work, Lasher experiments with new media and techniques.
“The art gallery committee was very taken with Lasher’s unique approach to form and figure,” said Liz Walton, art gallery coordinator. “We hope students will be intrigued by her use of materials and their overall visual impact.”
Lasher earned a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Winthrop University in 2013. Prior to that, Lasher taught and instructed various courses throughout the Charlotte area. She was awarded an affiliate artist residency at McColl Center for Visual Arts in 2006. In 2005, she was the recipient of the Charlotte Quilters Guild Education Grant. Lasher’s pieces have been displayed throughout in Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina and a number of other states.
Currently, Lasher is a regional artist for Mecklenburg County; she is developing textiles for production. She designs art curricula and teaches workshops for art teachers, adults, teens and public and private schools in North Carolina.