REVIEW
The Washington Post review by Mark Jenkins: Watergate Gallery presents “The Essence of Summer”
The aim of my work is to produce sculptures and fountains that celebrate and amplify the beauty of our environment. Through water, stone, and bronze, I am interested in retelling ancient stories of the human condition related to our ever-changing world. My intention is to use sculpture as a spiritual catalyst in order to assuage our fractured society.
Originally a mid-century minimalist, I have worked in gardens, churches, public spaces, and private homes. My inspiration comes from a variety of influences including ancient art from Egypt, Greece, and Rome as well as 19th and 20th Century French works including those of Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, and Constantin Brancusi. The art of Isamu Noguchi and Kiki Smith are especially important to my understanding of form and space. All of these influences have an anthropomorphic quality and engage in storytelling about people, place and time.
My process begins with these historical references in relationship with the piece’s intended environment. I use sketchbooks and models to develop concepts. Concepts used are both abstract and figurative depending on the narrative that is needed to support the goal of each project. For example, liturgical projects usually involve biblical themes or spiritual concepts which are more figurative. Whereas, a private garden might need a simple reflective surface with geometric focal point that can draw the space together focusing on the materials rather than a separate narrative. When building sculptural fountains in architectural settings, I work with a collaborative team of technicians. This team is composed of stonemasons, electricians, plumbers, and metal fabricators. When a work is commissioned, I work closely with the client to ensure their vision for the project is realized through a series of conceptual drawings until a final design is reached
I find art making to be a noble calling. Being a sculptor is a very specific and defined role of ancient value. It is part of the arch of creativity and spirituality – essential attributes of humanity. Fountains, in particular, have been made to celebrate the coming of clean water into communities since the beginning of civilization. These fountains bring joy, thanksgiving, and peace. For the most part, on an individual level, we are bodies of water ourselves so fountains resonate with our very being. My works aim to continue and expand upon these crucial elements of life and living in our contemporary world.
—Gay Powell Hanna
EDUCATION
M.F.A., University of Georgia. Major in Sculpture
Specialized studies in sculpture, Società Industria Commercio Marmi Architettura, Carrara, Italy.
Ph.D. in Art Education and Arts Administration, Florida State University.
B.A. (Magna cum Laude), Old Dominion University. Major in Studio Art.
Liberal Art Studies, Mary Washington College.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSIONS
Bend Hospice Fountain, Florida
St. John’s Episcopal Church Fountain, Florida
National Humanities Center fountain, North Carolina
Church of the Holy Family, baptismal font and corpus, Virginia
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, baptismal font, Virginia
Norfolk Botanical Gardens, fountain, seating, and planning, Virginia
Georgia Center for Continuing Education, fountain with planting, Georgia
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE:
Watergate Gallery, District of Columbia; Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts, North Caroline; Mint Museum, North Carolina; Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, Florida; 621 Gallery, Florida.
ARTWORK IN PRIVATE AND CORPORATE COLLECTIONS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST.