Upcoming Event:

An Evening with Art and artist Mia Kaplan.

May 25, 5-7pm

Office of Carlton-Edwards. 717 Racine Street. Memphis TN.

Memphis Revival. #1. (Green Flag)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 27”l x 26”w x 4.5”d

Charcoal Lily, 2023

Enamel on Aluminum and Steel mobile.

Memphis Revival. #5. (Basilica)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 43”l x 50”w x 5.75”d

Memphis Revival. #8. (Poplar)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 54”l x 48”w x 6.25”d

Felt Lily, 2023

Memphis Revival. #2. (Lamar)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 40.5”l x 40”w x 7”d

Charcoal Lily 2, 2023

Enamel on Aluminum and Steel mobile.

Memphis Revival. #12. (Union)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 30”l x 30”h x 6”d*

Memphis Revival. #4. (Peace)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 22”l x 22”w x 5”d

Memphis Revival. #9. (Summer)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 42”l x 39”w x 6”d

Memphis Revival. #6. (Riverfront)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 25”l x 26.5”w x 5.5”d

Memphis Revival. #7. (Little Window)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 23”l x 19”w x 4”d

Felt Lilies 2, 2023

Memphis Revival. #10 (Blue Road)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 38”l x 31.5”w x 6.25”d

Memphis Revival. #6. (South Main)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 25”l x 26.5”l x 5.5”d

Memphis Revival. #11. (Cathedral)

Mixed media wall sculpture - 41”l x 37.5”w x 5.5”d

Journal Entry: 5/20/2023

After years of burying my head in learning the practice of architecture and historic preservation, I’m happy to announce that I am finding more energy to resume my studio practice. My studio at night is a magical place. Maybe not what you’re thinking - it’s filled with objects that I think are interesting, books, paint drip edges all over the walls, books, and unfinished work…a lot of unfinished work. The occasional vase of flowers.

I’ve started working my day job in architecture primarily from this same place…it’s a live-work paradise. There’s a desk area of the studio that is devoted to architecture, which is nice because throughout the day I get immersed in the process of designing, writing, and video conferencing, and get to walk by my paintings to think about them on my way to grab a coffee. Somehow, this new normal has alleviated the pressure I used to feel when it was just me and the art all the time. Part of it is not having to rely on something that involves creative risk to provide for my family, and the other part is that my practice feels more precious and is informed by all the conversations I have throughout the day.

If the work feels a little more resolved and peaceful, it is because I have become that way. If it comes across as an absolute mess, then so be it.

I can talk a little about where the work comes from…Memphis Revival is intended to reference a “revival” movement in architecture as well as the “revival” of a spiritual mission or the literal return of life to something. Memphis is where I attended college and received a bachelor’s in Drawing from the now-defunct Memphis College of Art. As an 18-year-old living away from home for the first time, Memphis is where I came of age as an artist. The use of color, form, and brushwork is reminiscent of my experience living there for five years. I was quickly enamored by the city’s patina, the beautiful people, its history, the thick heat and electricity in the air, hand-painted signage, the artistic influences of so many artists living there and passing through, and the overall spirituality of Memphis as a city.

Hope you enjoy the new work. Thank you for following along on this creative journey with me.