Form & Forever: Heather Ramsdale
Aug. 27-Oct. 5, 2018
New works by sculptor Heather Ramsdale suggest questions associated with intended and actual physical form in the context of passing time.
Form & Forever is Heather Ramsdale’s first exhibition at the Dowd Gallery since she received her BFA degree at SUNY Cortland in 1997. The collection of carefully fabricated free-standing objects and sculptural wall pieces presents a duality of absolute control over the material and lack thereof. These objects invite viewers to engage both their curiosity and intellect. The installation reveals spaces beyond familiar notions of sculpture. Ramsdale adds, “The subject of forever raises questions about beyond now, beyond origin, beyond the object, beyond the form. Several objects in this exhibition present the opposite of, the reflection of, or the negative of the intended form. The process by which I construct these sculptures allows the form to reveal something that is not entirely in my
In general, Ramsdale’s aesthetic leans towards Minimalism but often breaks the mold by incorporating found objects and unconventional materials into otherwise austere pieces. This method provides not
Her visual approach, in part, was formulated during her undergraduate studies at the Art and Art History Department at SUNY Cortland under the guidance of several faculty members such as Jim Thorpe, Charles Heasley, Libby Kowalski and George Dugan who continued to be a mentor until his passing. Perhaps the biggest influence on Ramsdale’s development as
In addition to the feature exhibition, the Dowd Gallery will present a supporting program including an Artist’s Talk, documentary screening and Artist Workshop open to students and the public free of charge. Heather Ramsdale will be conducting a workshop at the Critique Space, Dowd Fine Arts Center involving a hands-on process of making a site-specific, large-scale installation made from paper. This will be an exploration in illusion, weight
About Heather
Heather Ramsdale is a visual artist who focuses her creative process on both mastery of craft and conceptual engagement. She is not afraid to ask herself difficult questions and find solutions to challenges she has set for herself. She currently teaches sculpture at Kutztown University and lives in Philadelphia, where her studio is also located.
Ramsdale obtained a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She received an undergraduate degree in studio art from SUNY Cortland and studied at Goldsmiths College in London.
Ramsdale was nominated for a Terra Foundation for American Art Award and an Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award from the International Sculpture Center. Subsequently, she was the recipient of two Pollock-Krasner Foundation fellowships for residencies in upstate New York. Recent shows include a group exhibition at Savery Gallery in Philadelphia and a solo exhibition at The Gallery at Delaware County Community College. She recently completed a residency at Joya: