OUT OF OUR MINDS – CLAY BURNETTE AND RICK SMOAK

Exhibition Dates: Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 27

Gallery Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 3 PM

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17 from 4 PM to 8 PM

Artist Talk: Saturday, October 19 at 2 PM

OUT OF OUR MINDS combines the visions of Clay Burnette, fiber artist, and Rick Smoak, photographer.  Clay and Rick will exhibit their own personal insights of the beauty of our natural surroundings, whether it be gathering and coiling longleaf pine needles or capturing images through the camera lens.

Clay Burnette is a self-taught basketmaker who has been coiling longleaf pine needles for almost 50 years, and has exhibited his works in over 260 venues throughout the US and abroad.  He has exhibited his baskets at the Smithsonian Craft Show, Philadelphia Craft Show, ACC Atlanta, ACC Charlotte, SOFA New York, SOFA Chicago, and has been included in numerous print and online publications.  He was awarded the SC Arts Commission’s Craft Fellowship in 2022, an award he also received in 1988.  An avid handweaver, he will also be showing a variety of his handwoven scarves.  A frequent instructor at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN, he resides in Columbia, SC.  Additional images are available at his website  www.clayburnette.com

“My work is all about keeping it simple – longleaf pine needles, waxed linen thread, a large sewing needle, a pair of scissors, a comfortable seat and an open mind. I most enjoy coiling shapes and sizes that stretch the boundaries of basketmaking.  The mystery of texture and undulating forms keeps me engaged and less aware of life’s ticking clock. “

From traditional film capture and darkroom, to digital capture and printing, Rick Smoak’s career has spanned over forty years. During that time, he has worked mostly as a commercial photographer while seeking a creative balance with fine art images.

Born in Tacoma Washington, his family moved to SC in the early 60s. Rick currently lives in Lexington, SC. The natural beauty of South Carolina has served as inspiration for some of Rick’s fine art work.

Starting with a passion for creating straight b&w images, Rick’s vision has expanded to include color and composite images. Exploring each of these mediums allows him to create what his mind’s eye sees without limitations.

“As an artist I have found you have to be willing to allow your imagination to take control over the technical details. Always pursue the images you see in your mind with all the experience and tools you have available.”