Veru’s Art Crush – A one of a kind installation

I haven’t posted a Veru’s ART CRUSH share in a while! So, when I came across this truly remarkable art installation that includes a critical polymer clay component, I knew I found my new art crush, and couldn’t be more excited to share it with you today. I only learned who the artists were AFTER visiting the installation. And just like that, I ask you to please enjoy today’s beautiful artwork first, before I disclose the amazing women behind this inspirational work.

The story of how I learned about this installation happen rather by pure chance.

Last week my husband and I travelled to Philadelphia to participate at a conference called “The Visitors Experience”. We were speakers representing our company (CultureSpots.com) and were there to share the work and positive impact we’ve been having. Our session started at 10am and by 12pm we were done! (it went EXCELLENT by the way 😉 ). So by lunch time, I was relaxed and ready to have fun by mingling with the wonderful people that came to the event. And here is when it all started.

Somehow I ended up sitting next to a lovely woman who asked me what I did for a living. After discussing our business I also shared that I’m an artist and that I work with PVC clay.  Her eyes opened up even more, and immediately proceeded to tell me that she had just seen the day before an AMAZING polymer clay art installation at a friend’s apartment building right here in center city Philadelphia.

The way she described this artwork sounded unbelievable! I had never heard of a polymer clay installation of the scale she described. In her own words, it was a “polymer clay forest of trees and plants built to match the human scale”….WHAT?!?!?! I. COULD. NOT. BELIEVE. IT!!!

Well…I had 1 hour before my next session. So, I spoke with my partner (and husband), grabbed an UBER, and drove immediately to see this installation. 

I didn’t know what to imagine to be honest. So, when I saw this I was blown away.

Have a look for yourself:

“INTO THE FOREST”

This lovely artificial forest is made of these gorgeous individual trees, full of beautiful white and transparent (polymer?) leaves hanging from their branches. Each leave clearly handmade. I’m not sure how the trees were constructed, but the effect is absolutely stunning.

I did recognize immediately the beautiful polymer clay work done to create these earthly plant-like creatures on the ground, all around the white trees.

The trunks of the trees had also these beautiful polymer clay adornments that had very organic shapes and vibrant colors.

And then of course, I NEEDED to find out who these artists are!

… Were they still in Philly? Maybe they are FROM Philly?!

So, I look at the label. And whose name do I see?!

The one and only, the very talented polymer clay artist, but also my friend Emily Squires Levine.

HA! I couldn’t stop laughing!

Why is this so awesome, funny and special you may ask?!

Well. If you follow my blog, you may recall that my on of my ART CRUSH ARTIST in the past that I shared with you, was of no other than Emily Squires Levine.

So, imagine my shock when, here I am, feeling completely inspired, intrigued and feeling like a fan of whoever conceived this creation, only to find it is the one polymer clay artist that I’ve been already admiring for a long time. This just confirmed that my crush comes from a pure place of enjoying the works of this great artist.

To learn more about Emily’s work, have a look at my last art crush reveal HERE, or even better, visit her website at www.emilysquireslevine.com/ 

This is a beautiful collaboration between my friend Emily and Laura Tabakman from Pittsburg, PA. I haven’t met Laura yet, but I hope I will soon. To see more of Laura’s work, visit her website at www.lauratabakman.com.

• EDIT: I just learned that Marilyn Davenport, from BitsOfClay.com is the third artist that contributed to this amazing installation! (thank you and congratulations dear Marilyn!)
• EDIT #2! Guess who else was behind making this amazing project possible?! InLiquid ART & DESIGN!  If you are an artist in the Philly area and don’t know about them, then make sure you check them out right away. This is exactly the kind of amazing impact they have. Shining a spotlight on amazing artists (like my friend Emily and her works!), while making our cities better through art and art exposure (turning a lobby into a gallery and an experience!). Their mission statement says it best!

“InLiquid mobilizes and makes accessible the visual arts culture of the greater Philadelphia region in order to unite communities, establish wider audiences for artists and designers, facilitate the relationship between artists and collectors, and nurture the public’s appreciation of all forms of visual art.”

By the way, if you’d like to become a member the deadline is approaching super fast! (October 30th, 2016!). In fact, I’m heading to their website to make sure I join the party for 2017. Visit their website at Inliquid.org.

In any case, have a read at their description of this one-of-a-kind collaboration.

Now. If you happen to be in or around Philadelphia, YOU CANNOT MISS THE CHANCE to see this installation in person.

The concierge of the building was able to confirm that you can visit this installation anytime until December 30th, 2016.

WHERE?

• South Tower Gallery at Park Tower Place
• 2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• South Tower
• Philadelphia, PA

So, what do you think?! I’d LOVE to read your thoughts/comments/questions in the section below.

Stay well, stay happy and stay healthy. See you in a few weeks !!

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