How does the robin know the way its nest should be built? Man has long puzzled over instinctive behaviors and organic structures. Connecticut sculptor Donna Forma takes a unique approach to exploring Nature’s secrets. Donna Forma’s awe for Nature’s majesty and power is evident in many of her works whose size dwarfs the human scale. Yet she explores and examines the intricate layers that make up the larger whole and constructs artworks that mimic and accentuate objects observed in the woodland environment. To this end she has given much attention to the exploration of hive, “nest, cocoon, shelter” and has woven, sewed, and wired layers of organic materials “through manipulated design” into creations that suggest surroundings that offer protection and respite from the elements. Like the robin, the artist has no blueprint but follows her aesthetic instincts to produce texturally appealing sculptures which she describes as “overlapping layer upon layer, emerging into shapes of strength and beauty.”
Forma works from her rural studio in Canton, CT. “My work is always evolving as natural forms do. I move from wood to copper to glue to mica to threads to handmade paper, string, algae, horsehair, dog fur, roots, and seaweed. And depending on the materials being employed, they may be cut, formed, drilled, sewn, wired, lashed, strapped, slashed” or woven in layers. “The ultimate structure is symbolic to and of life.” Her enduring dedication to art is reflected in her published writing and her educational background as both student and teacher.
Study at Carnegie Mellon, the Art Students League in NY, the Philadelphia College of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, City and Guilds of London Art School, and the Hartford Art School combined with teaching at U. Conn, Eastern CT State, Manchester Community College and the Hartford Art School attest to her ongoing fascination with her subject. Her extensive exhibition and award territory includes much of the northeast as well as Ohio and Utah. “Layer Upon Layer” curators are Debra Fram, Cynthia Whalen and assistant Kristine Faillace.
An opening reception for this last show of the season will be held Thursday, May 12 from 6-8 pm. All works are for sale. The Gallery is sponsored by the Friends of Greenwich Library and is open daily Monday to Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Thursday until 8 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm.