'Jody Hanson: Imperfect' is new 'TopSpin' exhibition at Castellani Art Museum

Opening reception, with artist talk, is Sunday, Sept. 15

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University's "TopSpin" series continues with "Jody Hanson: Imperfect." The series of solo exhibitions for emerging regional artists is sponsored by Tops Friendly Markets. An opening reception with a 3 p.m. artist talk will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 until 4 p.m.

Hanson, who is based in Buffalo, explains the title "Imperfect" comes from a period of transition in her life, when she thought about the meaning of perfection.

"I think of myself as a 'reformed perfectionist.' While my works are formal in design and format, these works allow for natural variations due to the choice of medium and the handmade quality of the work," she said.

Hanson explained the process of creating her salt drawings. "The technique used to create these works includes multiple varieties of salt, dissolved in a water/salt ratio that is then applied to the paper, allowed to absorb and grow crystals."

The works included in the exhibition use chemicals such as copper sulfate, potassium ferricyanide, chromium potassium sulfate and aluminum potassium sulfate. When transitioning from a liquid to solid state, these chemicals naturally grow into crystalline form. These chemicals, and a variety of salts, provide a range of colors and patterning.

These drawings are formal in design and format, but allow for natural variations because of the medium and handmade quality of the work.

"Using the basic concept of a Mandala, I have created meditative focal points of patterns, energies and radial balance," Hanson said. "The mandala, Sanskrit for circle, has a history of use by many cultures and Eastern religions. The process of creating and viewing the mandala involves a spiritual journey, in an attempt to reach and share a peaceful plateau."

"Jody Hanson: Imperfect" runs from Sept. 8 through Jan. 12, 2014. The Castellani Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.castellaniartmuseum.org or call Michael Beam, curator of collections and exhibitions, at 716-286-8286.