Posted by Philip Poole on 2014-09-30

By Emily Duval

Samford University’s Art Gallery is showcasing Birmingham area artist Sally Johnson in a new show Oct.1-29. Johnson is bringing together favorite pieces from her years as an artist.Sally Johnson art

The exhibit, “Recycle: Time/Space,” is a collection of 22 pieces of art with old and new pieces that have been put together for the first time. The collection reflects Johnson’s accomplished ability in multiple mediums, from handmade Japanese paper to computer-generated line drawings, according to gallery director Robin Snyder.

Johnson’s latest work, “Turtles and Fireflies,” combines the art of handmade paper with the technology of fiber optics. The materials were re-dyed and recycled from one of Johnson’s old projects and the fiber optics is an element she has wanted to use for 50 years. The piece, full of texture, will be showcased so that one is free to touch and enjoy it.

“As you view works that have emerged in my studio in the last five decades you can discern that one of my fascinations includes thoughts of human vulnerability and a joyful response to the creation in which we live,” said Johnson.

On Oct. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. a reception will be held in the gallery where Johnson will participate in a brief artist’s talk to answer questions and share the inspiration behind her art.

Regular gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The gallery is located on the first floor of Samford’s Swearingen Hall.

Emily Duval is a journalism and mass communication major and a news and feature writer in the Office of Marketing and Communication.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.