“Since floral patterning from traditional tribal regalia influences the content of my pieces, elements of hand sewing are often present to honor my mother and grandmother,” she said. “For this body of work, I’ve started adding in less structured, or strict, patterning, and have been going with a more organic feel to accommodate the collaboration of my show partner.” After receiving her Associates of Art degree from Tulsa Community College, Gentry studied art education at the University of Tulsa before earning a BFA in painting and printmaking from Oklahoma State University. She now teaches at the Stillwater Multi Arts Center and recently received a professional basics grant from OVAC for Between the Lines. Himes-McCrory studied printmaking at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, and in 2005 received a BFA from Oklahoma State University. The dark undercurrent in her art tempered with a strong sense of whimsy was first inspired by old family photos. After incorporating them into her work, she later discovered an old album in an antique store and wondered about the people in its photographs, and how they were doomed to a dusty bin. She now collects antique albums and continues to use the found images.
By adding and subtracting the two artists’ styles in the show, Between the Lines illustrates the way printmaking can be endlessly transformed through media and perspectives. “By its very nature, printmaking is a process that requires careful planning and execution, but I love that creating monotypes forces me to be more spontaneous combining printmaking, painting, and drawing mediums,” Himes-McCrory said. Between the Lines will have an opening reception on Friday, February 11, from 6 to 9 pm. It will show through March 5. In April, Kristin Gentry and Michelle E. Himes-McCrory will have another collaborative show at the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition gallery, entitled Inversion. n
Allison C. Meier is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn. She works in communications at the Cooper Union and has covered visual arts in Oklahoma for several years. She can be reached at allisoncmeier@gmail.com.
“My work tends to be illustrative and often autobiographical with overlapping narratives, leaving hints, but ultimately leaving it up to the viewer to decide the meaning,” she said. Artists Kristin Gentry (left) and Michelle Himes-McCrory (right).
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