Installation artist, Shelley Caldwell will be creating an ephemeral window installation on view November 3 – 9. Shelley has been invited to take over the windows of the Art Center. The art installation will be on view inside the gallery during regular business hours and 24 hours a day from outside the building.
In conjunction with the project we will host an artist reception and PLANT swap event November 9th from 6 – 7pm. Experience the installation from the inside and out. Meet the artist and bring clippings from your favorite house plants to trade with other botanical enthusiasts.
1. Describe your work in 15 words or less.
Line. Color. Plants. Abstraction. I enjoy active processes resulting in vibrant, multi-layered works.
2. Name 1 artist and 1 non artist who have had an influence on you and why?
Ellsworth Kelly – His plant drawings (the side work to his abstract painting) are simple and beautiful, capturing a plant’s essence & identity in drawings akin to portraiture. 
My mom, Michele Caldwell – She’s a farmer and housekeeper, but when I was very young she drew exact reproductions of cartoons, ads, and images that encouraged me to learn to draw. She also sews and made a lot of our clothing growing up, encouraging me to create/make in general. The textile influence and use of “craft” methods in fine art-making has played a recurring role in my work. She is also the definition of a green thumb, the impact of which is evident in my projects.
3. What drives your interest/practice in installation art?
My rural heritage and the desire to use everyday materials in simultaneously unexpected, yet obvious ways. Growing up in a rural environment you witness the wonders of the natural world and learn to be resourceful. This lesson has had a profound impact on my work as an installation artist and my practice of combined mixed media drawing. I believe this way of art making bridges the gap between my rural roots and the arts community.
4. A tool you cannot live without in your studio
My X-acto knife and Micron pens
5. When not working in your studio, what do you enjoy?
All things nature: hiking, gardening, swimming, camping, getting my hands dirty – connecting to and engaging with the earth .
Shelly Caldwell earned an AA from Ridgewater College of Hutchinson, MN in 2012 before earning both a BFA and MA from Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) in 2015 and 2017 respectively. Compelled by the surrounding landscape, she presently works from her family farm in rural Faribault County
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