Artist Talk: Rebecca Carlton

 In an evocative artist talk, Rebecca Carlton took us on a journey through her creative process, weaving together themes of memory, loss, and the intricate balance of nature. I want to say her talk, rich in sensory experiences, began with a memory of attending art classes with her mother,  infused with sights, sounds, and perhaps even the taste of creativity that shaped her path.


Also, I think Rebecca Carlton's artwork highlights her extraordinary patience and dedication to her craft. The large volume of work and meticulous attention to detail in her projects surprised me. For instance, her project "5,000,000,000 to None: An Extinction" is an artwork that needs lots of work. In this work, Carlton numbered each egg by handwriting. And in her work "Are We Listening?" where Carlton embarked on a comprehensive exploration of languages. She delved into the vast world of linguistics, identifying and representing more than 7,000 languages through the metaphor of birds (even though she's making about thousands of birds, not all 7000 languages, that's still a lot for me), each meticulously numbered. This endeavor not only reflects her dedication to detail but also her profound inquiry into how we communicate and the ephemeral nature of spoken words. 

'Artists Explore the Richter Collection' at UW-GB's Lawton Gallery - Door  County Pulse

5,000,000,000 to None: An Extinction


Moreover,  I think "Are We Listening?"'s standing is really interesting, which presents a reflection on communication and interconnectedness. With 7,000 languages, including dialects, Carlton illustrates the transient yet impactful nature of spoken word—how it vanishes upon utterance yet resonates in the listener's heart. The spiral motif, suggestive of a tornado, speaks to the chaotic yet predictable patterns of human and environmental interaction, which reflect a question of reality. 

Artists — NewARTSpace
Are We Listening


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