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Arts Flash:  Jason Basden's Mixed Media

July 21st, 2009 by Anita Overcash in Arts
Green Rice Gallery’s current exhibit, Through the Looking Glass, features a broad range of artistic mediums by more than 10 artists. It includes everything from oil to acrylic paintings, and woodworks to mixed media sculptures. Some of these pieces are funky too! Just take one look at “Crunk That Monkey” (pictured above). See what I mean? The sculpture was created by multi-media artist Jason Basden of Charlotte. Read more about it in the interview below.

Creative Loafing: How long have you been a mixed media artist/sculptor?
Jason Basden: I began doing mixed media work about six years ago, not too long after finishing art school.

What inspired you to create the piece “Crunk That Monkey”?
“Crunk That Monkey” originated from my ongoing series called “Familiars” and interestingly enough from a poem by a former 4th grader at the school where I teach art.

Can you tell me what kind of materials you used for “Crunk That Monkey”?
This piece is made from carved styrofoam, paper, wire, clay, and fur.

How many other works do you have in the Through the Looking Glass exhibit at Green Rice Gallery?
I have three new pieces in the show and a small collection from a previous show.

Can you describe some of your other works in the exhibit?
I also have a Sphinx called “Maneater,” and a nonfuntional clocklike piece.

What kind of message do you hope these works will send to viewers?
My intent is for viewers to gain a new perspective with some slightly familiar images. “Maneater” glorifies a femme fatale figure who asks for input from a man and disposes of him for not telling her what she wants to hear.  The clock piece is a comment on time allowing for healing and growth, while at the same time being a source of anxiety and apprehension.

The exhibit continues through August 2. It also features art by acrylic painters Jay Thompson, Carla Garrison, Wendy Arundel and Kate Vasseur; oil painters Paul Hastings, Matt Hooker, Holt McLean, Randy L. Dean and KC Collins;  woodworker Dwight Hartsell and metalworker J. Aaron Alderman. For details, call 704-344-0300 or go to www.green-rice.com.