Stick Work: Art to Make Live, a SCAD Fibers MFA Thesis Exhibition by Phoebe Plank, consists of an extensive collection of found object sculpture (centering on sticks and twigs) as well as accompanying material studies in wool felt, pine needles, natural scent, and natural dye. The exhibition is a series of small studies in how we relate to the world. This body of work is a result of extended time spent “with” material. Making art with the sticks and scraps of the everyday brings about an intimacy with oneself and one’s environment. Each fragile sculpture of odd objects carefully dressed and poised asks: How can relating to the animacy of any old thing, remind us of our humanity?
About the Artist: Phoebe Plank is a fiber artist currently based in Savannah. Her studio practice is inspired by an effort to waste nothing and appreciate materials entirely. With a background in economics and languages, she received her BA in International Studies from Middlebury College, magna cum laude. Plank works with natural, foraged, and waste materials to create sensory experiences and whimsical art objects. Her works are in assemblage sculpture, fiber, weaving, natural dye, ceramics, drawing and up-cycled couture. An avid forager, naturalist, and advocate for sustainable food systems, Plank served as General Manager of a traceable whole grain economy project (and specialty pasta business), Community Grains in Oakland, CA from 2017-2019. In 2020 after spending time volunteering on farms in Brazil and Italy, Phoebe decided to reconsider her childhood passion for textiles and color. With recycling at the center of her ethos, she started Third Hand Clothes, a project to upcycle clothing waste and perform mending services within her community. In 2022 she moved to Savannah to develop her textile knowledge and studio art practice. She has shown her work in multiple interactive exhibitions at Pepe Hall (the SCAD fibers department building), Gallery 2424, and Sulfur Studios. For her MFA thesis work she received the Surface Design award for outstanding students in the spring of 2024. Upon graduating she will be based in the south of France with the intention to further develop her upcycling and art of living studio practice.
Artist present daily Friday, May 10-12, 1-8pm.
Friday, May 10, 4-9pm: Opening Reception
Saturday, May 11, 1-8pm: Ink & Fold Processing Activity
Sunday, May 12, 2pm: Artist/Mother Interview
Image Caption: Phoebe Plank, Stick Work : Art to Make Live, 2024