wells book arts center | JENNA RODRIGUEZ

“Still” Solo Exhibition

I recently had a solo exhibition at the String Room Gallery in Aurora, NY. The body of work centers around my artist’s book Still. This hand-bound book commemorates the lives (both real and imagined) of nine of the many local animals I encountered who were killed by moving vehicles. The corresponding interdisciplinary exhibition is comprised of handmade paper, screen prints, embroidery, stop-motion animation, and installation. With wit and empathy, I created larger-than-life characters inspired by each victim, resulting in an immersive, creative, non-fiction narrative. Text was pulled from the String Room Gallery website. If you would like to know a little more about the process of me creating the artist book Still check out Main Street Arts Gallery Blog where I did guest entry about the book. If you would like to watch the animation check it out here on my website!

Opening Reception

Write Up In Local Paper

54 (Still Shot of animation)

Detritus Series (Handmade Paper)

Detritus Series (close up)

Xrays

Healing Series

Roadkill Confessions

Confesstions

Shrine

“Still” Artist Book

Abandoned Greenhouse Transformed into a Paper-Making Studio

Last summer/fall I had a wonderful opportunity to transform an abandoned greenhouse attached to the Wells College Book Arts Center into a functional paper-making studio. The space was calling my name the second I arrived on campus 2 years ago. I slowly began to collect material, receive donations, and build equipment. As last spring semester was coming to an end I received a grant from the Edward Family Foundation to complete the entire transformation. The timing could not have been more perfect. I had simultaneously received approval from the curriculum committee that my Intro. to Paper-making Class proposal was approved for the Fall semester. This allowed me to work on summer in order to get the space prepared for the students. Please enjoy the gallery of photos to see the transformation and the projects that took place during the Fall semester.