THE FOCUS

"I come from gardeners, teachers, believers, sinners, moon-lighting loggers, makers, milliners, cooks, healers, pharmacists, and grocers. I come from the American South, a place where the kitchen and pharmacy are the same room. In many ways, I see my work as that same room—an expansive space for building and coming together." Jodi Hays, Virtual Studio Visit, March 2021 (images courtesy of the artist and Sam Angel Photography) Jodi Hays, Iris, 40" x 25" (2021), dye, oil, canvas ribbon, paper (images courtesy of...

Rachel Bubis: I love this quote from you that I read in Heartwood Literary Magazine where you define yourself as an artist: Caroline Hatfield: "I define myself as an Appalachian artist, despite making contemporary art rather than focusing on using traditional art forms more readily associated with the culture. I often describe my aesthetic taste as “dusty and rusty”, undoubtedly a result of growing up in a community of farming, logging, and mining. Yet, it is also very grounded in t...

Rachel Bubis: You’re interested in the experience of living amongst mass produced materials, spaces and objects in contemporary architecture and design. There’s obvious arguments as to why this experience might be detrimental to us and culture, but have you noticed any unexpected effects? Scott Carter: Over the years, I’ve become very sensitive to my surroundings. I think most artists are naturally this way but I’ve definitely noticed a shift in how I respond to both the natural...