Beth Edwards

Gallery Affiliations: David Lusk Gallery, Tory Folliard

Region: South

Website: http://www.bethedwards.com

City / State: Memphis, TN

In my paintings, I want to depict human situations without being bound by the logic and restrictions of the human form. To achieve this, I use vintage dolls as stand-ins for people. I am drawn to the stylization and distortion that these objects possess and the total freedom I have in how they are portrayed. The figurines and dolls function as characters performing roles, similar to actors in a movie. In this body of work, the doll characters are engaged in mildly dramatic activities. The lighting is at times dark and slightly foreboding. In other scenes, the characters are outside, engulfed in sunlight, nature, and insect life. These pieces began as an investigation of the concept of happiness, but have transitioned toward melancholy.