The Voice - Student Newspaper

Abstract artist Sandy Blaine displays art at GCC

By Katrina Bray
Freelance Reporter, The VOICE

Ever take a look at those display cases in the student union? Like me you might just pass them by and ignore the items inside. Well here is your wake up call to take a closer look!

Art teacher Darlene Goto works with various artist to exhibit their work at Glendale Community College (GCC) and give students the opportunity for inspiration and education.

For the past month the display cases have contained some very unique artwork made by ceramic artist Sandy Blain.

The exhibit contains both practical and decorative pieces from cups and plates to vessels and abstract work.

The theme is an exhibit of ceramic pieces with a visual surface that relates to one's surrounding environment.

Blain says "My inspiration is really working with found objects …found on daily walks or visits …then I think hmm what can I do with this?"

Blain's creativity and resourceful nature are obvious from her pieces.

One piece was created by running over the clay with her car tire. While other pieces included imprints from screws and various odds and ends. A piece entitled Urban Façade was made with a number of layers and textures resembling a gas pump.

Blain explains that she's always concerned about all the packaging upon packaging and production of trash that our society creates. It seems that by using thrown out random scraps as tools for her art Blain has found a brilliant form of recycling.

The artist was on hand at the closing reception to explain her series and give an inside view of her methods. She is currently a faculty member at the Mesa Arts Center and says "I think I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me."

She encourages art students to take a variety of classes in all disciples, as she stumbled upon ceramics by doing just that.

GCC Professor Sharon Ely Forsmo will be next to display art work in the student union. Her exhibit will run from October 6 through October 20.