“Dreamscapes”

Art by Carla Steiger

May 18th-June 10^th

Opening Reception May 18^th 6-9 pm.

Artist Demo at 7 pm.

Looking at Carla Steiger’s art is stepping into a surreal experience.  In small dreamlike worlds she creates an irrational reality.  It’s up to you, dear viewer,  to find your own meaning.

Spending long, meditative hours  in her studio, Steiger assembles small tableaux from her amazing collection of old photographs, toys, paintings, fabrics, small objects, and treasures gleaned from nature.  “Every day is a treasure hunt for the perfect shell or piece of rusty metal that can make the difference in a picture,” says the artist.

Employing heightened colors, spatial incongruities and size distortions, she creates worlds that could mean many things, depending on the viewer.  Many stories are enfolded within them.  “My goal is for every viewer to interpret each image in his or her own way. That is why the dreamscapes are all untitled.”

 Steiger then photographs the tableaux, in natural light, in a direct, single negative or digital photograph.

Carla Steiger received her bachelor of arts degree in studio art and art history from Oberlin College and her master of fine arts degree in photography from the University of Minnesota. She has taught photography in various colleges and universities and her photographs have been featured in major exhibitions.  Her photographs are included in the permanent collections of galleries and museums all across the country.  With a wide range of interests and talents, Carla also has a master of arts in international-comparative politics, specializing in East Asia from June 2010.   Her love of writing  has led her to write feature articles for the Foodbank of Dayton and 4 Paws For Ability, and commentary for local papers.

The exhibition will include a working sample of the assemblage and instructions on how to do this technique.

Steiger is offering a workshop teaching her technique at the Yellow Springs Library May 7^th 6:30-8pm.  “Make Surrealist Art Without Graphic Arts Software.” There is no charge. Sign up in person at the library or by phone. 937-352-4003. Bring to the workshop a camera or cellphone, photograghs, background images, and small meaningful objects to create assemblages.

Please join us at the YSAC Gallery May 18^th 6-9 pm.

for Carla Steiger’s Reception.

Refreshments will be served

 Artist Demo at 7 pm.

YSAC Gallery

111 Corry St.

Yellow Springs, Ohio