By Rebecca Burch
For the Gazette

When I first saw the exhibit of Harold Edwards’ work at the Clay Center, I was immediately reminded of some favorite pieces by one of my favorite local artists — Charly Jupiter Hamilton. The vibrant colors, rhythmic patterns and shapes that seemed to dance right off the walls and floors immediately brought Hamilton’s work to mind.

However, as I looked closer, I began to see differences in the two artists’ works. Hamilton’s almost tribal-styled art is usually carved in wood and painted, while Edwards’ pieces seem almost technological, assembled from pieces of wire and painted metal.

Hamilton’s works are mainly static. Edwards’ older works are static, but his newer pieces move around and seem to come to life on their own. Also, Edwards’ works are generally nonobjective assemblages of ready-made shapes, whereas Hamilton’s works are typically representations of animals, people and buildings, which are drawn and carved into the artwork.

Edwards’ newest pieces take on an almost otherworldly feel, looking almost like futuristic toys for robot children. It’s hard not to touch them because it seems like they really should be interactive pieces to play with. Some pieces are actually motorized, so they move on their own.

If you’re a fan of Charly Jupiter Hamilton but are unfamiliar with the work of Harold Edwards, chances are you’ll love this exhibit. If you’re not familiar with either, you’ll still love this art. The animated, jazzy, energetic pieces are the perfect cure for cold, gray, January days.

“Evolution: An Installation by Harold Edwards,” is on view at the Clay Center through April 1.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 18th, 2007 at 1:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.