Interfacing
a space between two phases.
an unseen structural middle fabric.
the interaction between two entities or systems.
"Interfacing," a Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition by Valerie Dillon is on display Feb. 27-March 3 in Penn State School of Visual Arts Edwin W. Zoller Gallery. Dillon will give a public artist talk at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, in Zoller Gallery. A closing reception will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 2.
Dillon’s "Interfacing" explores a time of uncertainty between two phases of life. The selected works reveal, reuse and reconfigure hidden structural materials of the past as a solid foundation to create a new future version of herself. Seen together, the pieces represent a personal exploration of the middle stage of the Jungian process of individuation; a spiritual and symbolic journey of discovering the core authentic self. She creates a safe space of inquiry and contemplation where individuals who have or will encounter similar existential turning points in their lives will relate to her experience and find a place of connection within the work.
Dillon is inspired by the experimental approach toward art and design found in the Bauhaus School’s Vorkurs course and artists who stretch the boundaries of print and textile, such as Anni Albers and Ann Hamilton. She uses her Master of Fine Arts major of printmaking as a foundation to explore many interdisciplinary processes such as sculpture, needle arts and mixed media collage.