Rare Fruit artist series #1 I COLLECT CHAOS: The Public Purge By Heather Blersch
Monday June 20th 2016 Opening Reception
"In the city I watch a dumpster fill, remnants of generational accumulation spilling out of this metal box. People squatting in their family home, tossed out, victims of gentrification and poverty ... I am an addict. My addiction is obsessive, cluttered, and self effacing thoughts. I hoard negative thoughts and behaviors. Despite my best intentions, I also keep things. Most everything I collect has almost no bearing on my life or well being. This unchecked accumulation mirrors my thoughts. Piles of nothing important. Until there is no room for calm anymore. It is all chaos."
Heather Blersch feels totally uncomfortable yet compelled to create art work that may resonate with people. She uses collage, sculpture, written word, her unpaid education, and unchecked need for therapy to facilitate conversations that do not have an answer. Currently working as a baker in the middle of the night, she gains inspiration from overthinking and nature. Heather has been living in Portland, Maine for 25 years. This will be her first installation.
*Viewers are encouraged to touch the exhibit, and take items away from it, revealing other aspects of the piece.
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The Rare Fruit installation series was designed as a way to give space to artists who exist in the margins of the traditional arts and artist support systems. Their work and beliefs that may not fit the mold of sellable artwork and art for profit. Each artists is given a stipend and unlimited access to the New Fruit studio to create their vision. rare fruit is partially funded by the Kindling Fund.