The Art of Becoming: A Journey Through Identity and Transformation
There’s something profoundly human about the concept of becoming. It’s not just a state of being; it’s a process, a journey, a constant evolution. When I first heard about Gallery One’s new exhibit centered on this theme, I was immediately intrigued. What does it mean to become? Is it about growing up, as some artists suggest, or is it about the spontaneous emergence of ideas, as others explore? Personally, I think it’s both—and so much more.
The Nostalgia of Growing Up
One thing that immediately stands out in this exhibit is the way several artists tackle the idea of becoming through the lens of childhood and aging. Dale Sheldon’s Becoming a Beach Dude is a perfect example. It’s not just a painting of a boy playing at the beach; it’s a snapshot of potential. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it captures the innocence of youth while hinting at the future. We all know that boy won’t stay a boy forever, but Sheldon’s piece reminds us that the essence of who we are often begins in those carefree moments.
Joyce Condry’s When I Grow Up takes a similar approach, but with a twist. By depicting a young mallard duck alongside its mother, she invites us to consider the role of mentorship and inheritance in our own journeys. What many people don’t realize is that becoming isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about the relationships that shape us. Cheryl Wisbrock’s Osprey Nest drives this point home, showing two adult birds on the brink of parenthood. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that becoming is often a collective process, not just an individual one.
The Spontaneity of Creation
If you take a step back and think about it, becoming isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s chaotic, unpredictable, and deeply personal. This is where artists like Cindy Beyer and Laurie Fields shine. Beyer’s Spontaneous Ideation is a masterclass in letting go of control. Starting with a few primary-colored flowers and letting the piece evolve organically, she challenges the notion that becoming requires a clear plan. In my opinion, this is where the exhibit truly comes alive. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the messy, beautiful process of getting there.
Fields’ Sand Storm takes this idea even further. By letting the texture dictate the piece, she flips the traditional creative process on its head. What this really suggests is that sometimes we don’t choose what we become—it chooses us. This raises a deeper question: How much of our identity is intentional, and how much is shaped by forces beyond our control?
The Intersection of Art and Identity
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the exhibit blends different mediums to explore the theme of becoming. From acrylic paintings to hand-painted silk scarves, each piece offers a unique perspective. Tina Edgar’s multimedia fish and Mitzi Ash’s silk scarves, for instance, bring a tactile dimension to the concept. It’s as if the artists are saying, Becoming isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel.
This diversity of mediums also reflects the broader cultural conversation about identity. In a world where we’re constantly redefining ourselves, art becomes a mirror. It shows us who we are, who we’ve been, and who we might become. From my perspective, this is what makes the exhibit so compelling. It’s not just about the art; it’s about the dialogue it sparks within us.
The Broader Implications of Becoming
If there’s one thing this exhibit teaches us, it’s that becoming is never truly finished. Whether it’s the boy on the beach, the mallard duck, or the spontaneous watercolor, each piece is a snapshot of a journey in progress. This idea resonates far beyond the walls of Gallery One. In a society obsessed with end results, the exhibit reminds us to embrace the process.
What’s more, it challenges us to rethink how we view change. Becoming isn’t always comfortable or predictable, but it’s necessary. Personally, I think this is a message we all need to hear right now. In a world that often feels stagnant, the exhibit is a celebration of movement, growth, and possibility.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Gallery One’s Becoming exhibit, I’m struck by its ability to capture something so universal yet so deeply personal. It’s not just an art show; it’s a meditation on what it means to be human. From the nostalgia of growing up to the spontaneity of creation, every piece invites us to consider our own journeys.
One thing is clear: becoming is not a destination—it’s a way of being. And in that sense, we’re all artists, constantly shaping and reshaping ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself wondering who you’re becoming, remember this exhibit. It’s a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Gallery One’s Becoming is open until June 2nd at 32 Atlantic Ave. in Ocean View. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by. It’s not just art—it’s a conversation, a reflection, and a celebration of the ever-evolving human spirit.
