The Elusie Gallery
hosts
LAURIE GODDARD
INTROSPECTIVE - RETROSPECTIVE
This exhibit features work in various media – acrylic, mixed media, encaustic – from the last 5 years, showcasing Goddard’s constant creativity and boldness.
Migration Pulse
/ acrylic on panel / 36 x 24
February 13 - March 11
Artist Reception: February 13, 5-8pm
High Tide / Encaustic on Panel / 24 x 24
"I am influenced by the great Modernists and the Abstract Expressionists, as well as recorded music and poetry. Gesture, serenity, memory, elegance and the thrill of the hunt are my main motives for painting." Laurie Goddard
Fracture
Semi-precious leaf and acrylic on Panel / 24 x 18
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Laurie Goddard had the rare opportunity last fall to be chosen as an Art Embassador by the Arts in Embassy's American Artists Abroad Program. She spent about three weeks in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, conducting workshops and exhibiting her work in Baharaini and Saudi Art Galleries. Below is an interview about this experience that Goddard was kind enough give us:
What is Art in Embassies and how does an artist get chosen to be part of it?
The ART In Embassies Program is a global museum that exhibits original works of art by U.S. citizens in the public rooms of approximately 180 American diplomatic residences worldwide. These exhibitions, with art loaned from galleries, museums, individual artists, and corporate and private collections, play an important role in our nation's public diplomacy. They provide international audiences with a sense of the quality, scope, and diversity of American art and culture through the accomplishments of some of our most important citizens, our artists. Artists are found by the curators in DC. Ambassadors choose the actual art from the stable of artists in the program according to their personal style and taste.
In what countries do you have artwork ?
I have work in Bahrain , Cameroon and Saudi Arabia .
How did you become an Art Embassador with the AAA program?
Not sure why I was asked, but in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia only abstract or calligraphic art is accepted, so that narrowed the field. I believe they wanted to ask a female, and you had to already be in the Bahraini collection, which I was. The countries cultural ministers along with the cultural attaches arrange the visits; only 2 countries are chosen annually, 1 artist to the selected country. Initially it was just Bahrain , Saudi Arabia heard I was coming and asked if I could also go there.
Goddard Exhibit in Dahran, Saudi Arabia
What was your initial reaction when you learned you were invited to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia ?
My initial reaction was: Me? Um.........YES! Yikes.....I don't know, say I was flattered, thrilled and apprehensive due to the general lack of info rmation we have about Arab states. I knew nothing about Bahrain , I knew it was not Brunei nor Dubai , but what was it????
Can you briefly describe your itinerary and What events you took part in?
The itinerary was teaching at schools in the day to teachers, as the swine flu kept the schools closed to kids, lecturing at night at cultural groups, art associations, etc., or dinner with Ambassadors and exhibitions of my work in each city.
Workshop in Manama, Bahrain
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlights were a fabulous banquet thrown in my honor by a famous artist in Riyadh; the opening of my exhibition there at Hewar Gallery, toasting Obama's Nobel prize with the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and his wife, just the 3 of us over dinner; watching a student find a voice she hadn't had before....
Workshop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Any chance you can do this again in another country?
I doubt AIE would send me again, they spread the opportunity around, but Saudi Arabia wants me back next year I hear. I'd go anywhere and do this again, any time.....We need this sharing, and it goes both ways. I have a profound appreciation for the culture over there. I also think I made a difference.....
I also hope to collaborate with 1 or 2 artists at the Transcultural Conference in Boston next year.
