Worth another look

After visiting the Palo Alto Art Center the other week for a story about kids' art education, I went back today, even though the paper was already out. I had been too busy scribbling quotes and keeping pace with docent tours before. Looking at the actual art, not so much.

Some sculptures, especially, called for a second look. They were these giant behemoths that I could swear were bronze or one of those really common sculpting metals, like ruthenium. I also thought they were made by professional artists. The exhibitions are all of student art, but I figured someone had snuck in a pro for inspiration.

No, and no. The Buddha, the lanky giraffe and the vaguely threatening spider-woman were all created by high school students, and all fashioned from papier-mache. I was dying to pick them up to see how heavy they were. I considered pretending to be a child so I could get away with it. This is not easy when you're 5 foot 7.

Anyway, impressive accomplishments. Apparently the giraffe sculpture took Gunn High 11th-grader Yo Yo Tsai the whole school year to create. You start by building a frame, then add the papier-mache goop, then later paint it all to look like the metal. The illusion is lovely. In the case of Sarah Fetterman's Buddha sculpture, the turquoise hues in the folds of his clothing and skin add age and antiquity in a most convincing way.

I imagine that teacher Erik Bowman must have found this an excellent assignment for his students, not only to build an artistic eye, hand and confidence, but also as an exercise in discipline and patience for overly energetic teens.



On another note, there was a digital pigment print that stopped me: "Untitled (24 things)" by Gunn 12th-grader Suzanne MacPherson under the guidance of photo instructor Jennifer Hogan. I was struck by the matching fiery hair and doll mouths. It's hard to see online, but the grown-up girl has piercing eyes even harder than the glassy doll orbs. I love the way the doll looks frightened. I imagined that the woman was remembering the child she was, or the child was fearing her life ahead for some mysterious reason. This student photographer already has an intriguing eye.

The exhibitions close soon: They're up at the art center through May 30. Details here.

Pictured: Top: Sarah Fetterman's Buddha sculpture. Above: Suzanne MacPherson's digital pigment print. Photos by Rebecca Wallace.