Amy Pruzan / Blown Away Glass
Pruzan works in a variety of media, but maintains a strong focus on glass and photography. She earned her B.F.A degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Cornish College of the Arts in 2006, with triple majors in sculpture, print, and photography. Pruzan has studied at institutions such as Alexander Muss in Israel, Pilchuck Glass School, and Pratt Fine Arts Center. Her work resides in several permanent collections including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Pruzan has worked alongside many prominent local artists, such as Sonja Blomdahl, Ginny Ruffner, and Martin Blank. Recently, this Seattle Native has been honored with both the Corning Award nomination form Pilchuck Glass Schools, and the George Tsutakawa Scholarship from Pratt Fine Arts Center.
“Memories are liquid. They are rain drops, fragmented snapshots of history. Over time memories can fade and sharpen, metamorphose, or completely dissolve. I am interested in memory, as both an intimate personal treasure as well as a tangible historical record. I am intrigued by the way people seem to be able to reinvent their memories to favor what could have been, or forget tragedies that should never have occurred. What might it feel like to suffer from Alzheimer’s and lose the memories of your life?
Lewis Hine, once said, ‘Photographs tell the truth…but photographers lie.’ To me, this means that for a photographic image to exist, something in it had to be real. To be able to physically hold a photograph is to freeze time, to capture and preserve a moment. However even photographs can be manipulated and altered to an artist’s vision. So, in my mind, photographs and memories share many common bonds.
In my current work, I examine the parallels and contrasts between the natural world and the world of man. I am interested in the juxtaposition of photographic imagery and objects from nature. Using elements of geology, botany, and water, I hope to explore the ways in which man has attempted to manipulate nature. Concepts of decay, camouflage, and growth play a major role in the development of my work. By depicting relationships between humanity and nature, I challenge viewers to consider their place in the world.” [Excerpt from the artist’s statement]
Amy Pruzan will be showing her work in a solo show at the Art in the Columbarium Gallery, from July 17th to September 1st. The Columbarium is located on the east side of 11220 Aurora Avenue North, and is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
