Saint Xavier University (SXU) is currently displaying a stimulating exhibit titled, “Traced Hollows” by metalsmith and sculptor, Meghann Sottile, at the SXU Art Gallery.
Sottile creates her masterpieces by using items that uses found objects. This will be her first solo exhibition. Art Lovers are welcome to check out her work on Monday, August 21 until Tuesday, September 12.
Sottile will be at the exhibit on August 30 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss her work with fellow art enthusiasts. SXU offers free admission to anyone interested in attending.
The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Her exhibit hosts numerous unique pieces such as, Whitetail Hunter, Brownie Girls Scout Badge, and Game of Craps.
Whitetail Hunter uses found objects like Illinois hunter pins, copper, and fine silver.Another work of art is titled Brownie Girls Scout Badge and it includes copper, brass, fine silver, enamel, flocking, and found objects such as Girl Scout and Brownie pins.
The piece includes a scroll with the definition of a Brownie written on it.Inside of a glass case, viewers can find an interesting piece known as Game of Craps. It has been designed to sit on top of a well-crafted jewelry box.
It was created from copper, brass, fine silver, sterling silver, resin, powder coat, and the found objects of dice and poker chips. As you crank the lever, the dice at the top begin to spin and collide with one another.
All the pieces in Sottile’s, “Traced Hollows” are mesmerizing, but, of course, the main attraction was My Crayola Crayon Sharpener.
The details are flawless and the piece is one of the larger items in her portfolio.
It was created with copper, nickel, brass, silver, resin, and found objects like antique newspaper printing block, a Crayola crayon sharpener, and Crayola crayons.
“I deliberately choose shapes, textures and colors that strengthen the storyline and history of the piece. By utilizing both traditional and contemporary metalsmithing techniques, I am able to craft ornately decorated work that gives each nostalgic item a permanent place to elevate their significance.”
Sottile states in her website’s artist statement. Sottile is a highly qualified sculptor and metalsmith. She received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) in metalworking and a BFA in art education from Arizona State University.
She currently works at Columbia College Chicago as an instructional specialist in the Fabrication Facility within the design department. She has won numerous awards for her work and is a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and Crafthaus.
In 2015, her work was showcased on Snag//Space, an online exhibition that highlights the work of some of today’s many contemporary smiths. She also works for LillStreet Art Center at 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago, Il where she teaches metal classes. Starting Monday, September 11th, she will be offering a night class for artists interested in filigree.
She will also be teaching a beginner’s class for first-time jewelers who want to learn basic skills. The course is five weeks and it is given at two different times a day. For more information on her classes, visit https://lillstreet.com/
Shadia Judeh
News Editor
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