Form & Dysfunction

CLEAR YOUR CALENDARS FOR SEPTEMBER 11 

OPENING RECEPTION FROM 6PM-11PM

@ PROJEKTE 523 S. 3RD ST

Form & Dysfunction is more than just an exhibit that features the artwork of two young, creative talents from Greenville, NC, it is a projection of their personal and professional relationship with each other. They are best friends and roommates, which translates well in the dynamics of their professional endeavors. From Eric's organic use of raw materials to Justin's application of straight lines and sleek curves, this large installation, bridges the gaps between art and design.

Form & Dysfunction also marks the beginning of a new local artist promotion company, Fortunate Observer. The goal of Fortunate Observer is to bring to light the talents of people who are creating amazing things. From visual artists and musicians to jewelry makers and culinary artist, Fortunate Observer is here to show the world the best of the best. We are kicking things off with the website www.fortunateobserver.com and eventually a physical location right here in good ol' Wilmington, NC.

PLEASE INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW

If you are unable to attend the opening reception the work will be up at the gallery from Sept. 6 until Oct. 2

A closing reception will be held Oct. 2 from 6pm until 11pm.

Artist Statements and Bios:

Eric Justin White

Eric Justin White is an artist currently seeking both a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Art Education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in sculpture at East Carolina University. His work explores a wide variety of sculptural media, including wood and stone carving, fabricated steel, and cast iron, aluminum and bronze.

His most recent work has focused on the theme of connection. Everything in the world is tied together by some form of connection, both large and small, visible and ethereal, and it is these abstract connections that tie together his body of work. His recent "Fragment" series, which focuses on the process of casting metal around carved soapstone, strongly utilizes connection as an integral element in its design. Through the casting process, the two metals become intimately combined into one whole. The extreme heat and forces cause fractures in the stone, and without the embracing metal, the stones would likely break apart. The two become inseparable without the destruction of each other, and it is this inseparable bond that alludes to the connections that tie together our societies, cultures, and the environment that supports our life.

In addition to creating sculptural works, Eric also dabbles in woodworking and painting. He is a founding member of The Atomic Lime Project, a collective of young, upcoming artists based in North Carolina that is focused on giving local artists a voice and place in the community.

Justin Bernel

Justin Bernel, born January 30th, 1987 in Woodland Hills, California, is a designer and artist based out of Greenville, North Carolina. In his earliest years in San Diego, Justin's talent in the arts was beginning to show. When he moved to North Carolina in 1999, his interests in society, spirituality, philosophy, music, and literature encouraged his art to bring discussion of humanity's progression.

While Studying at the School of Art and Design at East Carolina University, Justin learned the techniques and practices necessary to make a design successful. At ECU, his work was put in several shows, including the annual Undergraduate Exhibition which he won the Award of Merit in 2009, and the Award of Excellence in 2010 for his work in Wood Design.

In 2009 Justin worked with two artists in Greenville to create Atomic Lime Project - a collaborative effort to give local artists a voice and place in the community. Following his first cohesive exhibition, "Form & Dysfunction: A Super Rad Exhibition of Art & Design," Justin graduated from ECU with a BFA in Wood Design. He now works with multiple mediums in his home-studio in Greenville. His present work focuses on items important to social interaction and using visual balance, contrast, and harmony to commentate on civil balance, contrast, and harmony.


For more information visit:
www.atomiclimeproject.com