Synthetic Reality

Plaster and resin sculpture by Becca Smith.

Becca Smith, intern at Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor and visiting artist from Pennsylvania, is presenting her plaster and resin sculptures at her show “Synthetic Reality,” Oct. 16 – 31. The opening reception is Oct. 16 from 4 – 7 pm. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be a bonfire, weather permitting.

Smith creates intimate, minimal sculptures that explore how humans perceive scale. She examines this concept by applying vibrant primary colors, removing the idea the piece is made by hand, and creating familiar landscape imagery designed from synthetic material.

Smith believes it is significant to hide any evidence of this work being made by hand. She does this by pouring foam insulation, plaster and resin into found forms and molds, then slicing the materials with a saw. This idea alters the viewer’s ability to relate to the sculptures in terms of scale. She wants the viewer to feel small, imagining they exist in these environments. She creates physical objects that mimic landscapes that are recognizable in the world with synthetic materials and surfaces.

Smith, 22, was born in Glenside, Pennsylvania and received her BFA from Alfred University last May with a concentration in ceramic art and sculpture. She spent the summer and fall working for resident potter Renee Schwaller.

Off the Wheel Pottery is located at 4234 County Rd. E, Egg Harbor, 1.3 miles east of the village. Gallery hours are from 10 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday. The show closes Oct. 31. For more information call 920.868.9608.