Print
Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 10 February 2020 10 February 2020

 dsc0981 4Western New Mexico University artists in residence for ceramics Atziry A. Apodaca and Natalie Rae Good, both pictured, will show their work in an exhibit is titled “Power Structures” at WNMU Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art from Thursday, February 13, through Saturday, February 15.Public Invited To Campus for “Power Structures” Opening Reception on Thursday Evening

Silver City, NM – Western New Mexico University artists in residence for ceramics Atziry A. Apodaca and Natalie Rae Good will show their work for a limited time at WNMU Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art starting Thursday, February 13.

“Power Structures” exhibits what the two have created throughout their residencies so far. While not strictly thematic, the show’s name nods to the overlaps of both physical structures and the structures of state, politics, and perspective, which they each highlight in their distinct artistic focuses.

The exhibit opens with a reception at the WNMU McCray Gallery on Thursday, February 13, at 4:30 p.m. It will be on display during gallery hours Friday, February 14, from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment. “‘Power Structures’ is a one-weekend show,” Apodaca said.

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Apodaca lived in Cuidad Juarez for most of her childhood, traveling across the border for school for three years. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from WNMU in 2017, interned at the Arrowmont School of Art and Crafts, and is back for her second year as an artist in residence. “I did mainly bronze casting for my undergrad, and I wanted to go up in scale without the associated cost,” she said, “so I moved to clay as a medium. It’s easy for me to connect with.”

The body of work Apodaca has assembled over her residency is based around her childhood memories. “These are attaching imagery and feelings and experiences I had between about third and fifth grade. I’m using the car doors as vessels or passage ways to the place I was in for most of my time in the day. I want people to see it through the eyes of a child,” she said.

Having worked in print and on paper for most of her adult life, Good was searching for a space to do ceramics when applying for a WNMU artist in residence position. “I don’t think of myself as a ceramic artist, but I wanted to use ceramics for this concept,” she said.

She has spent her residency crafting chainmaille pieces. “I was interested in the way we view things as strong and having fortitude, particularly metal and forged products. I was interested in making those things out of clay to articulate the idea that things aren’t always what they seem,” Good said.

Per the terms of their residencies, both volunteer in the WNMU clay studio and present new work to WNMU ceramics professor Courtney Michaud weekly as well.