Dala Horse RMCAD Faculty Exhibition
“UNDER THE INFLUENCE”
Once every two years, the illustrious faculty at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design show off their skills in a faculty exhibition. This year’s exhibition, Under the Influence, revolves around the concept of finding inspiration in everyday objects. Faculty members have contributed objects that influence the individual works of art they produce. Accompanying each object is a statement from the artist explaining how they use that particular item and why it is important to them.
My art piece is called “Something to Cherish: Dala Horse”
This gallery piece was inspired by the Dala Horse, an iconic symbol of Swedish identity and customs. The horse has been considered a holy animal in Sweden since Viking times. Early horses were carved as children’s toys from the clock case industry scrap wood. Originally, the horses were painted solid colors like red, blue and grey. The Kurbit gourd vine theme flower pattern was added after the 1800’s and comes from the Biblical story of Jonah. I was inspired by her Swedish connections in recreating the traditional pattern which debuted in Anaheim, California as part of an international art exhibit. I incorporate the object’s roots with her “Something to Cherish” embroidered watercolor style for a whimsical recreation.
Check out my special dala horse art, cards, ribbons & gifts here.
