Dirt & Flowers: and Other Things We Eat and Breathe : Charles A Gick

Eric Dean Art Gallery, Wabash College- September 12, 2016

I remember viewing this magnificent Red Robe, made with tiny objects, and such intricate design at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette last fall and saying, "man I wish I could make something like that!" Imagine my surprise, when I realize on Monday night that the creator of this piece I gawked over at the museum was my Graduate Painting teacher. I had "never seen" Charles Gick's work prior to this opening and I was speechless. The attention to detail and scale of his pieces made me feel as if I was brought to another place and time. That a structured sense of what is seen outside was brought inside. When viewing the publication image for this show I thought I was going to be viewing large scale paintings on a wall. It was completely deceptive and I was pleasantly surprised when entering the gallery. I aspire to create spaces like he created for this show. The biggest joy, of the whole experience, was being able to hear Charles talk about his work, particularly the robe, and the process and the collaboration of supporters helping create the space with him. Wabash College collaborated with Charles to create a pamphlet of ingredients and process that was able to be taken from the event as well. I appreciate his willingness to share.