Carly Allen-Martin C'est La Vie II, 2021
Mixed media on paper in acylic, 42 x 58
Jim Woodson, Compelling Embedded Emergence, 2020
Oil on Canvas, 36 x 48
Carly Allen-Martin Two Souls, One Life, 2021
Mixed Media on Panel, 60 x 36
Artspace111 - A Space Between Time
Exhibition on Display: March 27, 2021 - May 8, 2021
Carly Allen-Martin and Jim Woodson
Artspace111 is pleased to present the two-person exhibition, A Space Between Time,
featuring new large-scale artwork by Carly Allen–Martin and Jim Woodson. This exhibition
underscores the mutual transference of creativity and inspiration that is inherent to the
teacher/student relationship. As a professor of art at Texas Christian University for
39 years, Jim Woodson created a path for young artists through technical training,
spiritual guidance, and by the example of a prolific career which includes being honored
as the Texas State Visual Artist. As Woodson’s student, Carly Allen-Martin used these
tools to further develop a path that Woodson pioneered, resulting in her own prolific
practice that is esteemed in private collections across the world. A Space Between Time
conveys the cultivation of techniques, ideals, correlations and juxtapositions of
teaching and discovery.
Jim Woodson on Carly Allen- Martin
In reference to A Space Between Time Woodson says, "One can learn to become an ‘artist’.
A teacher can provide some feedback and encouragement but the desire to persist must come
from each individual. Sometimes the best thing a teacher can do is to get out of the way,
releasing the student to pursue their own path. A ‘good teacher’ can communicate, by
example, their own passion. Carly Allen entered my advanced painting class along with
about a dozen other students. About half of those exhibited a certain seriousness about
painting and a couple of those about becoming ‘a painter’. Carly was one of those. I have
been fortunate over the years that a number of past students have continued to stay in
touch with me. Of course the ones that have, are the ones that continued to pursue the
life of an artist. Many have produced a significant body of work and have found success.
Carly is clearly among those. She has established a personal voice that resonates with
light, color, and surface. She is simply one of the best."
Carly Allen–Martin on Jim Woodson
In regards to A Space Between Time Allen-Martin states, " I have always had a fascination
with outlaws. To me an outlaw is a true original. Outlaws never lose the originality of
their character and are fearless in their ability to be themselves. They're able to carry
a true expression, undeterred by what the world asks them to be. I knew Jim Woodson was
an outlaw the first time I met him. He is kind and authentic and carries a mysticism in
his persona. Anyone fortunate to study under Jim knew his signature uniform - denim jeans,
denim shirt, a black leather vest, and black shoes - always with a braided ponytail down
his back. He is someone that has mastered the art of minimizing insignificant details to
maximize the details of importance. As a painter, he taught me to look for ways to present
details in new light, to be a painter's painter and pull through layers that might have
been insignificant before but add to the history and character of a painting. I remember
one time in 2005, I went into Jim's office with tears in my eyes. I asked the question
that all artists ask themselves from time to time... ’Jim, do you think I'm any good as
a painter?’. He looked at me and said ‘Carly, just go make some God damn paintings.’ I now
realize that is the answer of a master, and the only answer that will serve you as a creative."
Layla Luna M. Poppins, 2020
Acrylic on canvas. 48 x 36
Artspace111 - The Jane Series
May 13 - June 26, 2021
Opening Reception May 13, 2021, 5-8 PM
New Works by Layla Luna
Artspace111 is excited to introduce The Jane Series by Layla Luna. Through abstracted
colorful geometric paintings, Luna uses the concept of pie charts and mud pies to
address the over-analysis of our daily lives in the digital age. Luna compares the
pie chart shape to the shape of the nostalgic childhood mud pie; a symbol of the
simplicity of life, childhood freedom, and creating with abandon.
Through many facets in the work, Luna subtly hints at female artist empowerment.
The Jane Series references her inherited middle name, Jane; a name she
shares with her cousin, maternal grandmother, mother, and daughter. This name acts as
a link between the stories of all the women in her family. Luna completes her work with
titles referencing heroines from childhood stories shared by her family, thus transforming
the series into an anthropomorphic work. Each of the paintings becomes an individual
courageous "Jane."
"The idea started with the pie chart and how we as artists are inundated with what success
is and how to achieve it. The mud pies, childhood story heroines, and my family name are
ways of taking control over my own path to success. Kiddos make with abandon -
The Jane Series is my way to reclaim that confidence." - Layla Luna
About Layla Luna
A defining aspect of Layla Luna’s studio practice is making work in series. Each body of
work may differ from one to the next in regard to materials used and specific themes, but
two recurring interests serve as a common link: our interaction with nature and the
attachments we place on objects, spaces, and architecture. The idea of home, as well as
its physical structure, has come to embody these interests.
Luna was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1975. She received an MFA in Painting from
Texas Christian University in 2016 and a BFA in Painting from Arizona State University
in 2008. She studied at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand where she obtained
a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art in 2011. Artist-in-residence programs around the
country have played a large role in feeding her need to explore and make work in new
environments. Currently, Luna lives and works in Fort Worth, Texas.
Martha Elena -a,a,c, (mi melancholia), 2021
Knit and filling. 3 x 3 x 4 Photo by Evie Marie
Artspace111 - Solo Solo
May 13 - June 26, 2021
Opening Reception May 13, 2021, 5-8 PM
New Works by Martha Elena
As the recipient of the Top Prize in the 7th Annual Texas Juried exhibition,
Martha Elena was awarded an opportunity to exhibit once again with Artspace111.
In 2021, Artspace111 is excited to present a showcase of Martha Elena’s intricate
soft sculptures in the newly defined Solo Solo Exhibition series. Martha Elena is
the inaugural artist in this showcase, which aims to provide solo show opportunities
to rising Texas artists.
Martha Elena says this about her artwork: "The breadth of my work explores the idea
of getting lost in translation. The work begins as a phrase that is converted using
the Wingdings 3 font. The font does two things: One, it serves as a filter so that the
viewer does not recognize the wording- only the form. It is the bridge between two sets
of language and identities. I am torn in two. My native tongue is broken and limited
while my English is still incomplete. Wingdings 3 helps me to create a new sense of
self. One that only I can understand and manipulate. Two, it allows me to repeat motifs
that can be designed and redesigned endlessly. I am interested in the visual
representation of language. The content of the words influences the composition,
color, and size of the work."
About Martha Elena
Martha Elena was born in Cerritos, Mexico, and raised in Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
Elena attended and graduated from the University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV)
with a BFA. She now resides in Fort Worth, Texas. Elena is a Multi-disciplinary artist,
and she is currently exploring and evolving in Soft Sculpture.
About Solo Solo
Solo Solo is a newly defined exhibition series for Artspace111 that aims to provide solo
show opportunities to rising Texas artists. The series provides an opportunity for
early-career artists to share their artwork in a focused exhibition, providing patrons
a rounded view of the artist’s vision and body of work. Artists are selected by invitation
or as part of the Top Prize award for the Texas Juried Exhibition. This series will be
revisited at least twice each year in order to support the careers of emerging talent.
About Artspace111
Located in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, Artspace111 specializes in the exhibition of
Contemporary Texas Art. In 1980, twin brothers Daniel and Dennis Blagg established
Artspace111, converting a historic 1911 building into artist studios and a small gallery
space in order to support and celebrate the work of local artists. In 2007, Margery
Gossett and William Grella became the Owner/Directors of Artspace111 and further
developed the gallery into a celebrated and distinguished 3,000 square foot art
gallery. In addition to the year-round schedule of solo and group exhibitions,
Artspace111 designs corporate and private art collections for clients throughout
the country and hosts special events in its distinctive gallery and sculpture gardens.
Artspace111 is dedicated to making contemporary art approachable to individuals of all
ages.
Artspace111 is located east of Downtown Fort Worth at Hampton Street and
Weatherford. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 - 5 pm and Saturday by
appointment. To schedule a private viewing, contact Margery Gossett or Margo
Hudson by calling 817.692.3228 or emailing art@artspace111.com.
Artspace111
111 Hampton Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817)692-3228
In reference to A Space Between Time Woodson says, "One can learn to become an ‘artist’.
A teacher can provide some feedback and encouragement but the desire to persist must come
from each individual. Sometimes the best thing a teacher can do is to get out of the way,
releasing the student to pursue their own path. A ‘good teacher’ can communicate, by
example, their own passion. Carly Allen entered my advanced painting class along with
about a dozen other students. About half of those exhibited a certain seriousness about
painting and a couple of those about becoming ‘a painter’. Carly was one of those. I have
been fortunate over the years that a number of past students have continued to stay in
touch with me. Of course the ones that have, are the ones that continued to pursue the
life of an artist. Many have produced a significant body of work and have found success.
Carly is clearly among those. She has established a personal voice that resonates with
light, color, and surface. She is simply one of the best."
In regards to A Space Between Time Allen-Martin states, " I have always had a fascination
with outlaws. To me an outlaw is a true original. Outlaws never lose the originality of
their character and are fearless in their ability to be themselves. They're able to carry
a true expression, undeterred by what the world asks them to be. I knew Jim Woodson was
an outlaw the first time I met him. He is kind and authentic and carries a mysticism in
his persona. Anyone fortunate to study under Jim knew his signature uniform - denim jeans,
denim shirt, a black leather vest, and black shoes - always with a braided ponytail down
his back. He is someone that has mastered the art of minimizing insignificant details to
maximize the details of importance. As a painter, he taught me to look for ways to present
details in new light, to be a painter's painter and pull through layers that might have
been insignificant before but add to the history and character of a painting. I remember
one time in 2005, I went into Jim's office with tears in my eyes. I asked the question
that all artists ask themselves from time to time... ’Jim, do you think I'm any good as
a painter?’. He looked at me and said ‘Carly, just go make some God damn paintings.’ I now
realize that is the answer of a master, and the only answer that will serve you as a creative."
