The cycle of decay is a complex operation that allows the sharing of atoms between all living things in a closed system. Julia Baugh's current work explores the wonder and beauty found in this recycling process. Representations of the decomposition cycle emerge as indescribable organ-like masses and skeletal framed structures. Bacterial craters, patterned mold growth, and putrescent marbling are abstracted into vivid colors, fuzzy textures, and wandering ornamentation on the fake beings. These fictitious and decaying organisms are adorned with a myriad of mediums like dark-rainbow hued fabrics, lustered ceramic baubles, and sparkling plastic jewels. The material and visual elements embellished on Baugh’s sculptural work give the viewer a place to pause and linger on the subject of decay.
Biography:
Julia Baugh is an interdisciplinary artist working in ceramics, paper, plaster, metal and found objects. Baugh creates sculpture through hasty sewing, repetitive and intuitive making and trash gathering. Baugh holds a BS in Respiratory Care from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, an MA in Studio Art in Ceramics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and an in an MFA candidate in Interdisciplinary Arts at the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine scheduled to graduate May of 2021.