Christopher Staples

Beyond Me, a one-man show of mixed media work and
collaborations by Christopher Staples opens at bau -
beacon artist union - this month and reminds us that
every object and image exists on many levels. A large scale
black and white photograph of raindrops ("Rhythm of
Rain") show patterns and light and suggest deeper meanings.
Colorful monoprints ("Cosmic String", "Glimpses") combine
with collage to depict layers of thought, image and
perception. A row of long, narrow transparent plastic
strips with images printed in black ("Streams of
Consciousness") is at once eclectic, fragmented and
dramatic. A rusted bedspring is covered by translucent
fabric squares with mysterious photographs and writing
that juxtapose images, thoughts and objects ("Magic
Dreams").

"My art conveys an evocative experience of the world of
meaning and perception through juxtapositions and layers
of images, objects and text," says Staples. "Images layer
with our thought and perception and give transcendent
power to ordinary moments. These are the moments I try
to capture and describe.

"Collaborating with other artists for this show is yet
another juxtaposition of perceptions and ideas -- a merging
of viewpoints to create something dynamic and new. It's an
alchemic process that fits the title of the show."

For some of the work, Staples collaborated with invited
artists Tom Holmes, Sharon Nakazato and musician Neil
Alexander. With Pennsylvania artist Tom Holmes, she
built a rustic chair, while Brewster artist Sharon Nakazato
added calligraphy and objects for rusted headboard
"Evidence of Dreams". Neil Alexander created the sound
for a video collaboration. And from Connecticut, guest artist Augustine
Della Vecchia sculpted a wooden piece.

Staples also collaborated with her seven fellow bau
members. "Christopher asked each of us to work on top
of a piece of art that she gave us, and the resulting
pieces reflect each artist's view layered over hers," reveals
bau artist Harald Plochberger.

Christopher Staples is an energetic and passionate
artist who works in a wide range of media, including
photography, collage, assemblage, painting and printing. Staples is a
new member of bau for 2006, whose work is also shown at
The Artery in Milford, PA. A resident of Carmel, she
serves on the gallery committee of the Putnam Arts
Council and recently completed a three-year term on the grants
review panel for local arts grants through the New York
State Council on the Arts. She holds a B.F.A., Magna Cum
Laude from Hartford Art School, University of Hartford.