Inspired by Tools of the Trade

Carnegie Art Center, Three Rivers, MI, June – August 2010
Artists take their inspiration from a host of sources internal and external, personal and universal,
sacred and profane. . . but one of the many things we have in common is a “connectedness”
with the tools that we use to explore ideas and create our work.

For this exhibition, I asked a group of Kalamazoo area artists to consider their tools in a more conscious way,
to allow their imagination to dwell on the things they use on a daily basis to create their work,
to look at the tools they may take for granted in a new way. . .

Show Statement

Sheila Genteman, She Couldn't Understand Why It Was Becoming Difficult to Lift the Brush,
mixed media, wood, paper, beads, material, acrylic paint

We all use tools in everyday life. We depend on tools to get us back and forth to work, to raise food, and to build houses. Most of us use tools at work, some of us use computers, some of us use hammers, saws, paint brushes, and levels. Still others use sewing needles and sewing machines, only to name a few. Tools are an important part of everyone's lives and sometimes tools can takeover our lives. We all eventually struggle with tools and, unfortunately, sometimes the tool wins.