Langman Presents Tammy Smith: Wheels, Wire & Whimsy From the Jersey Shore

TAMMY SMITH:

WHEELS, WIRE, & WHIMSY FROM THE JERSEY SHORE

June 1 – 30, 2010

Tammy Smith’s circus-themed sculptures of abandoned carnival rides and amusements have been described as "Tim Burton meets Dr. Seuss".  She configures wire, tent canvas, tissue paper, and clay into haunting and alluring objects to create a world of amusement park remnants based upon her travels and memories.  Her small-scale, handmade circus sculptures have been exhibited in numerous galleries, as well as private collections across the country. 

Old circuses and carnivals attract and inspire Smith in both a whimsical, yet creepy way- a sort of Hitchcockian feel.  While visiting the seaside town of Brighton, England, Tammy saw what was to become her inspiration: a steel frame shell from a carnival on a pier, left sitting in the water after vandals had set it on fire more than 30 years ago.  Flocks of birds had made the steel shell their home and transformed it into a makeshift sanctuary.  Smith states that, "Seeing the skeleton of this abandoned structure where people used to have fun took me back to images of Fairyland Park in Kansas City where I grew up.  The park had closed long ago but they left the rollercoaster in place.  Trees were growing through the rails of the track. That image was so haunting that it stuck with me for many years."  Since that day, Smith has spent many hours researching architectural drawings of old carnival rides and circus photos and utilizes them as a source of constant inspiration.

There's a sinister edge to all that brightly lit fun- something about thrill-seeking in a place that wasn't there yesterday and won't be there tomorrow.  Ghosts of the circus' and carnivals' previous lives remain.  They aren't only those of the carnies and clowns, barkers and shills, freaks and geeks, trapeze artists, human cannonballs, lion tamers, elephant wranglers, and tightrope walkers, but also of all those who marveled at their deeds and then went out to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl or spoon on the Ferris Wheel.  The ghosts of delighted gasps and smiles always reside in these long-forgotten places.

Since 1972, Langman Gallery has presented unique handmade crafts and fine art by American artists and designers.  Recently named one of NICHE magazine’s Top Retailers of 2009, the gallery features fine contemporary crafts including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, lighting, paintings, prints, and sculpture.  The annual Top Retailer Awards program recognizes craft galleries who are committed to growing and strengthening the North American craft community.  Our gallery is located adjacent to Bloomingdale's in Willow Grove Park.  Hours are Monday–Saturday, 10-9:00; Sunday 12-6.