A third-year student in Ferris State University’s Integrative Studies program has
continued her efforts in self-expression by entering a three-dimensional work, “La
Quattro Stagioni (The Four Seasons)-Vivaldi’s Wonderland” in ArtPrize 10.
Abbey Wood, of Morley, said she had offered two-dimensional works in the Grand Rapids-based competition each of the last two years, and this year’s entry is a mandala, or circular abstract design created with flowers and net lighting in a wood frame.
“I came up with the title for my work about a year ago, and it took about two months to assemble the elements of the piece and put it together,” Wood said. “In my first two entries, I had focused on people as the subject matter, and this piece shows how each section of flowers represents a season, and the work blends together to create a year.”
The inspiration for her work is the first four concerti of Antonio Vivaldi’s concerto published in 1725, “Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione” (The Contest Between Harmony and Invention).
“As for this entry, I hope that people see the work, like it and choose to vote on it,” Wood said. “With a full load of classes, I do not expect I will have much time to be at the venue (Arnie’s Restaurant, 722 Leonard NW). I am going to let social media messaging promote my work.”
Wood said she has grown into her artistic efforts and interests since beginning as a Ferris student. She did take some art classes during her studies at Morley Stanwood High School. Her Integrative Studies pursuits are not designed to serve as a foundation for a career as an artist.
“I have worked on these projects on the side over the last few years,” Wood said. “This is all about expressing myself rather than preparing for my life’s work.”
ArtPrize, a 19-day exhibition that began in 2009 is a free and open international
art competition and will move to a biennial format, where individual artists or artist
groups will present city-wide projects in alternate years, beginning in 2019. There
will be more than $500,000 in prize monies awarded to entries in a number of categories
on Friday, Oct. 5, based on results of juried and public voting. ArtPrize 10 venues
will close at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.
PHOTO CAPTION: Abbey Wood of Morley, a third-year student in Ferris State University’s
Integrative Studies program has entered ArtPrize for a third consecutive year.