"Use Is Beauty" by Justin Squier
“I want the viewer to contemplate their own time, labor, use, and value, resulting in a truer appreciation of the present.”
Thank you, Sponsor!
Both exhibitions “Use Is Beauty” by Justin Squier and “The Unimagined Place” are generously sponsored by Angela Bruno as well as the Carbondale Clay Center, which has been an important part of the Roaring Fork Valley and the field of ceramics since the Center's inception in 1997.
Learn more at carbondaleclay.org
Carbondale Arts presented “Use Is Beauty” a solo exhibition by Grand Junction-based artist Justin Squier at the Carbondale Arts Gallery, from July 7 through August 10, 2023. The opening reception took place on First Friday, July 7, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm.
“The Unimagined Place”, a 2-person show featuring Brian Chen and Gabby Gawreluk (2021-2023 Artists-in-Residence at the Carbondale Clay Center), opened the same night in the second gallery space.
“Use Is Beauty” celebrated time by recognizing beauty as an aftermath of use. Justin Squier transforms found objects into mixed media sculptures by embracing uncommon characteristics and the additive process through which he combines textures, colors, and materials. Squier’s work is a unique melding of contemporary art and antiques that engages audiences of all ages and types.
An excerpt from Justin’s artist statement:
I am creating with the time of former people and honoring their existence by transforming the objects they discarded or left behind. The patinas, damages, and character of the found objects as well as the added movements, contrasts, and materials tell stories of use and importance.
Justin Squier, mixed media artist, Grand Junction, CO
Justin Squier is a mixed media artist and native of Colorado. Growing up in the western high desert instilled a reverence for history and provided a visual landscape of rugged character. Squier learned the joy of working with his hands at a very young age. Through jobs, an admiration of vintage automobiles, and antiques he gained a collection of skills that include welding and woodworking. His art appreciation developed young and was flourished by wonderful teachers throughout his schooling. He went on to receive his BFA from Colorado Mesa University with an emphasis in sculpture. There he also became a skilled draftsman and printmaker. He currently resides and creates in Grand Junction Colorado with his wife and two hound dogs.
Learn more about the artist at justinsquier.com
or on Instagram @justin.squier
Enjoy the artist talk recorded at the opening reception, First Friday, July 7.