'Personal Fences' by Sandra Starkey opens May 2 at Hillestad Gallery
Released on 04/27/2011, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Monday, May. 2, 2011, through May. 20, 2011
WHERE: Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, Home Economics Building, 35th Street nort of East Campus Loop [map]
"Personal Fences" opens May 2 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery. This exhibition unites two seemingly different ideas to form a connection. Designer Sandra Starkey, a master's degree candidate from Lincoln, looks twice to find a link between fences and handbags. Structures that we employ to define our personal space on a grand scale known as fences, are often similar to what we accomplish on a smaller scale with handbags.
The project was conceived while riding a bike path last summer. An avid collector of vintage handbags, Starkey began to establish a parallel between the two. Posing two seemingly unrelated objects, it became apparent to her that they possessed similarities that warranted further investigation. Starkey suggests that a handbag is like a personal fence. It contains and conceals, defines, protects and organizes intimate space. It conveys status and is a form of self-expression. Both handbags and fences embody a meticulously planned combination of aesthetics and function that satisfy a multitude of personal needs and requirements.
The outcome of this research is a line of contemporary handbags and exhibited in conjunction with photographs developed as part of her business minor. The designer manipulates leather, vinyl and chain mail to create three distinctly different mini-collections. Starkey's photography offers a journey to see local fences that inspire a unique interpretation of the handbag.
Starkey created "Personal Fences" as a part of her Option II thesis project under the direction of her adviser, Professor Barbara Trout. "Personal Fences" is on view through May 20.
The Hillestad Gallery is part of the Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design in the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences. The gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building on East Campus, on 35th Street north of East Campus Loop. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, call (402) 472-6370 or visit http://textilegallery.unl.edu.
WRITER: Wendy Weiss
News Release Contacts:
- Wendy Weiss, Director, Hillestad Gallery
phone: (402) 472-6370
Associated Media Files:
- "Fenced Dogs" features transparency with vinyl and hex mesh to achieve a whimsical bag and accessories featuring a dog print wristlet with dog collar strap. (photo: Bob Meier)
- "Leaves on a Chainmail Fence" is a detail shot of a bag that explores transparency and metal components on a small scale. (photo: Bob Meier)
- "Linked Tote" is a leather bag rich with surface design composed of linked units and utility inherent in the design. The bag can transport a small laptop. (photo: Bob Meier)