Shelby Woods
Waltzing Atoms: Fur Moon
by Geraldine Boyle
"Naturally, we were all there—old Qfwfq said—where else could we have been? Nobody knew then that there could be space. Or time either: what use did we have for time, packed in there like sardines?"*
Fur moon is a new sculptural piece by Shelby Woods developed from a larger body of work which draws on the ancient philosophy of panpsychism, a philosophy contending that consciousness or at least some form of unconscious mentality exists in every single particle in the universe and has done, always.
Like the fur moon this doctrine is shorn by Occam’s Razor, a rule of logic broadly stating that the simplest explanation (with the least hypotheses) will often be the correct one. Panpsychism cannot be physically observed or tested so in other words the theory cannot stand up to science. However the problem of causality, mind and matter continues to present a quandary. Is mind a property of all matter, is it separate, a distinct emergence or is it merely an abstract notion arising from complex physical interactions and development?
Whether or not we consider panpsychism a viable worldview it is a tantalising idea presenting a chance to think magically especially when we are alone or when reason appears to fail. On a personal level, we can all recognise allusions and representations of it in the everyday personification of objects. It is common for children to think that a certain teddy bear can understand their confidences. We might wonder what stories the walls or an old sofa could tell if it were capable of speech. When a computer fails, we think it must have a certain vendetta against us. Even the moon, (characteristically watchful, stoical and lonely) is endlessly serenaded and mythologised. It is friend to the heartbroken, the romantic and the sleepless.
Objects, particularly those found in nature are easily imbued with personality and intent. While this is by no means a proof of underlying panpsychism Woods would like us to ruminate on these ideas and to decide how much we can accept. If nothing else what is our connection to things, possessions and the natural world?
Come in, sit down and gaze at the fur moon...
Geraldine Boyle
Shelby Woods (b. Tulsa, 1987) is a visual artist based in Belfast. Her practice often involves the production of small, intimate and familiar objects enlivened and given narrative through titling. Common to her work are elements such as glass, fur, water, resin and reclaimed occasional furniture. Woods has recently completed a Master of Fine Art at University of Ulster, Belfast. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma. Woods has exhibited throughout Ireland, Europe and America. Selected exhibitions include Every One Thing at Platform Arts, Belfast, Void Volume at Galway Arts Centre and Sunshine & Precipitation/De La Pluie de Beau Temps, la Station, Nice. Woods has also exhibited independently at Catalyst Arts and Queen Street Studios, Belfast.www.shelbywoods.info/
Geraldine Boyle Curator based in Belfast.
* Italo Calvino, All at One Point from Cosmicomics
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Shelby Woods (b. Tulsa, 1987) works in Belfast. Woods has recently completed a Master of Fine Art with distinction at the University of Ulster. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma.
Woods has exhibited in Europe and America. She has exhibited throughout Ireland and Europe. Selected exhibitions include Every One Thing at Platform Arts, Belfast, Void Volume at Galway Arts Centre and Sunshine & Precipitation/De La Pluie de Beau Temps, la Station, Nice. Woods has also exhibited independently at Catalyst Arts and Queen Street Studios, Belfast.
Education
2012 Master of Fine Art, University of Ulster, Belfast
2009 BFA of Fine Art, University of Oklahoma, Norman
2007 Study abroad, University of Hertfordshire, Greater London
Selected Exhibitions
2014 Palimpset, Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast
2014 Scope Art Fair, New York
2013 2 Days Dust, Rehearsal Room Ps2, Belfast
2013 Somewhere to 3D [Solo], Platform Arts, Belfast
2013 Waltzing Atoms: Fur Moon, Household, Belfast
2013 Precursor, Catalyst, Belfast
2012 Crystalline, Millenium Court Arts Centre, Portadown, Northern Ireland
2012 Animals Everywhere, Westport Arts Festival, Westport, Ireland
2012 Immaterial Material, Queen Street Studios, Belfast.
2012 Master of Fine Art Final Exhibition, University of Ulster, Belfast
2012 Sunshine & Precipitation/De La Pluie de Beau Temps, la Station, Nice
2012 We had to trap it (because it looked delicious), Catalyst Arts, Belfast
2012 Line of Scrimmage, University of Ulster, Belfast
2011 Void Volume, Galway Arts Centre, Galway
2011 Every One Thing, Platform Arts, Belfast
2010 Station Project Three, Queens Street Police Station Belfast
2010 Christmas 200, Canvas Gallery, Belfast
2009 Hello, it’s me, Flad Studio, Berlin, Germany
2009 Capstone, Lightwell Gallery, Norman, OK
2006 The Nature of Paradox, Artifacts, Tulsa, OK
2006 Momentum, Living Arts, Tulsa, OK
Grants, Awards and Residencies
2012 Support for the Individual Artist Programme, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
2011 Digital Arts Studios Residency, Belfast
2009 Outstanding Senior Award, University of Oklahoma School of Art
2006 Oklahoma State Superintendent’s Award for Art