BFA Exhibition in Painting by Jodi O’Hara – “The Flyers: A Symbology of Hope”

Painting by UNC Asheville BFA student Jodi O’Hara will be featured in a new exhibition, The Flyers: A Symbology of Hope, on view Oct. 18-29 at RAMP Studio Gallery, 821 Riverside Dr., Asheville. An opening reception will be held in the gallery from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. Admission is free to the reception and the exhibition. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends, with evening and weekend entry through the French Broad Chocolate Factory entrance at RAMP.

Artist Statement by Jodi O’Hara

This body of paintings explores the abstract concept of hope. All of the images for this series involve the symbolism of flight, as flight indicates travel and the anticipation of passage. I find hope and flight to be similar in that they both produce a shift in perspective. However, the most distressing aspect surrounding the presence of hope is that hope does not exist without the company of pain. Its existence is an outgrowth from sorrow. But, the great news is that the nature of hope pertains to a future good and a desire for an alternate outcome. Hope is a magnificently creative force that does not rely on having direct answers to problems, but instead acts as momentum for the solutions to transpire. Similarly, my process for creating involves a balance of planning and a large amount of trust in the unknown.

I purposely leave room in my paintings for spontaneity, because I find that not planning the image in its entirety creates both difficulties but also triumphs as I figure out solutions to compositions.  Most of my images revolve around something I refer to as an anchor – it is the thing that gives the painting weight and direction. They are the representational components found within the work.  This anchor is drawn on the canvas prior to painting and is intentional in subject and placement. Having this facet in place allows me the freedom to explore the rest of the canvas freely through color and form. The inclusion of non-representational elements that are found surrounding the anchor exists as an atmosphere for interpretation by the viewer. I build up many layers of thin oil paint to indicate history and to reveal a conversation about past experiences, encouraging the audience to draw from their own understanding. I believe there is an aspect of ambiguity to my work that mirrors that of hope.