Ramifications is an exhibition of selected works of Avery Jade and Stephen Homer. Avery and Stephen are BFA candidates at Kansas City Art Institute whose works explore the intersections between humans, nature, and our constructed environments through the mediums of clay, printmaking, fiber, and photography. As studiomates they have been in constant dialogue for the last two years about ideas and techniques, sharing material explorations and creating related but individually unique styles that marry well in conversation with each other.

Avery is interested in how global society has never before been so interconnected personally, culturally, and economically. That overwhelming rage or sorrow or helplessness that one might feel after reading the news is grief, we are mourning our notions for how we think the world should work. Avery is exhibiting wall tiles that explore the grief within the intersection of our urban environments and our natural world. Other works on view include a sculpture reminiscent of mountains that explores resource use and management, a large hand woven rug crafted on a hundred year old loom while in Mexico, and a linocut octopus print inspired by Minoan pottery. 

Stephen’s works include an installation of planted ceramic pylons that explore the persistence of nature within our urban spaces, a large sculpture of a human head that is encrusted with coral and algal forms, a moon jar with textures inspired by cliff faces and shale deposits, a sculpture combining elements of terrestrial plants, fungus, and aquatic life, a large sculptural piece investigating the degradation of our cities, waste and resource usage, and a free hanging sculpture inspired by a visit to the local Kauffman Memorial Garden and the plants within. In addition they will exhibit a series of abstract photographic prints which utilize intentional camera movement and digital layering of domesticated and wild plants and sub/urban landscapes.