Artist Showcases New Sculptures For Summer 2017 In Old Lyme

OLD LYME, CT - Chris Plaisted will open with new works in three locations this year from June through Thanksgiving, including Old Lyme. Plaisted is both a painter and a sculptor. whose work strives to challenge the imagination and everyday norms, according to a release.

His works focuses on forms of conflict. It may be in the concept (man vs. nature, social vs. emotion) or it may be the tension created by the use of contrasting materials. (To sign up for the Lymes breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“I connect with the juxtaposition of different materials, steel with copper and concrete, wood with metals," Plaisted said in a release. "I believe that the opposing materials, or colors in my work, intensify each element’s properties to produce a more dynamic form of expression.”

Born in New Hampshire from a creative family, his accomplished pastiche artist father and his award-winning tinsel folk artist grandmother were strong influences. Mary Ellen Plaisted, his aunt, has her oil paintings in galleries across the Carolinas.

Plaisted learned woodcarving and metal work at an early age. He received his education from Parsons the New School for Design, in New York City which launched a 15-year career as a graphic designer.

He has continued his true passion for painting and sculpture as well. Through the use of various media; steel, concrete, plaster and copper, he continues to push his ideas of self-expression.

Plaisted currently resides in New Milford with his wife, two children and Leonidas the dragon.

About the sculptures and upcoming exhibits:

“Anabasis” Steel 15’ x 18’ x 12’ – A large scale steel sculpture inspired by our march out of the sea.

• Opens June 1 through October 31 at Sculpturenow At The Mount, The Edith Wharton House, in Lenox, Massachusetts.
• Opening Celebration on June 11 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with a guided tour by exhibiting artists and reception on the terrace from 5 to 7 p.m.
• For more information about the exhibit: http://sculpturenow.org/current

“The Victorious Vine” Steel, Wood 16’ x 6’ x 6’ – A large sculpture of steel and wood inspired by nature's ability to overcome man's industrial violations.

• Opens June 5 through October 27 at The Summer Sculpture Showcase 2017 in Old Lyme.
• Opening reception on June 10 from 5 to 7 p.m.
• For more information about the exhibit: http://www.sculpturegrounds.com/info-1/

“Jack Was Optimistic” Steel, Copper, Aluminum 20' x 16' x 16’ – Started as a dark piece; knarly roots, black materials, but you could climb or see above all this to a brighter place. I like to use different materials, steel with copper and concrete, wood with metals and in this piece I have added nature. I hope the weather will intensify each element’s properties, spin the clouds, reflect off the globe, drip with rain, to produce a more dynamic piece.

• Opens August 13 through Thanksgiving 2017 (Pomona weekend) at Art In The Orchard in Easthampton, Massachusetts.
• Open all day during regular hours.
• For more information about the exhibit: http://www.parkhillorchard.com/art/press

Images courtesy Chris Plaisted