We Are Upstate NY with Multi-Disciplinary Artist Extraordinaire Fay Wood

Inside+Out is pleased to present, Hudson Valley artist, Fay Wood. Sculptor, collage artist, painter and tapestry artist, Fay studied art and sculpture for over sixty years and exquisitely traverses the medium of her choice, resulting in a powerful body of work. She often incorporates found objects intrigued by textural and color qualities, dimension, social meaning or history that these objects add to her work.

“I’m inspired by the materials I work with (usually found objects); the touch, feel and intensity of them. The pleasure of working with a beautiful piece of wood, the visual impact of applied color, and the textures of fabrics; how I can imagine the ways to use them is intensely moving.”

Fay Wood’s work has been featured in group and invitational shows, and several solo exhibitions in the United States, Germany and Italy. She won the prestigious Proskauer Prize for her sculpture “Chanticleer,” at the National Sculpture Society and many of her pieces can be found in private and corporate collections. Today, Fay calls the Hudson Valley home and is were she continues to produce outstanding art. Let’s get to know Fay Wood and learn more about how she works.

Tell us about yourself and how you wound up in the Hudson Valley?

I was born in Egremont, Massachusetts. After moving over 20 times in 30 years (my husband kept getting better jobs) we could finally choose where we wanted to stay for a while, so we bought the Clove Church on Fishcreek Road. We enjoyed it so much we stayed 21 years – then we moved to the village.

Tell us about your career and your journey into the arts.

Do you have enough time? You are asking about 60 years. Much of the time after I left Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, until the 70s, I spent learning all I could about art, as I was not able to have gallery representation. At that time, I found out what discrimination against women was all about. Things improved when a group of women and I formed a co-op; we allowed men to join! That lasted 40+ years.

You work in many different mediums. What is your favorite?

I love them all, or I wouldn’t do them, but sculpture says it all for me.

Do you work on multiple mediums and projects at one time, or do you focus on one piece at a time?

Doing found object sculpture means that I have time to work on other mediums while I hunt for an object that will complete a sculpture I may be working on. So far, my curiosity has roamed from drawing to tapestry, oil painting, reverse oil painting on glass, and collage.

Tell us about your creative process – does it differ between mediums?

Of course. Usually, I need a method or material to move me, then I go in the direction it seems to be leading me.

Would you consider yourself a Renaissance artist?

No, I simply consider myself an artist. No gender, no labels – it allows more freedom to move.

Which artists inspire you and your work?

Wow! So many! Usually, someone who shows imagination, curiosity, and tenacity in their work.

Who are some of your favorite local artists?

Ruth Edwy, Loel Barr, Nancy Campbell.

What’s the biggest misconception about your work?

People tend to separate and try to identify the objects I use, instead of seeing the whole.

What are you working on now that you’re excited about?

A possible retrospective exhibition of my work.

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

The natural beauty and the art community, which has grown much larger in the 30 years I have lived here.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

All of them. They succeed; I succeed.

Who inspires you personally?

Survivors of our system.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

I have three great-grand children!!!

What would be your dream Staycation?

Having moved so frequently in my life, just going out to dinner is a staycation!

What is your current state of mind?

Contentment.

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Connect with Fay Wood Studio/Gallery >  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Inside+Out Member

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