Artist Linda Hall’s latest exhibition, Surface Tension, currently on display at the Thomasville Center for the Arts, is a testament to the versatility and depth of her work. As we sat down to discuss her latest creations, it became clear that Hall’s process is not just about creating art, but about exploring the human experience.
“Intellectually I understand my work in one way and just intuitively, I understand it in a different way,”
Hall said, highlighting the complexity of her creative process. This dichotomy is reflected in her work, which seamlessly blends traditional techniques with unconventional materials and themes. Hall’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in textiles, a medium she finds both alluring and liberating. “I just love the materials,” she said, “I’m comfortable with them. They are materials that belong outside of the academy. You know, they’re not traditional art materials. So there’s no rules.”
The exhibition features a range of Hall’s works, from wearable art pieces to sculptures and performance art. At the forefront of the show is her series of Anxiety Masks, created during the pandemic years. These masks are not just aesthetically striking but also serve as a symbol of resilience and coping mechanisms.
- For Hall, creating the Anxiety Masks was a therapeutic outlet during a time of great uncertainty.
- The masks are a testament to her ability to find beauty in the darkest of times.
- Each mask is a unique representation of the artist’s emotional state, with intricate details and textures that reflect her inner world.
The Anxiety Masks were inspired by Hall’s experience watching Nick Cave’s exhibition in Jackson, Mississippi, before the pandemic. She was struck by the way Cave’s soundsuits were made from thrift store materials, reflecting his deep connection to African roots. Hall saw an opportunity to create her own wearable art that would provide a sense of safety and protection.
Hall’s work is not just about creating objects but about telling a story. Her use of quilted fabric, sourced from thrift stores and antique shops, adds an extra layer of meaning to her art. “I go to thrift stores, antique stores. Friends give me quilts that are falling apart that their grandmother gave them and they don’t know what else to do with them. A lot of times I’ll start with a quilted fabric that is not a handmade textile; that’s going to go underneath. And I sort of let it evolve as it wants to go. I just look at the materials that I have.”
The masks are a small part of Hall’s larger body of work, but they showcase her ability to find beauty in the darkest of times. As she said, “If more people are like us, this is going to be a very productive four years for a lot of people.”
Hall’s creative process is one of experimentation and exploration. She often starts with a form, such as a cast of her head, and then wraps it with fabric, adding embellishments and textures. “Usually what I do is I will take a form that is already made, like a cast of my head,” she explained. “I’ll wrap it with fabric, like quilted fabric, so that I’ll have something pretty, that I could then put back on later. After I take the form out, I put it on and then cut my eyes out and embellish the surface, so it gives me a very flesh-like sort of heavy surface where I can really add a lot of embellishment to it, that kind of quilted fabric.”
The exhibition at the Thomasville Center for the Arts runs until June 6, 2025. If you’re interested in exploring the depth of wearable art, be sure to visit Surface Tension, Linda Hall + Becki Rutta. As Hall said, “It’s evidence that these feelings were felt.” The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to process and reflect our emotions, and Hall’s work is a shining example of the human experience. Do not miss this opportunity to witness the beauty and depth of Hall’s art. As we walk through the exhibition, we are reminded that art is not just a reflection of the artist’s work, but also a reflection of the world around us. Get ready to be inspired by Linda Hall’s Surface Tension.
Artist Linda Hall’s latest exhibition, Surface Tension, currently on display at the Thomasville Center for the Arts, is a testament to the versatility and depth of her work. Hall’s work is not just about creating objects but about telling a story. After I take the form out, I put it on and then cut my eyes out and embellish the surface, so it gives me a very flesh-like sort of heavy surface where I can really add a lot of embellishment to it, that kind of quilted fabric.”
The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to process and reflect our emotions, and Hall’s work is a shining example of the human experience.