hristine Blair is interested in the ordering of the organic and how several parts create a whole. In creating her art she says, "the process is ritualistic and repetitive." The pieces in this exhibition are assembled, grid-like compartments that are cells composed of layers of wax paper and beeswax holding powdered spices, flowers, and woods. The specimen-oriented mixed media prints and works of paper investigate the repetitive patterns of both the inner cells and outer parts of plants with a focus on the senses, in particular touch and smell. Each work is presented like a specimen, hanging on metal clips or on long metal rods.

The handmade paper series Gathering, is made up of "tablets," which are put together like books. The pages have two rings sewn at the top; they move along steel rods by air currents produced by the viewer walking by which also causes the art's scent to be emitted. Many of the tablets have scent added by oils that correspond to the natural materials embedded in the paper. Light from above passes through the translucent handmade paper sheets, allowing color and shape to come through in varying intensities. The thin translucent sheets rustle like walking on fallen leaves. These tactile sheets are seductive, giving the implication of the sensuality of food and appetite, and create a strong desire to touch - perhaps to reveal a mystery, or simply to revel in the art. The art was produced at the Workspace Program at Dieu Donne Papermill, in New York City.

Blair received her M.F.A. from the Tyler School of Art. The artist also studied printmaking at Carnegie Mellon, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, the American College and Parsons School of Design in Paris. Blair was one of four national artists selected for the Workspace Program to produce new projects at Dieu Donne Papermill, where she also exhibited in Innovations and Explorations in Handmade Paper, curated by Margaret Matthews-Berenson. For a complete biography on the artist, please contact the Gallery.