Field of vision: contemporary jewelry and hollowware

This exhibition featured works by a select group of US and international professional and emerging artists, to reflect current diversity of practice and heightened creativity in the field through with diverse interpretations of concept, process, material and form. They were Jamie Bennett, Julie Blyfield, Helen Britton, Sharon Church, Marilyn da Silva, Arline Fisch, Mirjam Hiller, Bruce Metcalf, Tom Muir, Joan Parcher, Jacqueline Ryan, Helen Shirk, Vera Siemund, Kiff Slemmons, Christina Smith, Billie Jean Theide and Robert Baines. Baines presented associated lectures, (Oct 12 and 22) and participated in a panel discussion. 'The jewellery forms of internationally recognized artist Robert Baines on display during Field of Vision all have one idea in common: to re-imagine the 'experience of red.' Titled REDEVENT-REDLINE, Baines' work at SoFA Gallery pushes traditional concepts of jewellery and asks viewers to consider what types of 'structured values' are implied in these forms built entirely from wire. Baines describes the resulting patterns of wire as 'a repetition of line and space' lacking any 'conscious historical references.' 'Baines is perhaps so recognized around the world due to his delicate balancing of aesthetics, technique and insight. His works on exhibit at Field of Vision are no exception.' (www.indiana.edu/~sofa/news/robert-baines-redefines-red-at-sofa-gallery) Field of Vision was seen as the most significant Metalsmithing show at Indiana University since the Alma Eikerman Retrospective exhibition held at the Museum in 1985.