Betty Branch catalog (6-21-23)) - Flipbook - Page 9
Betty Branch
A Retrospective
his comprehensive look at the expansive career of
beloved local artist Betty Branch is drawn from the
Taubman Museum of Art’s permanent collection,
private collectors, and the artist herself, examining the
evolution of Branch’s artwork and processes.
T
Branch began her art career in her mid-forties, earning both
her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Studio Art
from Hollins University. During her studies she discovered
that, while she was adept at painting and drawing, sculpture
was her primary passion. Branch’s output is prolific, and she
has created hundreds of artworks over the last four decades
ranging in scale from palm-sized fetishes to monumental
public sculptures.
It is most wonderful to be overtaken
by inspiration from inside oneself
to unhesitatingly respond,
saying: YES! YES! YES!
This is BEING IN THE MOMENT
Focused to one bright point of light
Untouched
By the time, circumstance, rules & expectations
Unfettered, unlimited possibility in
Eternity
This exhibition follows the trajectory of Branch’s career,
focusing not only on her exploration of female form, rites of
passage, and personal experiences metaphorically portrayed,
but on her mastery of a wide array of additive and reductive
sculpture in stone, fiber, wax, porcelain, and earthenware.
Branch’s rich history is featured through a large installation of
a portion of her studio including sketches, maquettes, tools,
clippings, and inspirational objects produced and collected
throughout her career, providing an intimate peek into the
brilliant mind of Betty Branch.
Driving — if for some distance — neither where
I’ve been
nor yet where I’m going — can produce
these white-light-peak-like moments of clarity.
Some very late-night alone-in-my-room (office)
when I have
slipped over into second or third wind —
mindlessness
sweet leaks from my subconsious — like
dreams
steeped in myth and metaphor and power —
spiritual power.
Betty Branch, 1990
Eva Thornton
Exhibition Curator and Former Assistant Curator
Taubman Museum of Art
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