The Widlund Gallery at Tannery Pond Center presents: “A Family Affair” by Anne Glazebrook, Josephine Glazebrook and Tess Barbato
Tuesday | November 26 - Saturday | January 4
Reception: November 30 | 4:30-6:30 PM
Gallery Hours: Tues – Fri, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sat, 12:00 - 4:00 PM | additional hours by appointment
A Family Affair - This show is called a 'Family Affair' to highlight the emergence of the creative drive in our family that we know exists only as far back as our grandfather, who was a painter and writer. Out of the 4 grandchildren, Anne and Josephine are the only two who have been driven to create and out of the 5 great grandchildren, Tess seems to be the only inheritor of this trait. Will it emerge again in the great, great grandchildren? Time will tell.
Tess Barbato
Artist Statement: In my latest series, I explore the complex interplay between life, decay, and materialism. Through three distinct yet interconnected themes—paintings of fruits, dried plants and seed pods, and representations of money—I examine the contrasts that define our human experience: abundance and decay, vitality and corruption, nature and greed.
The paintings of fruit evoke themes of life and fertility, symbolizing abundance, nourishment, and growth. Yet, these fruits are painted not just as symbols of nature’s bounty, but as fleeting moments in time—reminders of how quickly beauty and vitality can fade. In contrast, the dried plants and seed pods represent the inevitable process of decay, where life is transformed into something more fragile and ephemeral, yet no less rich in form and texture. These objects, once living, now carry an energy of quiet resilience and a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles.
Amidst these natural forms, I introduce money—an object often associated with power and greed. Painted as symbols of corruption, money disrupts the natural order, representing the darker side of human nature. In this juxtaposition, I invite the viewer to reflect on the destructive forces of materialism and the way in which the pursuit of wealth often overshadows or distorts the natural world and our connection to it.
Anne Glazebrook
Artist’s Statment: bout the beauty of the world. As a photographer, I’ve tried to not just frame a moment but a feeling. Sometimes a perfect photograph is just there and if by chance you have the camera, voila! But mostly, it’s a hunt for the perfect shot which requires patience, time, and the light that’s just right.
The Nikon cameras used have changed over time. Back in the day, Velvia was the film of choice and some photos were taken with a large format camera. Today the camera used is digital. In all cases, the photos are shot without filters and minimal manipulation.
A deep creative drive exists in my family. In our immediate family we have authors, poets, painters, photographers, potters, and gardeners. In our own way, we have all tried to express the beauty we find in the world. Peace.
Josephine Glazebrook
Artist’s Statement: After making pottery full time for almost 40 years, I still find myself entranced by the dynamic and transformational processes that are involved in the making of a pot. Throwing the clay (the term comes from the Old English word, thrawan which means to 'twist or turn"), requires a delicate balance between control of technique and letting go. The same balance is required when the pottery is put to the 2200 degree heat of the kiln where the pottery transforms from a dull, delicate vessel into a vibrant, durable and hopefully cherished presence in the home. As much as I am fascinated by the glazing process and potential for endless experimentation, it has always been the raw, unadorned shape that compels me to continue refining my forms. A graceful and elegant form can evoke a sense of serenity which I do not entirely understand but which reflects the mystery of the pottery process and more generally, the mystery and necessity of the often overlooked creative drive. Talent is important but without the creative drive, the talent will lie dormant.
