Riley Nelson

Starbeam Presents: My Mess, A Three-Part Exhibition

July 28, 2022 - August 28, 2022

Reception July 27th

"My Mess is an exhibition of a variety of my creative works, consisting of three parts: film projects from my first year at Peck School of the Arts at UW-Milwaukee, a multimedia collection of artworks, and my crystal jewelry pop up, Riley’s Moon Rocks.

For me, experiences and feelings are very tactile, colorful and indescribable. In both film and physical works, I use an array of textures, colors, sounds, materials, imagery, poetry, and abstracted storytelling to attempt to embody experiences through sensations. The goal is to evoke a visceral reaction in audiences. The style of collection and reinvention with physical media came from my first semester in the film program. Learning to collect and recycle media and materials--that inspired me. I like to make a beautiful mess full of life, feelings, and imperfections.

Riley’s Moon Rocks was inspired by the beauty and mystic energy of crystals. I wanted to wear all the stones I had collected and after I made one, I couldn’t stop! Soon I had too many to wear, leading to Riley’s Moon Rocks, a small pop-up shop featuring my hand-crafted crystal jewelry and more!" -Riley Nelson

Eric Baillies

Looking Back to Inspire Tomorrow

September 9, 2022 - November 20, 2022

Gallery Night: November 4th 5pm - 9pm

Eric Baillies creates work using 19th century photographic technique as an intentional act which looks to the past to inspire and transfer that energy to others. Using methods and history from the beginning of photography, Baillies seeks to engage the viewer with a sense of wonder so that they may take part in the passion and energy that Baillies exudes in his work.

While the energy begins by pouring nitric acid (HNO3) onto 99.9% pure silver (Ag) creating a crystal called silver nitrate (AgNO3), Baillies does not need to execute this step, for it emits a toxic gas. The crystal created by this transformation is now dissolvable in water. When liquid silver nitrate comes in contact with organic material and light it turns back into a solid producing raw silver, as silver iodide.

The discovery of this reaction dates back to 1803, which predates the invention of photography by almost 40 years! It was largely through this discovery and the use of camera obscura that led to the invention of photography.

"Sharing my passion and methods of creating opens a connection with others sparking a renewed energy and sense of wonder, as if somehow the energy that is transferred from the chemical reaction and creation of my artworks gives time for reflection, meditation, and purpose so that I might communicate and open pathways for myself and others to find new ideas or enhance the creative self." -Eric Baillies, photochemist

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