The Art of Looking Within
Masters of Fine Arts candidates Amy Edler, Sarah Dexter, Nick Dwyer, and Iris Sutton are proud to present Within, an exhibition showcasing their diverse artistic explorations from January 13–31 at the UAF Art Gallery. An opening reception will be held Friday, January 17, from 5–7 p.m. This collaborative show brings together diverse interpretations of the shared theme "within," as each artist explores their unique perspective on identity, environment, and technology. These ideas are expressed through a variety of media, including ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and digital art.
The works featured in Within reflect a broad spectrum of artistic practices, each contributing a distinct voice to this unified theme. Amy Edler combines clay, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles to delve into the interplay between self, place, and emotions like power and safety. “These pieces focus on the body as a part of the natural world and how our relationship with our bodies can shape our perception of ourselves,” she explains. Through the use of woodblock printing and quilting, Edler reconnects with generational traditions, describing the process as “seeking joy and meaning.” She further reflects, “Creating art has served as a somatic process, allowing past, non-language-based experiences to flow through my body.”
"IUDs are safe and effective for up to two Presidential terms"
Sarah Dexter explores the relationship between the body and human experience through both three-dimensional and two-dimensional media. “At the heart of wearable items lies an outward expression of the unseen self within,” she explains. Her three-dimensional work with textiles and garmenting techniques allows her to physically engage with the object, while her two-dimensional printmaking provides a sense of separation, acting as a window into another dimension. Inspired by medical MRI imagery, Dexter’s printmaking becomes a means of navigating and coping with the contradictions and complexities of life’s journey.
The intersection of ancient ceramics and contemporary digital practices lies at the heart of Nick Dwyer’s work, which examines the profound impact of technology on human behavior and consciousness. Addressing themes such as smartphone addiction, dopamine-driven internet cycles, and AI’s influence, Dwyer reflects, “Through the lens of digital ceramic art, where pixels and clay converge, I explore the complex relationship between technology, human behavior, and consciousness in the 21st century. I focus on the impact of smartphone addiction, dopamine-driven cycles of the internet, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping our emotional and cognitive experiences.”
"Junco's Song"
The interconnectedness of humans and the natural world is a central theme in Iris Sutton’s art. Inspired by Alaska’s ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, her vibrant paintings and intricate wood-based works explore the delicate interplay of life and environment. “Sometimes I give each animal a different color to show its connections with those around it, its personality, its individuality, and the importance of each individual in the bigger ecosystem,” she explains. Her pieces often incorporate cross-sections of the earth or an animal’s interior, linking the visible with the hidden. Sutton reflects, “I enjoy connecting my work to place and strive to make it accessible and interesting to the young and old and from every sector of the community.” She encourages viewers to contemplate the delicate balance of the natural world, sharing, “I am continually struck with a combination of sadness, wonder, and curiosity by the fragility and complexity of our planet and its shifting systems.”
Together, the four artists offer an intimate and thought-provoking journey into their individual and shared explorations. Within invites visitors to reflect on themes of self, environment, and the evolving role of technology.
Experiential Learning Through Art Exhibitions
Exhibitions are a cornerstone of the Fine Art curriculum at UAF, offering students invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Both MFA and BFA students are required to present their thesis work in a gallery setting, showcasing their research and creative development. While Within is not a thesis show, the annual graduate student exhibition (with a unique theme each year) highlights the innovative and dynamic work being created by MFA students in the department.
Navigating the logistics of organizing an exhibition is a critical learning experience for students. Reflecting on her process, Iris Sutton advises, “In planning art exhibitions I think it’s really important to make cohesive work and plan ahead. Hang your show at least a couple days before the opening so you have time to deal with any hang-ups or things that need last-minute adjustments... and be as alert and well rested as possible for your reception.” She also emphasizes the value of early preparation: “I visit the space a couple months ahead of the show to start visualizing what and where my pieces might fit best.”
For undergraduate students preparing their own exhibitions in the future, the MFA artists stress the importance of thoughtful planning, spending time in the gallery space early on, and approaching the reception with energy and focus to fully engage with their audience.
About the UAF Art Department
The UAF Art Department fosters a vibrant community of creativity, innovation, and exploration. Offering studio areas in ceramics, digital art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles, the department provides students with the tools and mentorship needed to develop their artistic voices.
The MFA program stands out for its supportive environment and the opportunities it offers for artistic growth. “Being in the MFA program at UAF has allowed me time to invest in myself as an artist, to research the materials, processes, and themes behind my work,” says Amy Edler. “We have a wonderful faculty here who all bring different perspectives and skill sets to the program. I am free to work in a variety of mediums, am encouraged to push myself, and supported to explore new things.”
Sarah Dexter, who joined the program after earning her BFA in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration: “My time in the MFA program at UAF has allowed me to expand my artistic expression to various mediums and take advantage of the strong artistic community and wealth of knowledgeable mentors.”
For Nick Dwyer, the program has offered opportunities to grow as both an artist and educator: “At UAF I appreciate the mentorship of my professors. Recently, Miho Aoki, whom I co-authored a paper with, and I made an achievement that I am very proud of during my time here—also teaching my first classes as an instructor.”
Whether through exhibitions, research, or collaboration, the UAF Art Department provides a space where students can thrive creatively and academically, preparing them for successful artistic careers.
Amy Edler