Shelly Salley

United States

“ Deliberate Ocean “

Enamel on copper

Much of my recent work falls under the inquiry of how spaces and places impact the way we think and interact with others. Us existing in spaces with fellow humans during times of celebration, hardships or fellowship stands as a testament of how we lead in this world.

Growing up in western Kansas I am inspired by my agricultural roots. Both my maternal and paternal ancestors’ farmstead to rural Kansas in the mid-1800s where they cultivated the land that still produces crops to this day. Small-town communities thrive on strong agriculture. This piece depicts the connection between the golden waves of wheat and the deep-rooted familial ties to the land.

This specific landscape captures the likeliness of my family’s farm located north of Liberal, KS. It holds consistent a memory of family gatherings, daily drives from our house into town and how everyone within an hour radius recognizes white barn with the name Salley boldly painted in red. Our “Deliberate Ocean” is a wheat field. Best time to experience the amber waves of grain is right before harvest in the summer months. When stems are high, the sounds and textures are reminiscent of those you would encounter by the sea. Living next to a golden ocean taught me to respect the land by understanding we are stewards of that space that provides nourishment."

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