In stark contrast to the 250th anniversary of America art exhibitions which dominate the art world this year, “Of All the Worlds We Could Have Dreamed” is a distinct diversion from that theme. Be ready to be introduced to a multi-layered, creative experience.
The artist. The “story.” The subject. The execution. All are unexpectedly delightful, different and distinctive. Enter Sam (Samantha) Modder, a 31-year-old Dartmouth grad who earned her BA in studio art and engineering, then went on for her MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently an assistant professor of art and design at the University of Tampa.
Working across pen, collage and digital media, Modder’s process begins with large, labor-intensive ball point pen drawings. “The ball point pen drawings are usually larger than life in size,” Modder said. “I scan the drawings at high resolution and then collage them together in the final composition.” The process of digital collaging allows her to duplicate and warp some of the drawings. Finally, the drawings are printed on three-foot-wide adhesive paper and installed piece by piece, creating murals designed in direct response to the space.