Little Rascals

ACME artists create some real characters for October

By: Lauren Hodges, journalist for Encore Magazine - October 7th, 2008

Why are children so drawn to cartoons, dolls and action figures? Since the time of the caveman, there has been evidence of animated drawings and handmade figurines, designed to keep their creators company. Of course, those lucky enough to carry this love into adulthood know that the magic of a playmate, drawn or handheld, is rooted mainly in the element of fantasy.

“My work is experimental, playful and whimsical,” British painter Michelle Connolly says. “My love of humor is evident in the open-mouth figures in my paintings, [which] could be laughing or screaming, walking a fine line between sanity and insanity.”

Some of Connolly’s favorite, and most famous, subjects are emus. Each subject in a Connolly painting, human or not, is required to be caught in a dramatic moment, whether the moment is surprising, hilarious or maddening.“I just like to paint things that make others laugh or smile,” she says.

The emotions of her subjects, however, are more than just entertainment for her viewers; they are an outlet for the artist, as well. “‘The ‘Screaming Emu’ is how I felt at the end of the day when I realized I had burnt the dinner—again!” she says.

Nothing inspires her more than the drama involved in being a performer of any kind: theater, comedy, dancing, singing and even showing emotion. Some of her more recent works have been focusing on the men in her life, specifically those who perform.

“It all started with some portraits I had done of a few British comedians,” Connolly, who paints from her studio in ACME Art Studios on North 5th Street, says. “I was reminiscing on my British background and having a laugh! It developed from there.”

The resulting collection has cameos from the likes of Peter Sellers, as well as some more localized figures. “There are a number of theatrical-type themes inspired by my social life, my children, music, theatre and [much] more,” she says. Paintings entitled “A Night at the Reel Café” and “Friends at Folks Café” represent her local social scene, while works such as “Little Rascals,” “Naughty Boy” and “Rory the Cowboy” are loving portraits of her playful sons, who perform for her on a daily basis. Connolly’s love of theatrics and theater itself can be seen in works such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Dance Me to the End of Love.” “I am inspired by many things,” she says. “My children, daydreams, happy accidents, the responses to my artwork, and laughter, just to name a few. My British background has provided me with a profound appreciation of comedy and irony. ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ is the Connolly philosophy.”

Some subjects tend to be a little more random. “I came across an image of an Israeli man laughing,” Connolly says. “He was 125 years old, according to the reference. I was just drawn to the image and the one tooth!” She has made a few paintings inspired by the man, who some might argue is certainly performing for the camera, as she believes his spirit contributes to the delightful hysteria of her work.

Though few artists match the uproarious frenzy of Connolly’s paintings, she has found kindred spirits in the walls of ACME. One in particular is mixed-media sculptor Sandra Ihly. “Sandra and I first met when I joined the ACME group of artists last year after moving to U.S. from Australia,” Connolly, whose sons were born in Sydney, notes. “I am a big fan of Sandra’s work; there is a story behind every piece of hers. I think we are on the same wavelength.”

Ihly specializes in found-object sculptures, starring pieces like Barbie dolls, amplifiers, old irons and birdhouses. “Sandra has got some great assemblage works that incorporate dolls,” Connolly shares excitedly, explaining the playful tie-in with her own guy-friendly work. “We’re going to be doing a show together: ‘Guys and Dolls!’”

Theater-obsessed even in the titles of her personal art shows, Connolly puts the final dramatic touches on her exhibit with Ihly at ACME Art Studios. “We are almost done hanging everything.” She proudly points to walls of the space, which have come alive with her hollering, open-mouthed subjects and Ihly’s come-hither dollhouses made of household supplies. “It’s going to be a great show with lots of dramatic works—some more serious than others—and we hope to capture the imagination of the viewers and let them be entertained by the art.”

Connolly and Ihly present: “Guys and Dolls” on Friday, October 10th, with an opening reception from 6-9pm at ACME Art Studios, 711 N. 5th Ave. Call 910-763-8010 for more information or visit ACME’s blog at www.acmeart711.blogspot.com to learn more about the artists.