When people think of sculpture, images of classical Greek statues like Aphrodite or the Discus Thrower usually come to mind.
Artists featured in the latest exhibit at the Maude Kerns Art Center have replaced these archaic ideas of sculpture with captivating, thoughtful works of art.
The exhibit, called “Weight and Float: Contemporary Sculpture,” highlights the work of Joey Azul, David Lindsay, Michelle Montjoy and Cathy Breslaw.
The sculptures are an eclectic mix of abnormal materials, political themes, fascinating patterns, intricate details and humor.
Breslaw, who resides just north of San Diego, creates large wall and floor sculptures with colorful mesh plastic, beads, wire and buttons.
Although Breslaw considers herself to have a painter’s aesthetic, she has experimented with many different types of art and materials.
She said she discovered plastic mesh in Southeast Asia, during a quest to create paintings without a surface.
“I fell in love with it, and though I did combine paint and mesh for a while, I quickly realized that the mesh had tremendous potential all on its own,” she said.
Breslaw believes her work addresses globalization with the idea of taking ordinary materials and making them into something beautiful.
In her artist’s statement, she said, “Transforming these ordinary materials from their intended commercial use to a piece of art not only reinvents the materials used, but is also a metaphor for the perpetual morphing of other global cultural changes reflected and challenged by the integration of political, religious, social and economic ideas, beliefs and standards.”
Instead of working on individual pieces, she likes to create art in a series, which usually includes three to seven pieces.
She draws inspiration from her spirituality and more tangible mediums like museums, galleries and magazines.
Breslaw has been exhibiting professionally since 1992 and recently completed an master of fine arts in painting.
Breslaw said her current focus is pursuing quality venues that support contemporary art.
“I was impressed with the Eugene area and liked what I saw on the website of the art center,” she said.
“I think all communities across the country should be exposed to what contemporary artists are doing and I applaud the Eugene community and Maude Kerns for pursuing that purpose.”
Breslaw does not view the art she creates as a form of therapy like some artists.
She said her art may not be related to art therapy but her work does produce a form of personal healing.
“It is the experimentation with dissimilar manufactured materials, manipulating them in unfamiliar and interesting combinations is what motivates my work,” she said.

Breslaw’s work will be on display in “Weight and Float” until May 16. A lecture exploring the exhibit will be offered on April 23.
“I am always humbled and happy when a quality art center like Maude Kerns wants to exhibit my work,” Breslaw said.
“I want my work to reach as many people as it can because I think provides a good example of how art can lift people’s spirits and it will engage them in a conversation about contemporary art.”
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