Show runs until March 20 2005
Hygienic Art Galleries 79 Bank Street New London CT

On February 19th from 7pm to 10pm The Hygienic Art galleries will present the work of Co-op member Liz Larson and guests Denny Rivera, Sgott Mackenzie and Jessica M. Thornton. The show entitled Human Terrarium is a concept fashioned by Hygienic resident Liz Larson. Working with the help of Karen Krohn of the West Farms Land Trust, the show has presented an opportunity to bring together not only local artists but also a chance to help and protect our irreplaceable land. A portion of proceeds will go directly to the West farms Lands trust to help preserve the character of our environment. Working with the complex elements and subtle beauty of the natural terrain Human Terrarium aims to present the relationship and connective tissue between humanity and its land.

Liz Larson has been working with nature as a means for personal and spiritual growth. Using paint and print as her medium, Larson has used this opportunity to explore the element of nature as it relates to her human experience. Working to understand the natural pattern of trees and their complexity, she aims to present the connection of trees to the human form.

Denny Rivera originally from New London currently lives in New Haven CT. Using elements of graffiti Rivera ‘s paintings are urban inspired street scapes highlighting the human portrait. Rivera's work, largely influenced by the work of Basquiat presents colorful and expressive images capturing a familiar human reality. Rivera's work colorfully mastered and expressionistic exemplifies his awareness to feeling and human struggle.

Sgott Mackenzie, from Detroit Michigan is currently living in New London. Mackenzie know for his metal work and paintings, has used Human Terrarium as an opportunity to display combinations of metal and wood burned images focused on the visual realities of crop circles and there sacred geometry. Mackenzie says the who and why of the crop circle is not his main concern. He believes that the formations represent valid information to be considered in the visual realm as it appeals to a deeper sense of understanding. It is in the revelations of math and beauty that these natural settings allow crop circles to touch human intuition.

J.M. Thornton who lives in New London and works as gallery manager at the Hygienic will present landscape inspired works focused on the vibrant possibility of color. Her work stems from a need to reconnect with nature in a way that proves impossible in the late winter months. Presenting a series of paintings and sculptural installations, Human Terrarium for Thornton has presented the opportunity to encourage a vibrant environment inspired by nature at a time when any form of color is greatly appreciated. This project for Thornton was an escape from the cold into the warmth of color.