Sometimes We Return
Opening Reception: First Friday, June 6th 6:00 - 10:00
Location: MaMO – South Lot of Petshop
2725 N. 62nd Street, Omaha, NE

Join us for the opening of Sometimes We Return, a new sculptural installation by artist Shelby Freehling. The exhibition opens Friday, June 6th as part of Benson First Friday and will be on view at MaMO, located in the south lot of Petshop Gallery.

Artist Talk: Saturday, June 7th

Artist Statement

"My work is equally about the process of reclaiming as it is about the action of making. I focus on creating sculptures that explore themes of excess, abundance, and proximity. I have a desire to make something complex and intentional out of something that was discarded or unwanted—playing on the irony that the new composition itself will eventually follow the same trajectory.

I often use raw materials, but find myself attempting to merge the organic compositions with synthetic ones. Natural spaces are where I find my place of solace and meditation. However, the amount of time spent in the woods or a forested park is rare. Instead, I get caught up in the day’s obligations and the balance of relationships. It is through the process of combining these two contrasting materials that I explore ideas of equilibrium and unbalance within my sculptural work.

In recent years I’ve become fascinated by how the weather affects the structures I make. I’ve hand-sewn harvested thistle flowers onto a coffee sack and watched as the flowers slowly dried out and lost their color. In a separate endeavor, I’ve cut and pushed roots through gridded wire, creating a bale-like form. These projects were left outside for their construction, and it was during the making of these sculptures I realized my interest in decomposition, assemblages, and installation work.

My goal is to investigate how individuals juggle the numerous roles we play in society. What happens when we get too caught up in one role—such as child, sibling, or partner—and lose balance in the others? What coping mechanisms—healthy or otherwise—do we find ourselves trying to use, for momentary or prolonged escapes? My intention is to focus on exploring these questions through my sculptural installations while being open to unknown potentials and opportunities."

— Shelby Freehling
shelbyfreehling.squarespace.com
@shelbyfreehling