Present Perfect, 2024

Edward Lane McCartney
Artist Statement | "Present Perfect, 2024"

The present perfect tense is one of the common verb tenses in English, used to show an action that happened in the past that is directly related to the present, such as actions that are still continuing or that indicate a change over time. In "Present Perfect, 2024," I invite you to journey through the tapestry of my artistic evolution, a kaleidoscopic narrative woven from the threads of time and memory. This exhibition is not merely a retrospective; it is a testament to the enduring dialogue between creation and creator, a testament to the fluidity of expression that transcends temporal boundaries.

Curated with meticulous care by the discerning eye of Yvonne Garcia and her astute associate, Jayni Karsan, this collection encapsulates the essence of my artistic journey. Through the mediums of collage, assemblage, the found object, jewelry, and wrought metal I explore the intersection of disparate elements, forging connections where none seem apparent. Each piece is a testament to the transformative power of juxtaposition, where fragments of the past coalesce into a vibrant mosaic of the present. From the mundane to the sublime, from the forgotten relics of yesteryears to the ephemeral whispers of tomorrow, many of the works in this exhibition are a testament to the beauty of impermanence.

As you traverse the gallery space, allow yourself to be swept away by the symphony of textures and colors, the harmonious discordance that resonates within each composition. Here, the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, offering glimpses into worlds both familiar and fantastical. "Present Perfect, 2024" is more than a mere collection of artworks; it is a celebration of the human experience in all its complexity. It is a reminder that, in the tapestry of existence, every moment is imbued with significance, every fragment a piece of the larger whole.

I invite you to join me on this odyssey through time and space, to embrace the beauty of the present moment and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond. For in the ever-shifting landscape of creation, there is magic to be found in every construction, every shard of broken glass, and every whisper of the wind. Welcome to “Present Perfect, 2024.”

Exhibition Dates: 
Saturday, May 18, 2024 to Saturday, June 15, 2024

Self Portrait, Necklace

"Self Portrait, Necklace", 2010, found costume jewelry, 20 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/2"

CC #2

"CC #2", 2017, paper collage, graphite, wax on artist panel, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1/2" / f.s. 9 x 11 x 1 1/2"

Up Mobile

"Up Mobile", 2021, bronze, copper, brass, white oak, 12 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 6"
"Up Mobile" (detail), 2021, bronze, copper, brass, white oak, 12 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 6"

Handyman

"Handyman", 2010, necklace: sterling silver, wood, brass, 17 x 2 x 1 1/2"

Measured

"Measured", 2021, wall mobile: brass, aluminum, bronze, found objects, 16 x 44 x 4"
"Measured" (detail), 2021, wall mobile: brass, aluminum, bronze, found objects, 16 x 44 x 4"
"Measured", 2021, wall mobile: brass, aluminum, bronze, found objects, 16 x 44 x 4"
"Measured", 2021, wall mobile: brass, aluminum, bronze, found objects, 16 x 44 x 4"

Architectural Bangle Box

"Architectural Bangle Box", 2004, sterling silver, brass, copper, acrylic sheet, 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 4"

Ceremonial Tea

"Ceremonial Tea", 2014, Twinning's Earl Grey tea bags, glass, aluminum, 7 x 7 x 1 3/4" / f.s. 12 x 12 x 4"

Water Water...

"Water Water...", 2024, ring: sterling silver and plastic water bottle, 2 x 2 x 2", size 7 1/2

Splash

"Splash", 2024, earrings: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 3 x 1 x 1/8"
"Splash" (shown with "Rain" necklace), 2024, earrings: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 3 x 1 x 1/8"
"Splash" (shown with "Bud Vase" stickpin and "Rain" necklace), 2024, earrings: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 3 x 1 x 1/8"

Rain

"Rain", 2024, necklace: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 10 x 6 x 1/8"
"Rain" (shown with "Splash" earrings), 2024, necklace: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 10 x 6 x 1/8"
"Rain" (shown with "Bud Vase" stickpin and "Splash" earrings), 2024, necklace: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, 10 x 6 x 1/8"

Bud Vase

"Bud Vase", 2024, stickpin: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, brass, nickel, 6 x 2 x 1/8"
"Bud Vase" (shown with "Rain' necklace and "Splash" earrings), 2024, stickpin: UV resin, monofilament, sterling silver, brass, nickel, 6 x 2 x 1/8"

Limberjack

"Limberjack", 2023, ebony, copper, sterling silver, brass, 10 x 9 x 5"
"Limberjack", 2023, ebony, copper, sterling silver, brass, 10 x 9 x 5"

Salt and Pepper...

"Salt and Pepper Shakers and Caddy", 2005, sterling silver and 14K yellow gold, 8 x 5 x 2"

Ball Pendant Necklace

Ball Pendant Necklace, 2007, sterling silver and satin cord, 18 x 2 x 2" (Prickly Series)

Radial Gothic

"Radial Gothic", 2012, neckpiece: hand-cut sheet acrylic and sterling silver, 13 x 13 x 1/8"

Elixir

"Elixir", 2023, ring: 14K and 18K yellow gold, brown cubic zirconia, size 6

Lure Object Series,...

"Lure Object Series, Sensor", 2003, sterling silver, ebony, acrylic, 15 x 3 x 3"
"Lure Object Series, Sensor" (detail), 2003, sterling silver, ebony, acrylic, 15 x 3 x 3"
"Lure Object Series, Sensor" (detail), 2003, sterling silver, ebony, acrylic, 15 x 3 x 3"
"Lure Object Series, Sensor" (detail), 2003, sterling silver, ebony, acrylic, 15 x 3 x 3"

Chromatic Interference #3

"Chromatic Interference #3", 2015, wood, paper, cardboard, 47 ½”x 23 ½” x 2 ½”

By the Pricking of My...

"By the Pricking of My Thumbs…, Chalice", 2020, double-walled vessel: angle raised and hollow formed nickel, electro-formed copper with 24K gold gilding, etched nickel, papier-mâché and painted rock form, brass, Honey Locust thorns, 12 1/2 x 8 x 8”
"By the Pricking of My Thumbs…, Chalice" (detail), 2020, double-walled vessel: angle raised and hollow formed nickel, electro-formed copper with 24K gold gilding, etched nickel, papier-mâché and painted rock form, brass, Honey Locust thorns, 12 1/2 x 8 x 8”

The Ossified Man

"The Ossified Man", 2012, paper collage on board, 4 x 4" / f.s. 12 x 15 x 1 1/2"

Restorative #2

"Restorative #2", 2015, reclaimed building materials, wood, copper, brass, stainless steel, sterling silver, 4 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2"

Gyre

"Gyre", 2015, wood, shell glass, 21 ½” x 21 ½” x 4 ½”

The Promethean Towers

"The Promethean Towers", 2002, candlesticks: copper, brass, sterling, glass, 18 x 2 1/2 x 2 1/2"

Sold Inventory

Shell Necklace

"Shell Necklace", 2003, sterling silver and unknown found silver-grey beach shells (OBX, NC), 24 x 1 x 1"

Prickly Pear, Necklace

"Prickly Pear, Necklace", 2007, sterling silver and garnet, 20 x 3 x 3" (Prickly Series)
"Prickly Pear, Necklace" (detail), 2007, sterling silver and garnet, 20 x 3 x 3" (Prickly Series)