DIVIDED
Sarah Michalik
September 25 - November 8, 2009
Opening September 24, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Robert Lehman Gallery @ UrbanGlass
Biography
Sarah Michalik has been passionately involved with glass as an artistic and sculptural medium for many years. In 2008, she received her BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts. Additionally, she has studied glass at Denmark’s Design School in Copenhagen, Denmark and at Alfred University in Alfred, NY. In 2008, she was the Jerry Raphael Metropolitan Contemporary Glass Group Fellow and was also awarded a residency at the Worcester Center for Crafts, New Street Glass Studio in Worcester, MA. Currently, Ms. Michalik is working at Luke Adams Glass, Diablo Glass School, and Noca Glass School in the Boston area. She has exhibited both nationally and internationally and continues to focus her work on current social issues.
Artist Statement
In the beginning, one cell becomes two, and two become four. Quickly they divide, flourishing into a mass of cells, revealing the brilliance of human life. This symphony of cell combinations produces not only the vast similarities but also the truly unique differences among us all. Though healthy humans can be created by some of these cells, others are not so lucky.
In this day and age, the need for advanced healthcare is extremely pertinent. Though modern medical procedures are on the rise, they are no match for cancer, AIDS, and the many genetic diseases affecting us today. Recently, contemporary medicine has been offering new ideas and possible cures through the use of stem cells, cell reprogramming, and cloning, yet these advances need to be pursued in greater depth to produce significant widespread results.
My desire to reference progressive medicine is fueled by its ability to enlighten people to the importance of the smallest parts of our bodies: cells. My interest has spawned from looking at singular, minute details, and reading a person like a book. Viewing the microscopic parts of our body through the naked eye magnifies the importance of these cells to life itself. My work is intended to bridge the gap between what is happening inside us all and how current medical practice is moving forward to aid the human race. I aspire to unite people through a small glimpse into the realm of modern medical science, and to highlight the need for increased funding in order to facilitate the survival of our growing population.
