June 2022

The Butterfly Effect


The Butterfly Effect

About the Exhibition
“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?”
(Adapted from comments by Edward Lorenz in 1972)

Coming from different cultures and life experiences, Beverly Jacobs and Ann Phong found themselves addressing similar global issues from different perspectives. Both issues --- the ongoing pandemic and the disastrous global warming --- require worldwide cooperation to resolve. In their respective mediums of ceramic sculpture and mixed media paintings, their work begs the question: How can one individual’s actions impact the environmental and public health of people far across the globe?
The two artists share common themes, executed with contrasting presentations: Phong often uses vibrant colors and layers of acrylic paint with embedded objects to invite the viewers to come closer to discover the dark layers of the context in them. On the other hand, Jacobs’ ceramic sculptures suggest fragility, and, with their minimal surface treatment, are generally subdued in color.

Beverly Jacobs
“Some of my artwork is a serious examination of current issues; some of it is playful,” says Jacobs. “A touch of playfulness helps to draw the viewer into an in-depth examination of the issues being addressed, so that the viewer will ponder the topic.” And so it is with her ceramic sculptures in this exhibition. Some of the pieces evoke smiles, even as they address serious topics.
After earning a Ph.D. in physiology and working in the field, Beverly dipped her toes into art in her fourth decade of life and then became immersed in ceramics. Jacobs states, “My work is informed not only by artists such as Jean Arp, Alexander Archipenko, Henri Moore, and Constantin Brancusi, but also by the beauty of nature, my concerns about the world we live in, and my core beliefs.”
Website: www.beverlyjacobsart.com

Ann Phong
Ann Phong was born in Saigon, Vietnam and settled in Southern California in 1982. Ann received her MFA at CSU Fullerton ('95). She has actively exhibited in more than 200 solo and group exhibitions from California to Bangkok, Tokyo, and Canada. She currently teaches at Cal Poly Pomona University.
Phong states, “Existing on this planet is a privilege. Yet, we as humans consistently see it as a right. It is painful to witness the destruction of nature caused by human greed. It seems like the more convenient we make our lives, the more carelessly we deplete the earth’s resources. We should be making peace with mother earth instead of relentlessly devouring all she gives.”
Website: https://annphongart.com/ Instagram: @artist.annphong

About OCCCA, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art: www.occca.org
Founded by artists in 1980 and located in the heart of Santa Ana Artist Village, OCCCA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, dedicated to the pursuit of professional excellence in the arts, a constantly changing showcase for artists, educators, and community activists. OCCCA recognizes the importance of social engagement, global networking, intellectual exchange, critical dialogue, and the collaborative process. OCCCA presents exhibitions of contemporary art, along with concerts, performances, art classes, symposiums, and publications.
117 North Sycamore Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 - Phone: 714 667 1517
Gallery opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
emailinfo.occca@gmail.com.
Gallery hours for the Butterfly Effect:
Thursday, June 2, 2022: Opening Reception: 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from noon to 5 pm
Additional hours by appointment
orange county center for contemporary art • all images & content copyright © 2021