Nicolas Africano

Born
1948 Kankakee, Illinois

“The work is seductive,…and yet it is indifferent. The work is vulnerable, as if it were confessing an ancient, obscure hurt….But then the work distances itself from the rawness of feeling…”

Curtis White, “Fire and Math”

“…it is simple in the sense that there is nothing subtle about the key, the tonic note. You know what it is. It’s right there. But it’s like the music can’t get to that note in the way it wants, in order to show how the note says everything that needs to be said, so instead the music lites on the note, but then takes off again. Then back to dancing and circling. It’s like when Rilke writes…

Don’t you hear my voice

surging forth with all my earthly feelings?

They yearn so high that they have sprouted wings

And whitely fly in circles around your face.

I think you’ve always been impatient with the need to “circle” the thing you want to see. All of those dancing notes. That’s why you like Arvo Part so much. He dares intimacy with the note, the precious thing, and he’s so indifferent to failing. I also think this is what you’ve always meant by “sincerity.” It’s a very important thing that art alone can do. It’s about revealing the soul, proving it. It’s as if your work says, “Can’t you see it” It’s right here! This gesture!” Actually, both the dancing and the intimacy have virtues. I have alway liked the dancing, but more and more I’m like you: I just want to sit in God’s lap for a minute.

Curtis White, June 2, 2021

Melanie Hunter

Born
1966 Jarrow, England

Education
B.A. in Studio Glass and Ceramics
Sunderland University, England

M.F.A. Glass Sculpture
Illinois State University

Studio Location
Normal, Illinois

Melanie Hunter has been working in the field of glass sculpture for over 25 years, and is the glass casting technician to artist, Nicolas Africano, assisting in the creation of glass and mixed media figurative sculpture since 1993.  She has developed specific techniques particular to glass casting and fabrication, creating substantial and diverse collections of work exhibited throughout the United States.  Concurrently, she maintains her own sculpture studio, creating mixed media sculpture and bespoke works by commission.