Artwork copyright Cynthia Camlin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Cynthia Camlin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Cynthia Camlin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Cynthia Camlin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Open Monad, Section 4, 2005

Cynthia Camlin
(American, born 1960)

Location: Pioneer Elementary School, Shelton

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

In her “Open Monad” series, artist Cynthia Camlin wanted to break down natural forms and explore how crystals form or plants grow little by little, building on their cellular structures. She built a 4-foot plywood cube which she then cut into six pieces using irregular angles. She made each of these pieces into multi-sided paintings that are also abstract geometric forms and sculptural landscapes.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Dawna Holloway in May 2021 at Pioneer Elementary, in Shelton, Western Washington. Holloway’s focus is the mystery of this world we find ourselves in together. Art can show us the world around us, as well as new ways of looking. Art is a tool and a language to express our vision of the world. These art examples remind us that art and its expression is always available to all of us.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Pioneer School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Cynthia Camlin's art explores environmental and geological change, responding to patterns made by growth processes. Her artworks are abstract, and she works mainly in painting and drawing. Her art and teaching combine the study of art with discoveries in natural science, climate change, ecology, and biodiversity.

Camlin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University (North Carolina) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting at University of Texas at Austin. She is a professor of painting and drawing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Northwestern Washington.