Samantha Nawrath Curates “Linework” at Wild Goose Creative

On Jan. 6, Wild Goose Creative presents Linework for its monthly gallery show, curated by Samantha Nawrath, a visual artist and Wild Goose Board Member. Nawrath was kind enough to answer a few questions about the the show for fellow Wild Goose Creative Board Member, Amanda Page.

Amanda: What’s the concept behind the show Linework?
Samantha: Linework is a survey of 12 different artists working with the concept of “line” in their current work. This exhibition intentionally samples several modes of 2D media including photography, collage, textile work, painting, drawing and printmaking.

Amanda: How did you come up with the name Linework?
Samantha: The definition of ‘line work’ according to the Oxford Dictionary is: “drawings or designs carried out with a pen or pencil.”

This definition restricts the maker to the materials of only pen, pencil and paper. Certainly there is ‘line work’ in drawings or designs, and they are not less important, but line is historically present in so many other practices: on walls, textiles, skin, earth, ceramics, film, computer screens.

I wanted to create a small exhibition around the idea of expanding the definition of ‘line work.’ Line acts as this simple, accessible conduit for bigger conversations, I wanted to create a platform for that to happen.

Amanda: What can people expect from the show? What will they experience?
Samantha: All of the works within Linework feature line, each leading up to a larger concept displayed over a wide range of media. Looking for “line” within a given work is a simple task, but it gives a jumping off point so that these larger conversations can be evaluated along with the aesthetics of the work. The opening for Linework will also feature pop-up shops from Ruhling Woven and Matt Massara, open from 7-10 p.m. on Jan. 6. Pabst Blue Ribbon was kind enough to sponsor this opening so we will be offering free beer from them, alongside other beverages and snacks!

Amanda: You curated the show for Wild Goose Creative. How did you get involved with WGC? What’s your background and interest in curation?
Samantha: I have a lot of really great friends and colleagues looking out for me here in Columbus. Lyndsie Macneer, who is on the Wild Goose hospitality committee, and I met a few years ago when we were both working in the Short North. About a year ago she introduced me to Heather Kyle, the current president of Wild Goose Creative. From there things just kind of fell into place, I am currently the curation lead and a board member at Wild Goose. I am very happy to be a part of the team! I am a year away from completing my BFA at Columbus College of Art & Design. I am one of a few students in the History of Visual Art & Cultural Studies program at CCAD, and I hold concentrations in curation and printmaking. I plan on pursuing a masters degree at the least once I finish my undergrad.

Amanda: What do you hope people will gain from seeing Linework?
Samantha: I hope that people will gain an appreciation for the lines within work, and the power that simple gesture holds, but I also hope that the viewer will gain an individualized experience from each of the works. All of the artists involved have something dramatically different to say about line through their work.

Catch the opening of Linework on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 7-10 p.m. at Wild Goose Creative. Wild Goose is a nonprofit community arts organization that provides space, education and resources to any artist in central Ohio. Wild Goose is where you go to be a part of the art. Check out the monthly gallery show on the first Saturday of every month. Learn more about the organization at www.wildgoosecreative.org, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.