31st Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series Exhibition
Natalie Salminen Rude
in·ter·stice: (noun) a small intervening space
December 4, 2021- February 4, 2022
The artist Natalie Salminen
HANCOCK, MI Finlandia University Gallery will present the 31st Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series Exhibition featuring the artwork of Natalie Salminen Rude at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC), Hancock from December 4, 2021 to February 4, 2022.
An opening Zoom reception will be held on Thursday, December 9th at 7pm EST.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85740123384?pwd=VkxCVTVwck5PZzZKdTJYTFBYUHJxdz09
Meeting ID: 857 4012 3384
Passcode: 713269
An in-person closing reception for the artist will take place at the gallery on Thursday, February 3rd from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. with an artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
first fruits offering (scarcity poses as truth)
Annunciation, 2021, Encaustic, mixed media on panel, 8″ x 10″
Finnish American artist Natalie Salminen Rude will present an exhibit titled in·ter·stice: (noun) a small intervening space. Contemplative, multidisciplinary and inquisitive, Salminen Rude aims to identify and uncover the dehumanizing forces found within technology and systemization. What is to be done if we are too deeply steeped in a system that we depend on? What happens when we never stop long enough to think thoroughly through the possible ramifications of progress as a core value, as our new sacred
when we’re overthrown
values illuminated
please take directions
2019
Encaustic, hand drawn plat map artifacts, dried botanicals, 23kt gold leaf, quilting hoops
48″ x 72″
For Salminen Rude, an antidote lies in the re-humanizing of all things. A simple first step for her is more non-digital communication, through movement, word and image, in physical spaces. By use of antidotal and symbolic imagery, layered ideation, encaustic, oil, light and darks, and haiku (as “poetic assists” for conversation), Salminen Rude brings together an interstice for contemplation and conversation. Her desire is that viewers pay attention to and participate in their own inquiries and solutions. Through attention, dialogue and the art of breaking down the breakdowns, the re-humanizing of our world is still possible.
Salminen Rude is both an artist and a poet, with poetry and text playing a vital role in her practice. She works in a variety of mediums, employing oils, mixed media and encaustic in her paintings and sculpture. Her work explores and celebrates layered ideation, both physically and metaphorically.
life support systems
embedded in Earth’s design
the Lie says uproot
2021
Oil on canvas
30″ x 40″
Salminen Rude received a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2003 and currently resides in Duluth with her husband and three children. Prior to the pandemic of 2020, she maintained a brick and mortar studio and showroom called Studio Haiku. She teaches encaustic workshops both locally and internationally, exhibits, and facilitates discussions on spirituality, the art of haiku, and what it means to live as an artist within the context of commitment, family, and the humble rhythms of life.
human flourishing
are we paying attention?
extermination
(detail) 2019
Encaustic, hand drawn plat map artifacts, Japanese paper, ink, 23kt on birch panel
45″ x 48″
The 31st Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series Exhibition in·ter·stice: (noun) a small intervening space will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery through February 4, 2022.
The Finlandia University Gallery is located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.