Friday evening February 6th I attended the opening reception for the exhibit “Miracles & Mirages” at Marion Cultural Alliance’s location at 23 SW Broadway in Ocala. The call to artist for the exhibit collaborated with the One Book/One Region (One Community) project which this year highlights Mirage by Cynthia Barnett. This book explores the issue of water resources and water conservation and thus, the subject of this call for artist and exhibit. Many artists submitted works in various media – oils, photography, works under glass (watercolors, pastels, etc.), sculpture, and mixed media. The 1st through 3rd place winners were announced that evening according to media. These winners are to be congratulated. Nevertheless, one work stood out, even though not a ribbon winner; it evoked the essence of the water resources and conversation issues.

Christie Gaskill’s Pull Me drew much of the attention than evening, selling as well.  Immediately I could not help but think of Duchamp’s Fountain from 1917. Ms. Gaskill’s work and its message, weather she intended it or not, is synonymous with the Dada movement and the use of “ready-mades.” Dada responded to the results of WWI by revolting against the spirit of traditional values and sought to shock and disrupts public complacency. Ready-mades also played into this concept by questioning traditional method of creating art by presenting works that utilized historically unacceptable techniques and materials. 

Gaskill did her homework, even beyond reading much of Barnett’s book. Some of the water resource and use statistics she learned went directly onto her porcelain canvas as well as her own commentary regarding water wastefulness in Florida and around the globe. She said she did not consider herself a “tree-hugger,” but was concerned about what would become of her son’s future. Gaskill also commented on the “looks” she received when she, on her own, carried her sculpture into the gallery. She was also quite proud of the gun on the handle and hoped the impression it and the depiction of the globe going down the bowl of the toilet made an impression on people.

Creativity that makes you stop, look twice, think, and perhaps even respond by acting differently – that is the real power of art. “Miracles & Mirages” is on view through the end of February and the Marion County Public Library headquarters is hosting a kick-off celebration of the One Book/One Community Program on February 21st at noon.