A “Sky Ear” Experience at The Fridge

Allegory Six. Radio Sebastian. Pen, acrylic paint, and acrylic medium on panel, 9″ X 12″ $600

Codie (part 1) Stephanie Williams. Wood, Fabric, Steel. 18 X 36″ $1000

A “Sky Ear” Experience at The Fridge

“Dance Of The Soramimi”

by Larry Janezich

Mishearing a word that sparks a creative leap to an unrelated idea is a common experience and is often the source of inspiration for poets and writers.  The Japanese name for the experience is “soramimi” – literally “empty ear” (according to Wikipedia) – or as three artists currently exhibiting at The Fridge more accurately translate it – “sky ear.”  The collaboration team of Radio Sebastian (Corwin Levi and Yumiko Blackwell) based in DC and Stephanie J. Williams of Virginia find inspiration in the experience to create visual soramimi.

Both Radio Sebastian and Williams reference childhood to explore the ways that what we see differ from what we experience.  Both use design to capture the attention.  Williams explores identity through soft sculpture sewn from cloth.  Radio Sebastian addresses the space between tranquility and anxiety in drawings and prints using mixed media.

Williams is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art in the Foundations Department at James Madison University and has shown her work nationally and internationally.  http://www.stephaniejwilliams.com/

Levi is a law school graduate and Blackwell, currently a  librarian.  Radio Sebastian has  shown in numerous national venues.  http://www.radiosebastian.com/

Dance Of The Soramimi  – the exhibit –  opened last Saturday and runs through April 27.   This month, the Fridge’s Mini Gallery also features “The Art of Storytelling:  Carlos FOES Aguilar.”

The Fridge is open Wednesday – Saturday, noon until 7:00pm.   516 8th Street SE, Rear alley, Washington, DC   http://www.thefridgedc.com/