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Monday, December 2, 1996

ART:

Actress's collages undergo complex switch from canvas to woodBy Aliza Batzri

Daily Bruin Contributor

For years functional art did not receive its due as a commensurate member of the artistic community. Actress Grace Zabriskie and her daughter Marion Lane are hoping to change that ridiculous outlook on the more utilitarian division of visual art. Zabriskie spent years dedicating her life to becoming a successful actress. Her credits include "Twin Peaks," "Seinfeld," "My Own Private Idaho" and "Drugstore Cowboy." However, never content focusing on just one aspect of her myriad talents, Zabriskie is also a writer of poems and short stories, several of which have been published. Of course, she is also an avid photographer who uses her images to create the collages that serve as the patterns for the boxes, clocks and other items that she and Lane create.

Grace and her daughter teamed up several years ago following the death of Zabriskie's younger daughter.

"I guess we needed to go the extra mile, something had to go for us," Zabriskie says of their new relationship.

The two function as equal partners, with Lane's paintings serving as the foundation for each design. Zabriskie then photographs her work and collages the resulting photographic image. This unique process is especially beneficial in that it allows for the reproduction of popular boxes if desired, and it also allows for an infinite number of different designs from one of Lane's paintings. Furthermore, almost anything can be made into a new collage. Even other collages can be further collaged together.

The standard box has six sides and stands on four peg-like stands. The lid can be lifted via a peg similar to those supporting the box. The four side walls of the box are generally replicas of Lane's original painting. The pattern gracing the lid is generally the photographic collage Zabriskie has created by taking some detail of Lane's painting and rearranging it according to her mood and the desired sensibility of the box.

The boxes are all made of high-quality wood and undergo a lengthy process. For the standard box, this manifests itself in a process spanning three weeks or more and comprising over 70 different steps. For special items, such as mirrors, clocks or larger boxes, the creation of one piece can extend to over a month.

Most striking about each of Zabriskie and Lane's pieces is the variation in the color schemes represented within the exhibit. Some boxes are characterized by flaming yellows and oranges, and in others mute grays and blues battle for prominence. The only taming influence is a preponderance of black in many of the items. It serves as a contrast in boxes almost garish in coloration, and in those distinguished by fairer shades, it adds a level of intensity.

Zabriskie was artistically influenced by the masters. Pablo Picasso's cubist period is the most obviously represented in her work.

"In most cases it is the abstract that appeals to me. Many people come see our work and they compare my boxes to Picasso's. I guess it is because both are so angular in style," Zabriskie explained. "Although I like to think that all the great impressionists had an influence on me," she adds.

Prominent in Lane's work is the ghostly rendering of humans. At first glance this absence of pigment can lead to the impression of Asian imagery in her work, but upon closer scrutiny, it becomes obvious that this is not the case.

"People will occasionally look at our work and think that a lot of the designs are Chinese or Japanese, but they aren't, at least not intentionally." Actually, several of Lane's paintings dramatize the great Greek legends and heroes; for example, there is a Helen of Troy box. Zabriskie also mentioned the resemblance the human images have to Lane's deceased sister.

"In a way, all of Lane's people are rendering of her sister."

For those die-hard Twin Peaks fans, Zabriskie recently created her first box based on the cult television show. She has plans in the works for several other pieces based on characters from the series. Due to the abstract nature of the boxes, the latent photograph will be indistinguishable, but nevertheless the essence of Twin Peaks will be represented.

On display alongside the boxes are several of Lane's paintings and several of Zabriskie's larger collages that give a good idea of the origins of boxes. You'll want to get out as soon as possible to check out this exhibit, because as each piece is purchased the assortment dwindles. This exhibit will give you a new perspective on the obvious merit of functional art.