A Space Between Time: Carly Allen-Martin & Jim Woodson

The Art of the Mentee and Mentor; A Celebration of Art Lineage.

Artspace111 is pleased to present the two-person exhibition, A Space Between Time, featuring new large-scale artwork by Carly Allen–Martin and Jim Woodson. As a professor of art at Texas Christian University for 39 years, Jim Woodson created a path for young artists through technical training, spiritual guidance, and by the example of a prolific career which includes being honored as the Texas State Visual Artist. With Woodson as a mentor, Carly Allen-Martin used these tools to further develop the path that Woodson pioneered, resulting in her own prolific practice that is prized in private collections across the world. A Space Between Time conveys the cultivation of techniques, ideals, correlations and juxtapositions of teaching and discovery.

Jim Woodson on Carly Allen- Martin

In reference to A Space Between Time Woodson says, “One can learn to become an ‘artist’. A teacher can provide some feedback and encouragement but the desire to persist must come from each individual. Sometimes the best thing a teacher can do is to get out of the way, releasing the student to pursue their own path. A ‘good teacher’ can communicate, by example, their own passion. Carly Allen entered my advanced painting class along with about a dozen other students. About half of those exhibited a certain seriousness about painting and a couple of those about becoming ‘a painter’.  Carly was one of those. I have been fortunate over the years that a number of past students have continued to stay in touch with me. Of course the ones that have, are the ones that continued to pursue the life of an artist. Many have produced a significant body of work and have found success. Carly is clearly among those. She has established a personal voice that resonates with light, color, and surface. She is simply one of the best.”

Carly Allen–Martin on Jim Woodson

In regards to A Space Between Time Allen-Martin states, “ I have always had a fascination with outlaws. To me an outlaw is a true original. Outlaws never lose the originality of their character and are fearless in their ability to be themselves. They're able to carry a true expression, undeterred by what the world asks them to be. I knew Jim Woodson was an outlaw the first time I met him. He is kind and authentic and carries a mysticism in his persona. Anyone fortunate to study under Jim knew his signature uniform - denim jeans, denim shirt, a black leather vest, and black shoes - always with a braided ponytail down his back. He is someone that has mastered the art of minimizing insignificant details to maximize the details of importance. As a painter, he taught me to look for ways to present details in new light, to be a painter's painter and pull through layers that might have been insignificant before but add to the history and character of a painting.  I remember one time in 2005, I went into Jim's office with tears in my eyes. I asked the question that all artists ask themselves from time to time... ’Jim, do you think I'm any good as a painter?’. He looked at me and said ‘Carly, just go make some God damn paintings.’ I now realize that is the answer of a master, and the only answer that will serve you as a creative.”