Reclaimed Works by Mildred Johnson and David McLaughlin
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In the hands of Mildred Johnson and David McLaughlin rusted metal objects, reclaimed wood and other discarded materials are joined together and imbued with new meaning.  Like Pablo Picasso who united a found bicycle seat and handlebars to create his symbolic bull’s head, Johnson and McLaughlin transform old castoffs into an array of captivating wall assemblages and free-standing sculptures that invite multiple associations. These rustic constructions evoke a sense of nostalgia—an exploration of articles from the past. In Johnson’s wall constructions found objects such as old washboards, antique letters and metal tools, are carefully juxtaposed to create compositions that blend the folksy with the contemporary.  The exhibition also features a series of floor sculptures created by McLaughlin that includes a large-scale piece produced specifically for UMMA. This unique construction consists of welded rusted metal rings that are fashioned into a spherical form that sits atop a pair of antique wheels. The two artists are kindred spirits. Both embrace the notion of the artist as collectors of oddities and delight in the unique qualities and forms of these assorted objects.  Johnson maintains a studio is Brunswick, ME. McLaughlin lives and works in Liberty, ME.