Art Space 98 Features Two Local, Young Artists

[caption id="attachment_67418" align="alignright" width="362"] Miles Partington’s Self Portrait sculpture.[/caption]

Art Space 98 will present two young East End Artists with an opening reception on August 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., and the exhibit running from August 11 to September 4, Friday to Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tanya Willock’s photography exhibit, “Normal Condition” and Miles Partington’s sculpture exhibit “Take Me Where Real Animals Are Playing,” will be on display.

Both artists are native Long Islanders that grew up on the East End. Willock returned home after graduating from SUNY Purchase with a Fine Arts Degree in Photography and has been working in local art venues, while continuing her own art explorations in her studio in Springs/East Hampton.

“Normal Condition” is a collection of photographs that were taken in summer 2016 while visiting her family’s native Caribbean island, Antigua and the burial place of her grandmother. At first, she had no intention of using the images for an exhibit, but focused on a natural sense for beauty and light.

Also on display is a small collection of “Modern Traditional Wall Hangings,” inspired by her family’s Caribbean roots and tradition, in collaboration with her sister Temidra, a textile designer.

“As a photographer, my focal points are never premeditated. I take a few images in a moment, then move on. I never look for a ‘beautiful’ picture. What I saw on my trip was intriguing, but only after stepping away from my busy life and taking a second look, I understood what had initially made me take the image…Most often I use color films for my photographic work. I find digital cameras with their little screens very distracting. For me taking photographs made with film not only bring out richer and more dynamic colors, they also catch the different hues of light,” she said.

After graduating, Partington was an art intern at the studio of the late sculptor William King. Miles’ sculptures have been in venues in Seattle, Albany, Sag Harbor, Greenport and Southampton. New and old works in his exhibit called, “Take Me Where Real Animals Are Playing,” uses everyday, overlooked elements to transform them into art with a personal twist.

“I use my ability to hold on to memories and random thoughts to create my art. A lot of my ideas come from glimpses into my subconscious that I use to flesh out a rough idea for a piece. I then fill it in like a puzzle of other thoughts and feelings that come organically. It is often simple ideas and first impressions that make it to the end.

I use wood, Epoxy, clay, concrete, cardboard, household items, and found objects. Sometimes the right object can be like the missing puzzle piece that finishes the art, and I enjoy the experience and challenge of finding the perfect additions,” he said.

Art Space 98 is located at 98 Newtown Lane in East Hampton. For more information, please visit artspace98.com or call (631) 324-1524.