Prints and Threads
The works in Prints and Threads encompass the passage of time. Whether through time spent investigating and analyzing natural structures, or through laboriously assembling repeating elements, or by threading beads to create a calendar, each work embodies the taking of, recording of, or passing of time in a concrete way.
[scroll down for selected works; click to enlarge images and reviews]
Drilled Prints
2010-2016
The prints in the Drilled series were made by drilling part way through a copper plate to make round, crater-like impressions. The craters vary in size according to the diameter of the drill bit, how much pressure I applied when drilling, and if the drill was held vertically or at an angle. During the inking process, the shallow marks on the plate filled with ink (and therefore printed black) while the deeper marks did not receive ink (and printed white). Read More
Intaglio prints, Akua on ink on Revere paper
Dimensions variable; most prints are 33” H x 30” W
Read Reviews [opens in new browser window]:
reThink Ink catalog | Harvard Review | Boston Globe
Leaf Prints
2017-2020, ongoing
These works are part of an ongoing series of large-scale inkjet prints of decayed leaves. I think of them as “portraits.” The leaves are scanned at a high resolution and printed at a larger-than-person-size scale. Most of the prints are 82” tall x 58” wide, creating a visceral experience that draws the viewer into the image. Read More
Inkjet prints on Hahnemuhle etching paper
Dimensions variable; most prints are 82” H x 58” W
Leaf Prints Captions (Clockwise from the Top Right):
Leaf prints in the studio; Cucumber Magnolia Leaf; New Zealand Mahoe Leaf; Poplar Leaf One; Poplar Leaf Three; Poplar Leaf Three detail; Oak Leaf; Lacy Poplar Leaf detail; Lacy Poplar Leaf; Viewers and Leaf prints; Leaf prints in studio.
Beads
2010, 2011
This series of beaded sculptures is about time made visible. They represent my own personal calendar. Read More
Materials: White, black and red seed beads; red and black bi-cone beads; monofilament
Dimensions: variable
One Year, one hour a day for 365 days, 2010-2011 (top three images)
In One Year, I followed these rules: bead one hour a day with white beads, add a red bead to mark each hour, and a black bead to mark each month. This was repeated for 365 days. Because of days missed, which are marked in the sequence by a small black bead, my one year actually took me a year and a half to complete!
One Day, 2010 (middle right and bottom left two images, black beads strings)
Day/Night, 2011 (bottom right image, black and white bead strings)
Fragilities
2006, Boston Sculptors Gallery, Boston, MA
Using delicate materials interacting with shadow and light, this installation creates a magical world based on natural patterns of growth. Inspired by the branching structure of an unusual desert plant, this series of sculptures is made entirely of wooden toothpicks. Read More
Materials: Wooden toothpicks, shadows
Dimensions: variable
“Beth Galston's work has always marveled at nature. She modeled "Fragilities", her lovely new installation at the Boston Sculptors Gallery, on a desert plant she found in Arizona." — Boston Globe
Read Reviews [opens in a new browser window]:
Boston Globe | Boston Globe Sidekick | WBUR online
