Pages and Postcards: An Exhibit by Kristen & Dennis Applebee

My husband Dennis and I just hung our Art Show

This is the first installation Art I have ever made for a gallery space. It's actually the first 3D work I've ever done for a feature show; and the first time I've ever shown photographs in this kind of venue. My concept was one of influence. My challenge was to try to boil all the major influences in my life down to a single object.

The influences that have shaped my life are numerous and varied, like the stars in the sky. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania Dutch country, where Moravian Stars were common and faith was strong, molded my early understanding of the world. Books and storytelling were part of daily family time. The year I met my husband, he began using book pages in his art. 

I use Braille book pages in these stars, not only as a nod to my parents and Dennis, but to my students at the Academy of the Blind. Although they lack vision, they’ve opened my eyes to seeing the world in a different way. 

As I’ve traveled the world, I’ve been more keenly aware of how living in the U.S. has shaped my assumptions and world view. The 50 stars represent that tie, and the totems (towers of stars) represent my parents, five siblings, husband and three children, who have taught me the most important lessons in life, especially how to love more profoundly.

 

America the Beautiful: Roadtrip of Landscapes

Every few years I like to take a 3 week road trip and try to visit a couple dozen National Park sites. This year, I've been able to go to about 40 park sites in about half a year, including Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sand Dunes, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Great Sand Dunes, Zion, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountains. National Monuments and often State Parks are just as impressive, and less crowded, so I've learned not to dismiss those. I love the landscapes of this gorgeous country and I love each one more when I can contrast it with other, different types of beautiful geography. White sands, red rock, underground caverns, mountain tops, amber waves of grain. We've got it all! Here are some of my favorite moments from my recent travel.