Rosanne Somerson: Fluid/Solid

On View: November 10 – December 16, 2023
Reception: Friday, November 10, 5 – 7pm
Walk-through: Saturday, November 18, 2pm

“The fluidity and permeability of water allows a freedom that I often crave when confronted with the solid nature of wood. My camera allows me to capture and manipulate what I see, and to create a contrasted companionship between things like rippling water and concentric tree growth rings. Both reflect growth and change as well as fluidity and solidity in their distinct ways. These associations inspired me to create my own fabrics for the first time, applying my ideas to a new form of tactility. The fabrics allow another level of abstraction in the making process, applying the images to woven textures, that are then paired with particular woods and finishes to offer an experience of softness and contrast.” -Rosanne Somerson

Exhibition is accompanied by a catalog and includes an essay by Michelle Millar Fisher, Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts within the Contemporary Art Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Design by Raquel Schott
Photos by Erik Gould

VIEW THE CATALOG HERE

Wall Vanity

2023, Baltic birch plywood, sycamore, sycamore veneer, pearwood, ash, ebony, printed leather, mirror glass, 30.25×33.9.5”

Wall Sconce

2023, lacewood, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”
SOLD

Mail House

2023, Baltic birch plywood, beech, beech veneer, printed veneer, imbuia, brass, 51.75×16.25×12”

Bench 3

2023, black walnut, Baltic birch plywood, upholstery foam, custom printed woven cotton fabric, 20.5×47×21”
SOLD

Ripple Ribbon Table

2023, Baltic birch plywood, leather, glass, pearwood, beech veneer, printed pearwood veneer, 16.75×26.75×26.5”
SOLD

Wall Sconce

2023, curly cherry, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”
SOLD

Wall Sconce

2023, curly cherry, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”
SOLD

Bench 2

2023, whitened sycamore, Baltic birch plywood, upholstery foam, custom printed woven cotton fabric, 20.5×47×21”
SOLD

Copper Leaves Table

2023, Baltic birch plywood, copper, aluminum, printed and plain veneer, imbuia, 19×48×30”

Water Ribbon Table

2019, cherry, aluminum, digitally printed maple, graphite stained mahogany, 36×48×30”

Wall Sconce (maple)

2023, curly maple, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”

Wall Sconce (maple)

2023, curly maple, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”

Sideboard

2023, Macassar ebony, pearwood, printed leather, 34×63.25×17”
SOLD

Side Table 1

2023, Baltic birch plywood, leather, glass, cherry, beech veneer, copper, 16.75×26.75×26.5”
SOLD

Wall Sconce (maple)

2023, curly maple, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”
SOLD

Wall Sconce (maple)

2023, curly maple, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”
SOLD

Bench 1

2023, imbuia, Baltic birch plywood, upholstery foam, custom printed woven cotton fabric, 20.5×47×21”
SOLD

Wall Sconce (lacewood)

2023, lacewood, LED lights, poplar, aluminum, printed museum glass, 16.5×16.5×3.5”

Rosanne SOmerson

A designer/maker and academic leader, Rosanne Somerson has been advancing art and design for decades. After establishing a successful studio design practice, she returned to Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to teach. and eventually co-founded the Furniture Design Department before serving as Department Head, Graduate Program Director, Provost, interim President, RISD’s 17th President, and now President Emerita.

Rosanne Somerson: Fluid/Solid

Wall Vanity

Wall Sconce

Mail House

Bench 3

Ripple Ribbon Table

Wall Sconce

Wall Sconce

Bench 2

Copper Leaves Table

Water Ribbon Table

Wall Sconce (maple)

Wall Sconce (maple)

Sideboard

Side Table 1

Wall Sconce (maple)

Wall Sconce (maple)

Bench 1

Wall Sconce (lacewood)

Rosanne SOmerson

read artist’s biography

download press release