When she was a child, Sawyer Rose remembers a moment at a toy store with her mother: she had asked for a toy and been denied. “That’s not what we’re here getting,” her mother explained. Minutes later, when Sawyer asked for art supplies, there was no pushback. Sawyer discovered her mother would often say yes to art supplies and capitalized on the opportunity, turning a childhood passion into a life-long career. Today, Sawyer’s work travels around the United States, making its current stop at New Museum Los Gatos.
Her exhibition, SAWYER ROSE: Carrying Stones, opened in May 2021 and will receive two updates during its eight-month-long stint. The exhibition features large-scale, data-driven sculptures, using a variety of materials to depict a woman’s paid and unpaid labor - which is often overlooked. Each sculpture is accompanied by a portrait of the woman whose story it tells.
A corner of Rose’s studio.
As a member of NUMU’s team, I jumped at the opportunity to visit the Marin-based artist at her home studio, eager to see the behind-the-scenes process of how these floor-to-ceiling sculptures were being made. Previously having had a studio in San Rafael, Sawyer sought to work a little closer to home, not knowing how important this decision would become with the oncoming pandemic. She had a studio built in her backyard, setting it next to the wisteria pergola which makes for shaded space to operate her table saw.
Looking around the 10x12’ room, one finds cabinets with clear printed labels and a wall featuring designated spaces for each hammer, scissor, and screwdriver. “It’s so great to get everything organized so that I can find exactly the tool I need when I need it,” said Rose. “That’s my favorite part of the studio.” Sawyer then demonstrated how she uses different power tools to create sculptures such as ‘Anne,’ pictured below.
On display at NUMU: Anne, 2021, Wood, silver solder, fiber, acrylic, 104 x 78 x 8 inches
Having grown up in my grandfather’s workshop learning how to operate heavy machinery, I loved seeing another woman at ease wielding power tools to tell others’ stories. With her work, Sawyer aims to communicate what is important to her and educate us on pressing issues, as she does in SAWYER ROSE: Carrying Stones, amplifying the voices of women.
You can experience Sawyer Rose at New Museum Los Gatos until January 23, 2021. Museum hours along with Health & Safety guidelines are below.
Written by Alyssarhaye Graciano, NUMU’s former Communications and Administrative Manager. Photos by Alyssarhaye Graciano and Michèle Jubilee, NUMU’s Education Programs Manager.
MUSEUM HOURS:
THUR | 3 - 8 PM
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Learn more about NUMU’s health & safety guidelines here.
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To ensure the health and safety of both staff and patrons, please read the updated protocols below prior to your visit. We appreciate your help in keeping the community safe!
Visiting the museum:
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