the SOCIETY OF LAYERISTS in MULTI-MEDIA
Reconnecting: 1982–2022
an online exhibit honoring the 40th Anniversary of SLMM
A LONG MEMORY by Mary Carroll Nelson
I founded the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media in May, 1982. It was incorporated in New Mexico. Within a year it was granted tax exemption as an educational society. The purpose of SLMM is to serve as a network for artists who have come to an awareness that "Everything is connected," Their shared perspective is Holistic.
Layered art is not a style, nor a method of making art. Rather, it is the product of the artist's intention to express connectedness in any way using any medium. A show of Layered art has a distinctive feeling that there is something "other" animating the work.
I am including a few words from the Forward to our first book: LAYERING, AN ART OF TIME AND SPACE which held images and statements from members in 1991. "Layering is an expression of an apparent yearning in our American culture for a reconnection with Nature and a re-sacralization of our environment."
In the years since SLMM was founded Layerists have enlarged their use of the word Layering to include healing through art. Reflecting the metaphysical adage "As above, so below." Layerists resolve the chaos of multiple references and potential meanings in their artwork, to complete it aesthetically while also "healing" the work metaphysically. It is worth studying a show of Layered art to perceive its multi-dimensional quality. At the opening of our first exhibition in Ohio I saw a viewer focusing at length on a single painting, as if its energy had a personal impact. He moved on to look at the show; then he returned to linger over that particular image..For him, I believe it was healing,
As you look at this 40th anniversary collection I feel sure the sense of otherness and healing power will be evident.
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The commemorative exhibit book celebrating the 40th Anniversary of SLMM is now available for purchase here. The book contains 72 images of work by members, as well as a forward by and tribute to SLMM founder, Mary Carroll Nelson.