Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

CLEAR, SUNNY skies seemed to be smiling on 'Where I Stand', an exhibition of new work by Laura Facey. Held last Sunday at the artist's St Ann home, the show marked her first time hosting an open house. The event was lively, well attended and replete with singers and players of instruments. Guests were treated to a body of work displayed throughout the house in a discovery trail of pieces ranging widely in scale. Wood sculptures dominated a collection which also included drawings and paintings.

Facey's elemental forms exuded strength and a power of presence that were almost tangible. 'Blue Rose' is a captivating rendition of floral beauty hewed from large pieces of wood. Sitting peacefully on the floor, the giant flower dominated the main room, drawing oohs and ahhs and sparking conversation about how it might have been executed. 'Banana Blossom' and 'Poinciana Blossom', the two low-relief wall pieces sharing the room, were also large in scale, allowing them to hold their own as complements.

Arrows peppered the house, with 'Elbow Arrow', 'Egyptian Arrow' and 'Forward Arrow' being among the series which appeared to be the yang to the flowers' yin. The double-headed arrows seemed to represent exploration of the many facets of a truth. Or many truths.

Kingston drummers

As the sounds of the Kingston Drummers echoed outside across the serene landscape, visitors were discovering pieces like, the terracotta 'Guardian Man' and 'Chapel Drawing' inside the artist's home. Guests seemed to enjoy the surroundings as much as the exhibition, and such notable faces as Donnette Zacca, Lois Lake Sherwood and Cecil Cooper were spotted amid the crowd. There was much to see and do during a day which included mento, flute music and even a coconut man and a roasting pit.

Statement of strength

As an oeuvre, Facey's 'Where I Stand' is a statement of strength. Her forms have left behind the tentativeness of fragility and fragmentation. Her new work is organic and elemental, deriving power from the same natural environment that inspired it.

By inviting viewers into her home, she has not only let them into an unseen side of herself, Laura has allowed them to feel the energy that lives at the head of the river, the point of origin.