{"id":91108,"date":"2025-03-10T10:04:58","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T17:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/?p=91108"},"modified":"2025-03-24T15:12:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T22:12:19","slug":"where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Figures Meet Flow: Joe Brubaker and Heather Zusman in Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_91112\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-91112\" class=\"wpa-warning wpa-image-missing-alt wp-image-91112 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a sculpture featuring a painted wooden bust with a white face wearing a metallic bucket hat. The torso is adorned with colorful abstract patterns, blending figurative and expressive styles. Curved wooden wall sculptures are visible in the background.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-warning=\"Missing alt text\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-91112\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joe Brubaker&#8217;s &#8220;Sergio&#8221; (wood, acrylic, and found objects, 25\u201d x 9\u201d x 5\u201d) sits between Heather Zusman&#8217;s &#8220;Frisky&#8221; (walnut veneer, 72&#8243; x 24&#8243;) (left) and &#8220;Nature&#8217;s Veil II&#8221; (sage veneer, 60\u201d x 60\u201d) (right) at Julie Nester Gallery.<\/p><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">Whether one is drawn to the storytelling aspect of Joe Brubaker\u2019s figures or the weightless elegance of Heather Zusman\u2019s abstract sculptures, the works now at Julie Nester Gallery will undoubtedly spark conversation, both with others and within oneself. In the gallery\u2019s beautifully lit space, enhanced by both natural and warm spotlights, Brubaker\u2019s sculptural figures occupy the walking space and Zusman\u2019s large, fluid wooden sculptures seem barely supported by the walls. The works by these two California artists create a fascinating dichotomy between fluidity and statuesque prowess, offering viewers a compelling interplay of movement and stillness.<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">Brubaker\u2019s characters, crafted from an array of materials, incorporate weathered wood, recycled metal objects and painted elements. These sculptures, though not heavily overproduced, possess an undeniable realism that allows viewers to empathize with them. Many of the works are bust-like, often crude but intentionally so, emphasizing facial expressions, headwear or structural elements that command attention and allow for an almost accessible nature. The faces, carved with care, reveal a deep sense of craftsmanship.<\/h4>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-91108 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation\/img_3099\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-350x467.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"A seated wooden sculpture with a painted patchwork body and a rusted metal bucket hat. The figure\u2019s abstract, geometric limbs and contemplative pose give it a whimsical yet reflective character.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-91111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3099-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-91111'>\n\t\t\t\tJoe Brubaker, &#8220;Cecil,&#8221; wood, acrylic, and found objects, 25\u201d x 9\u201d x 5\u201d\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation\/img_3100\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-350x467.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Two sculptures displayed on white pedestals: one features a minimalist, stone-like figure on a wooden base, while the other presents a stylized human bust with a red conical hat and a boxy wooden torso.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-91117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3100-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-91117'>\n\t\t\t\tJoe Brubaker&#8217;s &#8220;Hawk&#8221; (left) and &#8220;Gregory the Great&#8221; (right)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"p1\">The first Brubaker piece visitors encounter, &#8220;Cecil&#8221; is a wooden sculpture approximately two feet high and nine inches across. Dressed in brightly colored painted clothing patterned, with articulated elbows, the figure appears almost maneuverable. Repurposed rusted steel adds an element of timeworn history as &#8220;Cecil&#8221; gazes at the viewer with a stark, contemplative presence, mouth closed, skin pale and clothes carefully detailed. There is an undeniable weight to this piece, as if it carries an unspoken narrative.<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">Moving through the gallery counterclockwise, we encounter an entirely different sculptural approach. Zusman\u2019s &#8220;Headspace,&#8221; a vertical composition standing nearly eight feet high and constructed from ash, resembles a contour drawing come to life\u2014fluid, ribbon-like, defying gravity in an almost painterly manner. Its warm tones and delicate balance will captivate viewers, guiding their gaze upward along the swirling wood forms. Across her works, Zusman masterfully transforms a traditionally rigid medium into something that feels organic and alive. While slowly drinking in these pieces, one will likely wonder how they are built, bonded and held together\u2014something mesmerizing and magical.<\/h4>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-91108 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation\/img_3094\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-350x467.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"A delicate wooden wall sculpture in golden tones with flowing curves, resembling swirling flames or tendrils of smoke. The piece casts gentle shadows on the white wall behind it.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-91115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3094-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-91115'>\n\t\t\t\tHeather Zusman, &#8220;Headspace,&#8221; ash veneer, 96\u201d x 42\u201d x 7\u201d\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/where-figures-meet-flow-joe-brubaker-and-heather-zusman-in-conversation\/img_3095\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-350x467.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"A delicate wooden wall sculpture in golden tones with flowing curves, resembling swirling flames or tendrils of smoke. The piece casts gentle shadows on the white wall behind it.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-91114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3095-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-91114'>\n\t\t\t\t&#8220;Headspace&#8221; (detail)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"p1\">Another striking work by Zusman, &#8220;Love Everlasting,&#8221; takes a horizontal stance, spanning five feet across. Unlike the warm veneer of &#8220;Headspace,&#8221; this piece introduces a deep red hue, almost blood-like in its intensity. Its curves are inviting, smooth, and organic, defying traditional notions of wood\u2019s rigidity. The craftsmanship here is undeniable, and the interplay of shadow further enhances its three-dimensionality while highlighting the playful nature of the forms.<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">To the right, Brubaker\u2019s &#8220;Hawk&#8221; presents an interesting contrast. This piece, non-humanoid yet statuesque, stands about two feet high and on a pedestal. While clearly an abstracted form, its presence allows the viewer\u2019s imagination to fill in the missing details; the beak, the eyes, the essence of the creature. The base is rough and perceivably untouched, juxtaposed against the meticulously carved yet impressionistic upper structure ghosted with an almost transparent white wash.<\/h4>\n<div id=\"attachment_91109\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-91109\" class=\"wpa-warning wpa-image-missing-alt wp-image-91109 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"A flowing, abstract wooden wall sculpture with looping red curves, mounted on a white wall. The piece creates dynamic shadows that emphasize its three-dimensional form.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-warning=\"Missing alt text\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3093-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-91109\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Heather Zusman, &#8220;Love Everlasting,&#8221; larch and crimson veneer, 30\u201d x 54&#8243;<\/p><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">Nearby, &#8220;Gregory the Great&#8221; stands with broad shoulders and pipe-like arms, his chin slightly raised in a stoic pose. His red metallic hat, rather than feeling comical, exudes confidence and foresight. The combination of wood, black paint and whitewash showcases Brubaker\u2019s masterful use of both found and altered materials. This combination and flexibility of material understanding is present in all of his works and allows for a seamless transition within the work, both individually and collectively.<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">At the back of the gallery, the freestanding &#8220;Elf King&#8221; towers as one of the larger sculptures in the show. A fusion of metal assemblage, welded bits, wood, and found objects, the piece stands with elongated legs and a somber, wise expression. Unlike some of Brubaker\u2019s other figures, &#8220;Elf King&#8221; appears grounded\u2014his hands empty, his posture deliberate, as though burdened by age and experience. The size and imposing presence impeding within our physical space increases our awareness of the smaller nuances, like the crows feet surrounding the eyes and the rust worn without care.<\/h4>\n<div id=\"attachment_91110\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-91110\" class=\"wpa-warning wpa-image-missing-alt wp-image-91110\" src=\"http:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A tall, metallic humanoid sculpture with an elongated body and geometric limbs stands in front of a wall-mounted wooden sculpture. The figure's weathered surface combines rustic textures with modern design.\" width=\"400\" height=\"533\" data-warning=\"Missing alt text\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3113-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-91110\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joe Brubaker&#8217;s &#8220;Elf King&#8221; (left) and Heather Zusman&#8217;s &#8220;Echo in Motion&#8221; (right).<\/p><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">On the back wall, Zusman\u2019s &#8220;Echo in Motion,&#8221; crafted from stained walnut, creates a mesmerizing interplay of reflections and shadows. The deep, rich wood tones add warmth, while the contours echo the fluidity found in her other pieces. Like an expert contour drawing, it captures the illusion of movement, challenging our perception of wood\u2019s inherent stability. Zusman\u2019s sinuous forms, suggesting constant motion, remind us that stillness and movement can exist in harmony.<\/h4>\n<h4 class=\"p1\">When presented with abstract works, whether figurative or non-representational, it\u2019s often difficult to know how or what we should feel. Perhaps there\u2019s no singular answer, and that\u2019s precisely what makes &#8220;Dialogue&#8221; so compelling. Zusman and Brubaker\u2019s works don\u2019t dictate an expected response, they invite exploration. There is no prescribed narrative, no conceptual force imposing itself upon the viewer. Instead, we are given the space to connect personally, to reflect, and to engage in our own internal dialogues. The beauty of &#8220;Dialogue&#8221; lies in this open ended-ness.<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Dialogue: Heather Zusman and Joe Brubaker<\/em>, <a href=\"http:\/\/julienestergallery.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Julie Nester Gallery<\/a>, Park City, through March 25.<\/p>\n<p>All images courtesy of the author.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether one is drawn to the storytelling aspect of Joe Brubaker\u2019s figures or the weightless elegance of Heather Zusman\u2019s abstract sculptures, the works now at Julie Nester Gallery will undoubtedly spark conversation, both with others and within oneself. In the gallery\u2019s beautifully lit space, enhanced by both natural [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1626,"featured_media":91112,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_piecal_is_event":false,"_piecal_start_date":"","_piecal_end_date":"","_piecal_is_allday":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,14],"tags":[459],"class_list":["post-91108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exhibition_reviews","category-visual_arts","tag-julie-nester-gallery"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3107-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-15 09:20:56","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1626"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91108"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91257,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91108\/revisions\/91257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artistsofutah.org\/15Bytes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}