Curator's Notes: Something is missing in our schools' curriculum STEM programs.  Scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians have for at least two decades argued that STEM programs should include the arts and become STEAM programs. Tarra HallWard‘s work proves the point as she demonstrates the essential relationship between chemical, sensual and complex neuro structures through art.

Tarra’s work, like all great art, reveals the nature of our world and the domains that form it.  Each piece seems to reveal one of the unlimited and complex building blocks of life. And their inherent beauty. 

Art is a process based in the physical, chemical and existential. It requires an interaction between the artist and multiple components.  It requires an interaction with the audience that is equally interdependent on physical, biological and neurological foundations.

When looking at art we don’t need to overthink this.   Our brains are geared to instantly sift through all the noisy, sensory and accumulative personal experiences.  We look at art, touch a piece of pottery, listen to a new piece of music and our brain goes to work deconstructing what we think we know into the creation of new forms of meaning.

Tarra’s work is energetic and beautiful in it revelations about the materials & phenomena that form life.  In doing this she eloquently reveals, what research in neuroscience confirms, the human experience is about creativity.

HallWard’s art does not require that we understand the complex process occurring to enjoy and embrace her work.