Beverly Patterson
3D Accordion Series
Portfolio: Current
Like the back and forth of processing thoughts in the left and right sides of our brains, these pieces engage the physical experience of shifting a viewer's mental perception and one's interpretation and processing of dimensional content and moments in time.
Inspired by the desire to actively engage and interact with viewers in a physical space, these 3D accordion pieces reveal different images based on the perspective of the viewer. The intent is to have a viewer stop and interact with the art in order to have it reveal itself. Unlike artwork on a flat computer screen, this work requires the physical interaction with the viewers that is only possible in person.
The 3D accordion series has four categories:
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Portraits (6 feet of separation)
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Abstract geometric tiles (US and brain mazes)
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Landscape meditations
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Font treatment
3D PORTRAITS

6 feet of separation
“6 feet of separation” is a project that celebrates personal interaction in a time when the new normal has become one of isolation. During the pandemic, maintaining 6 feet of distance between others has restricted our relationships. Our exchanges have frequently been confined to the flat screens of our digital devices. From this place in time – with a vision to reconnect – this 3D portrait series was born.
Taken during the pandemic in person at a distance of 6 feet and outdoors, each 3D portrait attempts to capture the unique personality of each individual. Photos were captured from three directions: from the left, right and head on. They were assembled into one piece that was folded to create a unique 3D portrait.
Dependent on the viewer’s perspective, these portraits form a lively and actively engaging visual quilt of interaction and reaction, remind one of the simple joy of being with others, and ponder what is lost in the one dimensional world of digital interactions.
3D GEOMETRIC TILES

US
We live in a deeply divided time when each political party embraces the image of the United States flag as a symbol of their national spirit. This piece is a 3-dimensional expression of the divisiveness of our country. Viewed head-on, one sees the American flag composed of individually stamped colored triangles. Lean far to the right, the pattern of red arrows converge into a tight formation pointing decisively to the left. Lean far to the left, it’s the opposite. At each extremity, the sight of the flag is lost. Each side has an imposing and dominating view of its intentions. This is the state of US.
Where do you stand?
I started US at the beginning of the pandemic. Along with the isolation and stress of the stay at home orders, there was the added stress from the disconnect and divisiveness of the political climate of the presidential election.
Everywhere, I saw the U.S. flag being used by politicians to brand themselves as the most patriotic of candidates. As the presidential election intensified, it seemed there were more and more flags behind the candidates on their pulpits. I wanted to capture this unique time in a way that required the viewer’s physical interaction, because our interactions had become flattened onto the computer screen.
Under stay at home orders, I used art supplies I had at home. Using handmade stamps, this artwork is a stamped quilt of triangles and stars that are red, blue, silver and gold on paper that is accordion folded.
Brainwaves
How does one find their way, evolve, store memories, and make connections and decisions? What does it look like to navigate brainwaves? This series is about mapping choices, thoughts, obstacles, and feelings. Like the journey of processing thoughts, these pieces engage the physical experience of shifting a viewer's mental perception and one's interpretation and processing of dimensional content. What does your brain's process look like?

GEOMETRIC TILE SYSTEM
This series uses a set square tile system that is layered with color. How quickly simple choices become complex!





3D LANDSCAPES


3D MESSAGE IN A FONT
