I explore the malleability of memory through experiencing the warped sense of nostalgia. Individual identities are formed through the experiences each person has and those experiences become memories. We trust our memories to be the truth. However, memory can be fabricated or altered by many factors. This blurs the line between real and imagined. The malleability of memory distorts our perception of reality and this creates a warped sense of the truth.

     Childhood memories are dishonest and manipulative, clouded by the lighthearted perspective children have. When analyzed with the knowledge of lived experiences, the meaning of them are completely changed. I mimic the sense of comfort associated with childhood, but I layer in the sense of discomfort to shift the perspective between memory and reality, play and responsibility, child and adult.

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     Through the collapse of multiple media of performance, sculpture, and installation with video I create an ambiguity and allow for multiple narratives to take place. The contrast of the child’s perspective against the adult’s within a memory reveals the desire to act on childish impulse and contradicts the adult’s sense of logic and control. I push the absurdity of the childlike impulse until it’s something completely different from the reality. Through this, I expose how far memory is from the original reality in works like Because I Can. I revisit a memory of my father scolding me to not create a mess with my toys. I perform the act now by throwing the glitter, brushing it into my hair and rubbing it all over my body. In combination with the video editing, I control what the viewer sees. I invite them to partake in the discussion between past, present, and future. This creates the dialogue within the viewer about real and imagined.

     I explore what we trust most; our own memory and its inaccuracy. The discomfort of  adulthood is formed through the act of growing up and metaphorically packing away your childhood toys. Closing the trunk on the unedited mindset of childhood does not mean it cannot be reopened now.

CV

Education

2022        In progress Master of Fine Arts, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

2018        Bachelors of Art in Painting, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

2016        Accademia del Arte, Arezzo, Italy, Summer Program

Exhibitions

2021     MFA Works in Progress Exhibition, Restored & Reflected, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

     The Anthology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

             Just Checking In, WinthropUSA, Rock Hill, SC

             Rise, Play + Inspire Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

             Unapologetically Human, ASUS Queen’s University, Kingston, ON

             Intergalactic Open 2, Shockboxx Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA

2020     Visiting Artist of the Month, Seacoast Artists Gallery, Myrtle Beach, SC

             Quarantine Creatives CCU Alumni Artists, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

             Art at a Distance-American Life in Isolation, Art Works, Richmond, VA

            Go Figure! SAA Collective Gallery Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield, IL

            Water & Oil, William H. Miller Studios, Myrtle Beach, SC

            Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum’s 9th Annual Collectors’ Event, Collector’s Café and Gallery, Myrtle Beach, SC

2019    Reclaimed! Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Fayetteville, NC

            Perspectives: America, Specto Art Space, Harrisonburg, VA

            Real People 2019, Old Courthouse Arts Center, Woodstock, IL

            Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum’s 8th Annual Collectors’ Event, Collector’s Café and Gallery, Myrtle Beach, SC

2018    Senior Exhibition, Coastal Carolina University, SC

Awards, Fellowships, Honors

2021               People's Choice, 3-Minute Graduate Showcase, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

SP 2018          Cum Laude, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

2016-2018      Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

SP 2015-

SP 2017         Dean's List, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC FA 2017 President's List, Coastal Carolina                                        University, Conway, SC

Public Talks

MFA Artist Talk, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC  https://www.instagram.com/tv/COqcpP8BG9Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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3 Minute Graduate Showcase, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

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1-Minute MFA Artist Talk, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPJII8pJBeL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 

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Bibliography (Reviews and Features)

Pressley, Mari, "Devann Gardner Profile Story". The Johnsonian, May 7, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojKkji5jQ34

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Upcoming- Winthrop University The Anthology

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myhorrynews.com, "Myrtle Beach Art Museum takes education programs online due to COVID-19", March 27, 2020 https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/business/myrtle-beach-art-museum-takes-education-programs-online-due-to-covid-19/article_4726852a-704f-11ea-85cb-2398646647c0.html

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WPDE News Channel 13, review of leading KidsArt Programing and COVID-19 adaptations. https://wpde.com/news/local/stuck-at-home-online-art-classes-help-can-relieve-stress

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"Murrells Inlet artist paints bright future for area youth". Post and Courier Georgetown Times, June 20, 2019, https://www.postandcourier.com/georgetown/community/murrells-inlet-artist-paints-bright-future-for-area-youth/article_fea9be07-7bc8-5270-b9d6-71ebfe13de1a.html

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“Education Corner with Tracey Roode and Devann Gardner”. Villa Voice, December 2019, http://myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/villa-voice-winter-2018-2-2/

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Kisner, Joshua, “Myrtle Beach Art Museum hires CCU alumna as new art educator”. The Horry Independent Business Journal, July 1, 2019, https://www.myhorrynews.com/eedition_the_horry_county_business_journal/page-e/page_9bf1d3b6-2c6a-5044-88bb-e20ad08c05a0.html

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"Myrtle Beach Art Museum hires CCU alumna Devann Gardner", Coastal Carolina University News, June 25, 2019, https://www.coastal.edu/ccustories/news/news-article/index.php?id=5070 

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Morgan, Janet, "Coastal Carolina University students paint mural in North Myrtle Beach", The Sun News, June 20, 2017, http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article157196929.html

Professional Experience

2021                MFA Overseer & Fine Arts Assistant Curator, MFA Works in Progress Exhibition, Winthrop University,                                Rock Hill, SC

                        Graduate Assistant, Fine Arts Dept., Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

                        Escape & Platinum Plus Mural Commission, Myrtle Beach, SC

2020                Private Academic Tutor due to COVID-19, Elementary - College level, Myrtle Beach, SC

2019-2020       Children’s Art Educator, Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, Myrtle Beach, SC

2019-2020       Private Fine Arts Tutor, ages 5-15 across Myrtle Beach- North Myrtle Beach and Conway, SC areas.

2019                Painting Assistant to Sculptor Jim Swaim, Longs, SC

2018                Art Education Intern, Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, Myrtle Beach, SC

2018                Painting Instructor, Wine and Design, North Myrtle Beach, SC

2017                North Myrtle Beach Masonic Lodge Mural, Collaboration with ARTS 499 class, Under the instruction of                            Cat Taylor, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

Related Experience

2016                  Life Drawing Model, ARTS 212 under the instruction of Treelee

                                      MacAnn, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

2017- 2016        Art History Tutor, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC