"In Fruits of Labor, Summer Wheat (SCAD M.F.A., painting, 2005) presents six richly textured paintings inspired by Greek mythology, animal archetypes, and astrology. A pair of totemic works featuring fruit-animal hybrids are flanked by multiple large-scale paintings that immerse viewers in a lush, harmonious world. In these scenes, Wheat portrays female figures as nurturers and cultivators lounging post-exertion, entwined with animals often associated with fear yet exuding calm and satisfaction."
"Wheat's unique process begins with digital sketches, which she transforms into tapestry-like surfaces by piping acrylic paint through wire mesh. This labor-intensive technique yields composite images, embedding stylized characters within patterns, grids, and nets that reference folk traditions, sacred geometry, and digital systems. Inviting viewers to experience a dynamic interplay of depth and flatness, order and intuition, Wheat's vivid, multilayered paintings are portals into alternate realms where the fruits of labor are fully relished."
Six richly textured paintings draw on Greek mythology, animal archetypes, and astrology, centering female figures as nurturers and cultivators who luxuriate after exertion. A pair of totemic fruit-animal hybrids is flanked by large-scale canvases that present lush, harmonious scenes where animals often associated with fear display calm and satisfaction. The series extends a practice of depicting women at work to honor moments of release, repose, and communal ease. Wheat's process starts with digital sketches transformed into tapestry-like surfaces by piping acrylic through wire mesh, producing composite images that embed stylized characters within patterns, grids, and nets referencing folk traditions, sacred geometry, and digital systems. Fruits of Labor is organized by SCAD Museum of Art associate curator Brittany Richmond.
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