Kirk Maxson "Leaves" 14 March - 25 April, 2025

This show delves into Kirk Maxson's connection to nature through his upbringing, surrounded by the lush landscapes of Spencer’s Butte near Eugene, Oregon. After moving to San Francisco in the '90s, Maxson sought to reconnect with nature by collecting invasive plants from his urban surroundings, including dandelions, mallow, and geraniums. He transforms these plants into hand-patinated and embossed brass and nickel sculptures, capturing the fleeting beauty of nature. His site-specific installations often feature woven steel branches that mirror the growth of wild plants like thistles and mallows, blending organic forms with metal to create timeless tributes to nature’s resilience. Maxson's work reflects his lifelong connection to nature and his exploration of materials. He manipulates metals as one would paper, allowing for intricate detailing that echoes the forms of plants. His installations pay homage to his trajectory alongside nature.