'Trace Elements' — Hair-raising art on view at FGCU

Submitted photo

Carrie Custer's "Dress," 2004, artist's hair and tulle.

Carrie Custer spends lots of time on her hair, making sure it looks just right. But the hair she works on isn't attached to her head. It's in her art.

The local artist and adjunct instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University uses a mix of human hair and textiles, creating works that are figurative and mimic articles of clothing.

"I am interested in figural elements recombining to create new relationships amongst themselves and the viewer," she says.

"The elements trace over and/or are left over from what was before. We have an involuntary shedding and renewal of life through our strands of hair. Hair that no longer can be put neatly back into place with others is seen as waste."

There is our public hair. Hair attached to one's head is carefully cut, gelled into place for the sake of beauty and vanity. The cultivation of hair is for comfort — who we are, what we project, our persona. The cultivation of comfort can allow for hiding, protection or warmth."

An exhibit of Custer's recent work, called "Trace Elements," opens Thursday with a reception at FGCU's Art complex from 5 to 8 p.m.

The exhibit can be seen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through July 28. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. Park in Lot 7. Free admission. Information: 590-7199