by Emma Firestone

"The point at which nature loses is 'naturalness', where it transforms into a raw material--part of a synthetic whole--is the central focus of Beth Galston's installation, "Recasting Nature." The large scale sculptures that make up the exhibit are made of repeated patterns of leaves, acorn caps, seed pods, logs and roses, held together with resin and manipulated through twisting, drilling and coiling. The surfaces are rich in texture and color, and are highly expressive: some suggest thickets and tree trunks, while others are reminiscent of architectural forms, wall or corridors. As an ensemble, the sculptures interact with the light and soaring space of the Chapel Gallery, creating a luminous environment that explores nature and its fragility. At 60 Highland St., W. Newton. On display Sept.6-Oct.1."