The phenomenon that has become “Outlander” started with a series of seven novels written by Diana Gabaldon first published in 1991 through 2009. If you like historical fiction with a time travel twist then this series is for you. The first novel titled “Outlander” was inspired by an episode of Dr. Who, and her idea for the series and the characters evolved from there. With degrees in zoology and marine biology, Diana has a very interesting background, you can read about her here.

In 2014 a television series based on the Outlander books premiered on Starz, and has been a popular franchise ever since. The fourth season “The New World,” premiered this past November 4. My daughter and I have been huge Outlander fans from day one. The story, time period, place, actors, costumes, music, we love it all. The series and music soundtrack kept her company on many nights in college while working on projects or writing papers and was my background music for many life drawing sessions. Now an actor and graduate of SCAD, Savannah College of Art & Design, she was recently invited back to the Savannah Film Festival that SCAD sponsors every year.

One of the highlights this year was the season four premier “The New World.” In conjunction with the premier was a Q & A with the cast and an exhibition of some of the costumes from the new season at the SCAD Museum of Art. The costumes are designed by Emmy award winning costume designer, Terry Dresbach.

Actors from left to right, Sophie Skelton (Brianna Randall Fraser), Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser), and Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall Fraser), photo credit Alaina Minichiello

Detail, costume Native American Character

As it happens, I was traveling to Charleston, South Carolina to pick up artwork from two shows I was part of this past summer and fall with WAM: Women Artists Mentors members at the Customs House Museum in Clarksville, Tennessee and The City Gallery in North Charleston. Savannah is just a hop skip and a jump away so I made detour to see the exhibition.

Years ago I used to do textile art and a had a little part of myself that had the desire to go into costume design, but chose a different design path. It was a treat for me to study the show and get a little “Outlander” fix in anticipation of the new season.

Costumes, Native American and Slave Characters

If you live in the area, the show closes on December 2, you still a little time left!

A little tip: To all my fellow artists out there if you ever do go the the SCAD Museum of Art, just across the street is the SCAD book store, Ex Libres. Unlike any other college book store, it has three floors of art supplies! As SCAD has such a diverse range of majors, there are goodies in there that you won’t find in other art stores.

I was in Savannah Georgia last weekend and every time I go, I always visit the SCAD Museum of Art. SCAD is the acronym for Savannah College of Art and Design. There are also campuses in in Atlanta, Hong Kong and France. The college is integrated into the historical town of Savannah with most buildings having been renovated or repurposed for classroom facilities, dorms, student centers and most notably the Museum of Art. The university’s commitment to historic preservation and adaptive use is most evident in this facility. The oldest part of the building dates to 1853 and was once part of the oldest surviving antebellum railroad depot in the country. In 2011 with an addition designed my architect Christian Sottile, a SCAD alumnus and dean the School of Building Arts, it has been transformed into a premier contemporary art facility, mounting an exhibition each academic quarter.

The back side and shadow projections on wall

One exhibit that is currently showing absolutely blew me away. I have never seen anything like it and felt compelled to share. The piece is by artist, Dustin Yellin, titled The Triptych, 2012, glass, collage, acrylic, measuring 46.5” x 208” x 27”. Yellin lives in Brooklyn, NY and is best known for his sculptural painting. Multiple glass layers are individually embellished then combined to create an intricate three dimensional collage. The Triptych is his largest most complex work to date. It weighs twelve tons and is comprised of three panels, of roughly 58 panels of glass each. It is a three dimensional viewing experience. Walking in the dimly lit room on closer inspection the glowing mass, depicts a surreal mythical spectacle embodying Yellin’s vision of the world and consciousness.

Side view showing layering of glass panels

This is one of those pieces that you could never take in with one viewing and I wish I could have the chance to see it again. Layer upon layer of images, mostly antique found images and others that may have been created by Yellin, collaged together on each panel of glass. There are also appears to be areas articulated with ink and or paint. When the panels are sandwiched together the images come to life in a three dimensional manner, that harken back to what could be a glorified View Master view or multi-plane animation effort.

Not only is the work so intriguing to look at and study, but I couldn’t help wondering, as I usually always do, about the logistics of creating such a monumental piece. If you live near Savannah or are visiting, this is worth seeing.