Wednesday, June 25, 2008

OPENING AT KOBO


The opening for the group show, 3 ARTISTS, 3 WOMEN, 3 FRIENDS, was Saturday night June 21st at KOBO Gallery in Seattle. There was much visiting with old friends, lots of laughter and a general feeling of celebration. It also happened to be my birthday and we...Linda, Helga, Kristi and I... celebrated by eating dinner at Greenleaf...my favorite restaurant. My sweet friend, Kristi, took this picture of the three artists. That's me on the left, Helga Winter in the middle and Linda Jarvis on the right.

Not only was it the longest day of the year, summer solstice, but it was a long day. We arrived at KOBO early to set up and left late to catch the ferry back to Port Townsend. The evening light was absolutely beautiful looking back at the city from the ferry.

Monday, June 9, 2008

THREE ARTISTS...THREE WOMEN...THREE FRIENDS


CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

L I N D A J A R V I S

Studies in commercial art, design and illustration at the Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle have provided me with a broad background in various disciplines and media. Working in mixed media and giving new life to reusable objects, has offered endless influence for exploration and experimentation for creative expression. My studio sits within wooded acreage on a hilltop in Chimacum, Washington where observations of the natural world and my own sense of wonder therein are ingredients for my inspirations in constructing sculptures and assemblages. Usually initiated by an image, thought or title idea, my work then evolves spontaneously unveiling a story or vignette often augmented by my illustrations and paintings of wildlife. My intent is to depict an aliveness, often times with humor, while balancing realism with fantasy.

S H A N E M I L L E R

From my studio in Port Townsend, WA, I create jewelry and narrative art boxes using a photo-etching technique. With the exception of a single etching workshop, I am self taught. For twelve years I was a sculptor and printmaker. My current body of work is an offspring of those two art forms. Each piece feels like a small sculpture and the etched surface is a direct product of printmaking. Pattern and texture become my palette more than color. I am also drawn to words and narrative and a good story. While choosing imagery for a piece of jewelry or one of my boxes, I have the privilege of beginning a story that someone else gets to finish. My jewelry might not be considered precious due to a lack of gems and gold but when a favorite piece is found at the back of the sock drawer three years lost, my hope is that the finder will feel as though they have discovered a treasure. The narrative art boxes, like the jewelry, are heirloom pieces made to be passed on through generations.

H E L G A W I N T E R

I hand turn unseasoned, salvaged, local Pacific Madrone (arbutus menziesii) on a wood lathe. Green Madrone, a wood that is unpredictable, is my favorite turning wood.
The drying process is delicate, referring to a sense of mystery, balance, the fragility of life and a sense of movement. I attempt to create objects that are pleasant to be with, invite to be touched, held and inquired. The process of my work is a self-discovery. The pieces are felt and become known to me only to be discovered anew through the beholder’s imagination that decides and investigates the function of the piece. Using dyes and patterns are inviting a closer look and investigation: Is it glass? Is it a gourd? Is it wood? What does the spheroid look like inside – is it smooth, rough, natural, dyed or even patterned – what creates the sound it makes? Vessel and spheroid, when given a new appearance, allow a quiet conversation to take place. Who am I really? How does my appearance, my attitude effect my inner being? Do they enhance the self or cover it up?Through these processes I strive to show the pureness of the wood – the essence of being.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

GROUP SHOW ENDS

The group show STORIES MYTHS AND LEGENDS just ended at Childhood's End Gallery in Olympia, WA. It was a well attended show with a nice range of beautiful work. Here are some images of my work (from left to right): AFTER THE HONEYMOON, LONG NOSE GAR, TIME TRAVELER, REMEMBERING THE NIGHT GARDEN and WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF SPRING.




My good friends and art buddies Linda Jarvis and Helga Winter also participated in the show. These delightful mixed media house sculptures are an example of Linda's work and the turned bowl and spheroid is an example of Helga's work. I am delighted that the three of us will be exhibiting together at KOBO Gallery in Seattle on the 21st of this month. I will post more information about this in a few days.