Insight Art Connection

Coni Grant

2007-10-30T16:44:00.001-06:00

I haven't written about Coni's work for a while, but I'm so happy to share it! She has already sold two paintings from her show at SLV Brewing Company, and I just showed one of my favorites to a friend with a perfect wall for it. This is Big Trees, oil on board, 46x36". I love the composition here, with the leaves blowing by the smooth-and-rough tree bark. This is clearly a painting by an artist deeply steeped in color theory, though it works for everyone, even if they can't tell the difference between chartreuse and periwinkle!

Adventures in Encaustic: Fay Golson

2007-10-24T14:07:00.000-06:00

Blue Feathers No. 1
Encaustic and mixed media
16x14"
$600

Pearl
Encaustic and mixed media
20x16"
$650

I just finished the proposal for art at the new Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida, CO -- under budget and with lots of style -- Hooray! One surprising gift that came with the process: I had the opportunity to look through artwork by dozens of artists, and rediscover some works that I had seen without seeing.

One of those rediscoveries: Fay Golson. She's a painter/mixed media artist in Salida, and she's mixing it up with encaustics to create powerful contemporary compositions, often with an Asian influence. These are two of my current favorites. Enjoy!

Laura Murphy at Shumei

2007-10-18T16:08:00.001-06:00

Laura has some great photos of the exhibit at her flikr site (email me for the url), and I'm looking forward to a fascinating program. Her Egg Bowl is going through a dramatic transformation as we speak -- maybe there will be sprouts on Sunday!

The symposium is on the 21st at 3 p.m. -- email me for directions or more information.

Click here or copy and paste into your email program:

Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com

Rebecca Mezoff at SLVRMC

2007-10-10T13:45:00.001-06:00

I grew up in northern New Mexico under red sandstone cliffs and deep blue skies. Perhaps that is where my love of color began... Making tapestry for me is about color and process. The metaphor of weaving a life is always present for me as I work, and weaving becomes a way of expressing interconnectedness of all life forms, one thread at a time.
--From Rebecca Mezoff's Artist Statement

Hand dyed, hand woven tapestries by Rebecca Mezoff are on view through November at San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center.

SLVRMC created the ARTrium in the south wing of the hospital as part of their mission to provide quality, compassionate care in a quiet and healing space. Through Insight Art Connection, the hospital works with local artists throughout the Valley to reflect the culture and life of the San Luis Valley and remind patients, visitors and staff of the creativity and beauty all around them. With exhibitions, community receptions, and children’s art displays, the ARTrium program is designed to enrich the relationship between healthcare and the community.

To find out more about the ARTrium, or the work of Rita Roberts, call Katherine Benke, Insight Art Connection: 719-588-9044, or email Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com.

Amy Kucera at Shumei International Institute

2007-10-02T13:59:00.000-06:00

La Capilla de Todos los Santos Catholic Shrine
Black and white photo montage
Approx. 24x30”

The winter exhibit season begins October 28 at Shumei International Institute! Amy Kucera will present architectural photomontages through December, and Bernice Strawn will show wall sculptures in January and February. Please join us for artists’ receptions on the third Sundays of November and January, at 3 p.m.

Kucera’s work represents architecture in a more personal and emotional style than most photographs. By merging multiple photographs, the artist can convey her experience of a building – and the viewer gets an idea of that structure’s essence.

Kucera elaborates: “Just as a person has qualities that one picks up on during a conversation, so a building has qualities that one can pick up on if they let themselves experience their surroundings. One can see if a building has character… Many of the photomontages defy reality. The montages do not show the building as it actually exists. Instead of reconstructing the building in a straightforward way, each montage plays with merging different sections and perspectives to create a new space.”

Among the buildings depicted in the November-December show are the Denver Convention Center, Denver Pavilions, and Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa.

Kucera’s show begins the short 2007-08 Winter Exhibit Series. This year, two exhibits will be featured, with artists’ receptions at 3 p.m. on November 18 and January 20. SII in Crestone, CO, is a not for profit organization created to promote spiritual growth through interfaith activities, the practice of Natural Agriculture, and the sponsorship of the arts and cultural events.

Through symposia, exhibitions, and community receptions, SII actively encourages the integration of art and beauty into daily life. Art can put humankind in touch with the best qualities of human nature. When touched by beauty we place a higher value on life and on all creation. The arts foster harmony both within the individual and among communities. Shumei encourages its members and friends to make the arts an integral part of their lives.

Shumei’s gallery is free and open to the public 7 days a week from 9-5 PM. To find out more about SII, or for directions to the gallery, call Matthew Crowley: 719-256-5285.
To inquire about photomontages by Amy Kucera, contact Katherine Benke, Insight Art Connection: 719-588-9044, or email Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com.

New Work by Ame' Branson

2007-10-01T22:12:00.000-06:00

Ame' is from Louisiana, and this series evokes the dignity and grace with which New Orleans has shown in beginning to rebuild. This body of work is called Out of Ruins, with each painting featuring a stunning bird. These bear all the hallmarks of Ame's style: quietly complex colors and blends, not-quite smoothed surfaces, and a map-like feeling as you travel around the canvas.

How fortunate to have a Gray Crowned Crane on my home page for a while! Welcome, Anhingas, Crowned Night Herons, Snowy Egrets, and all!

Fall's Gifts

2007-09-26T13:26:00.000-06:00

My afternoons still feel like summer, but every other part of these cooling days reminds me to slow down -- it's just what I need with so much going on! The St. Thomas Art Auction is coming up this Saturday, the 29th. Two pieces have online bids -- remaining online bids need to be received by 5 p.m. that day. One of my favorite pieces is Triangle Plate by Linda Pacheco-Demski.

And Rebecca Mezoff will be replacing Rita Roberts at the ARTrium at SLV Regional Medical Center. This space is so beautiful, and the hospital is so conscious of the benefits of fine art -- it really attracts the best work in the region. This painting, Summer Cottonwoods by Rita Roberts, is on view there until October 6.

And I have new art by Nancy Vickery of Salida! This monotype, Perambulation: Wind, and many others should be going online this weekend.

Finally, Laura Murphy just installed an exhibit at Shume International Institute. She is taking vessels in a new direction: bowls as looms! This is Woven Bowl #2.

International Artists

2007-09-20T11:29:00.000-06:00

Icarus Floats
Nicolas Ghyssaert
Oil on Canvas
Approx. 55" x 55"
$7500

IAC is proud to represent two artists from across the pond -- Nicolas Ghyssaert lives and works in Belgium, and Carlos Pardo is in Spain. Nicolas likes to say his art bares his soul -- his paintings evoke dances with so much energy they seem as if they'll fly off the wall...but there is a sense of control that also requires the viewer's attention. Another dance begins. His work is currently on exhibit at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels.

La Cantante del Metropol
Carlos Pardo
Acrylic on Canvas
Approx. 13" x 10"
$500

Carlos is a prolific artist, with dozens of paintings reminiscent of Spanish sunsets. These are romantic cityscapes with an edge of intelligence, dramatic emotions painted with coolness. His perspective is often from a distance, rendered with watery shapes and warm colors -- his work is perfect for salons and cafes around the world. Carlos' work was recently featured in a solo show at CafeTeArte in Madrid.

St. Thomas Art Auction Awards

2007-09-13T22:22:00.000-06:00

Thank you to Andra Archer for jurying a diverse show, and congratulations to the winners!

Third Place: Beyond Flowers by Ruth Ann Christy, oil on paper, 9 x 11"

Second Place: Cottonwood Dusk by Coni Grant, oil on board, 6 x 8"

First Place: Meridians by Rebecca Mezoff, woven tapestry, 48 x 34"

Judge's Choice: Kathyspiration by Evelyn Sprouse-Rowe, acrylic on board, 26.5 x 10"

St. Thomas Art Auction pre-preview

2007-09-05T05:14:00.000-06:00

Artwork is flowing in a jumble for the art auction later this month -- if I show it now, that means I'll be more organized, yes?

From top: Every Green by Rita Roberts, Three Pears by Evelyn Sprouse-Rowe, Speckled Bowl by Linda Pacheco-Demski, Chief Priestess by Tufani Mayfield.

On the way: Ruth Ann Christy, Coni Grant, and more!

Rita Roberts at SII

2007-09-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

Sunday, September 16, at 3:00 p.m., join Rita Roberts at Shumei International Institute as she talks about her oil paintings and demonstrates her technique. Rita’s painting, "Quiet Night, Home Lake" won the 1st place and a peoples' choice award in the SLV 100 years of Reservoirs Celebration last month. Another piece, “Winter Sky,” is currently touring nationally in the annual Paint the Parks exhibit.

Rita describes her work as “quietly moody.” Whether the composition is simple or complex, the under layer of stillness is there. A naturalistic contradiction occurs within the pervading mood. Deep, rich colors emerge from the canvas, glowing from within and requiring attention. Quiet, yet commanding.
Many of her oil paintings are done entirely with a single palette knife to make the experience much more tactile and direct than it is with conventional painting. She doesn’t use any brushes, mediums or solvents. When describing the ways in which Rita applies paint to canvas, one may use the verbs scrape, drag, slap, push, stroke and even kiss.

Rita’s presentation will continue the 2007 Shumei International Institute (SII) Symposia Series. This year, each symposium will be held on the third Sunday of the month, from July through October. SII in Crestone, CO, is a not for profit organization created to promote spiritual growth through interfaith activities, the practice of Natural Agriculture, and the sponsorship of the arts and cultural events.

Through symposia, exhibitions, and community receptions, SII actively encourages the integration of art and beauty into daily life. Art can put humankind in touch with the best qualities of human nature. When touched by beauty we place a higher value on life and on all creation. The arts foster harmony both within the individual and among communities. Shumei encourages its members and friends to make the arts an integral part of their lives.

Shumei’s gallery is free and open to the public 7 days a week from 9-5 PM. To find out more about SII, or for directions to the gallery, call Matthew Crowley: 719-256-5285.
To inquire about paintings by Rita Roberts, contact Katherine Benke, Insight Art Connection: 719-588-9044, or email Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com.

Image: “Winter Sky”
Oil on Linen
10”x10”

September exhibits

2007-08-28T13:43:00.000-06:00

Moon Rising by Rita Roberts

Curves of Sass by Deana Fisher Wilfong

Book Sculpture by Laura A. Murphy

Rita Roberts will have a show at Shumei through October, with a symposium at 3 pm, Sunday, September 16. Deana Fisher Wilfong's sculptures will also be there until September 23, and then sculptures by Laura A Murphy will go up.

And the second annual art auction at St. Thomas Episcopal Church is September 29! Works for sale will be on exhibit beginning September 17. Email me for tickets to that fun event -- live music, desserts, wine, smart people buying art for a good purpose...

New art on the website

2007-08-22T20:32:00.000-06:00

I've just added new work by LaNita Jones (copper fountains) and Rebecca Mezoff (contemporary handwoven tapestries). Also, a fantastic symposium by Deana Wilfong last weekend -- watch for more of her work arriving on the website... I [heart] cool artist grrrls!!

More (and very different!) black and whites

2007-08-09T13:37:00.000-06:00

This is work by David Diaz Guerrero, a well-known artist and arts activist. This one captures that free-falling experience of Colorado autumns, and I love it!

Dan Downing

2007-08-02T23:07:00.000-06:00

Hmm, the title of the last post had a little more proximity to the image of gravestones than I intended...

Here's another photograph to make it up to you...

Photography to sleep in

2007-08-02T22:56:00.000-06:00

Dan Downing's photos have so many layers, they feel like a big feather bed (or at least what I imagine of feather beds). He says he doesn't have an eye for color, but these seem so sumptuous they might as well be bursting with color. Perfect for these days of ripening!

Bernice Strawn

2007-07-30T22:15:00.000-06:00

Yellow Expansion
7'x4'x7'

I've only known her for a few months, but it's clear to me that B moves with abundant grace and ease in the world. Her sculptures follow suit: quietly beautiful, they follow the path of least resistance without losing their backbone. Speaking of backbone, I'm always reminded to stand up tall whenever I view these works. They accomplish the lofty goal of creating more space - perfect for the yoginis and poets among us...

New Work by Deana Fisher Wilfong

2007-07-18T21:54:00.000-06:00

Each of Deana’s sculptures is unique, yet reflects the universal nature of being human. The central theme celebrates the form, grace and voluptuousness that is the power within every woman. At the same time, both negative and positive are echoed through space and form. Some forms are intentionally cracked as a symbol of the trials we face and the beauty that emerges from those challenges. No two cracks are alike, just as no two bodies are alike. Exposing them is its own beauty. In an effort to reduce any unnecessary impact on rising CO2 levels in our environment, Deana utilizes a process in which her pieces are fired only once at a low temperature. The result is art both raw and refined, much like the duality of humanity itself.

--From Deana's artist statement

New Acrylics by Evelyn Sprouse-Rowe

2007-07-10T22:03:00.000-06:00

Evelyn's work is fairly experimental, with mixed aesthetic results. I'm really enjoying her latest paintings -- the acrylic on canvas of this diptych is sparse, so the weave shows through...it reminds me of an illustrated burlap bag -- very South American, especially with these voluptuous shapes and colors!

Eight Random Facts

2007-07-04T16:51:00.000-06:00

Oh, this is juicy! Sherrie York just tagged me with a meme -- I feel so connected! Here are the rules for Eight Random Facts:

Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I like to eat clockwise around my plate - square sandwiches get whittled down in spiral fashion to the center.

2. My family settled in Colorado before it was a state.

3. I program poems/prayers I write into my cell phone so I can memorize them.

4. Thirty years and no cavities!

5. I have a sixth sense about elevators: when I'm waiting for a called elevator, I stand in front of the door that opens first.

6. I was a professional belly dancer for almost 6 years.

7. I actually USE the china that was given as a wedding gift to my grandparents in 1935. (Not everyday, but always for friends...)

8. Lists like this give me serious stress -- the last fact escapes me every time!

Now, on to more facts from Laura Murphy http://wildethyme.blogspot.com/, Susan Sorrell http://creativechick.blog-city.com/,

(Sorry no links -- blogger took away my link button!) : (

Sallyann Paschall

2007-06-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy to finally have this work to show you. Sallyann is all the best things about a Woman of the West -- elegant and smart and talented and confident, with an easy laugh and a wide smile and not a whiff of pretention. And she's an artist to keep an eye on -- her sense of design is impeccable, subtle enough to love all the time, but it packs a punch when you're in the mood to engage. Paschall has work at the Insitute of American Indian Art giftshop in Santa Fe (one of my favorite places in the world), and has been recognized and awarded for her expressionist prints and paintings that address Native American heritage.

Australian Aboriginal Art at Shumei International Institute

2007-06-21T07:07:00.000-06:00

Imagine a vast landscape, red earth covered with lush and varied vegetation in soft shapes and subtle shades of green and the colors of spring, with a naked blue sky that reaches beyond the horizon in any direction. Look close and you will see goannas, snakes and perentie lizards and look afar without looking and you will see the buff colored dingos, grey emus and red kangaroos move out of their camouflage. Be still and feel the pulse of a quiet, gentle, resourceful people who have walked and thrived upon the earth for 60,000 continuous years.

So begins the publicity flyer produced by Andra Archer, who will be presenting on her work with artists from the heartland of Australia. The exhibit will be up July 8 through the end of August at Shumei, with a symposia gathering Sunday, July 15, at 3:00 p.m.

I've added an image by Joe Zinn, a photographer from Monte Vista -- you'll just have to come to Shumei to see the down-under stuff! Call 719-588-9044 or email Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com for directions and more information.

TrulyScene series by John Stevenson

2007-06-14T22:11:00.000-06:00

John's doing some very serious work with a cheery edge to it. This is digital art with roots in 18th century illustration, although it reminds me also of Romantic gravitas. Blooms are sometimes scanned over a few days' time, dramatizing their decay in a few images. This is the juicy, painful, delicious, squeaking-through and letting-go process of ripening.

The combination of full, richly colored scanogram and delicate illustration is a little like peeking at the skeleton while the flesh is still supple and warm. Eerie and inviting, bitter and sweet all at the same time.

Rock Composition 20 by Jude' Silva

2007-06-11T22:58:00.000-06:00

Rock Composition 20
Jude Silva
Textile, Netted Rock Forms, Installation
6'x8'
$9000

Jude' is a Buena Vista artist who seems to like working with contradictions. See how that one is as strong as the group? Is it approaching or leaving the others?

Her rock installations are like well-built prayers -- solid with potential reality, floating through the universe. Sometimes wishes that come true require more hard work than those that remain unfulfilled. These pieces remind me of the courage it takes to ask for more, and then to receive it all with grace.

New paintings by Linda Wooten-Green

2007-06-06T23:13:00.000-06:00

I just published my ezine talking about Linda Wooten-Green's very evolved and voluptuous style. These paintings feel very feminine -- a celebration of Mother Earth without needing to beat anyone over the head about it. Her palette is rich but disciplined -- through these colors, she maintains integrity for her current home in southern New Mexico.

This is a leit motif for Linda's work, actually: each of her bodies of work, from Georgia, the Heartland, southern Colorado, and now New Mexico, has a very distinct set of colors. There are other things that change, as well -- like eating an artichoke, her work gets better the further she goes.

Here's my favorite from the current show at San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center.

Golindrinas II
Linda Wooten-Green
Oil on canvas
24x30"
$2000