Two Exhibits - Two Paths
In the recent past I was in attendance at two local art exhibitions. I went to one specifically that was advertised to me and another I just happened upon on the next block. They could not have been more different and I return to the experience over and over as I wrestle with what they each taught me.
GALLERY ONE
An accomplished and creative photographer whom I know to have been an art teacher was branching out and bravely offering to show her work as a painter in her beautifully appointed and lit studio. Refreshments were served, the crowd was supportive and she was nervous.
I was taken with how perfectly the work was presented. As a former Gallery owner I recognized the work and professional care she took in the display. That I begin with this description reveals something of the experience.
The actual artwork was very conservative in it’s palette and flowed seamlessly from one piece to the next. Taken on their own, many were complicated and intriguing in story, process and material. Between there were strikingly uncomplicated decorative pieces in a complimentary palette. No, not complementary. for me they were a distraction from what was important.
The effect was an overall beautiful room that lost it’s focus on what was clearly a labor of love.
GALLERY TWO
An artist unknown to me was displaying his work in a craft shop the next block over. The owners of this shop were artists I admire and was curious to see what they had happening.
The tiny shop is crowded with various artwork and crafts from largely local people on a regular basis. From time to time they open the walls up above the shelves to focus on particular wall art. The artist featured was engaged with the audience and was confident and boisterous in his demeanor.
The loud active paintings commanded the walls which is not easy to do in that environment. It was evident that the artist was reckless and probably unschooled. But the bold color placement drew you across and through the paintings. I had a hard time discounting the ferocity of the emotion that those canvases displayed.
GALLERY ONE PLUS GALLERY TWO
Because I found myself in the two extremes that night of disciplined art in a disciplined environment AND undisciplined art in an undisciplined environment, I have been wrestling with the value of each ever since. Wrestling how I might digest what I observed in my own work. I believe in presentation. I believe it is important to care for the details and as a designer I cannot seem to discount the value of the surrounding environment. At the same time we (I) need to be careful not to lose the forest for the trees.
Revealing ourselves and our labor is a gift to our patrons. We can lose that thread by caring too much as by caring too little. Since that evening, I have stretched the boundaries of what I am doing with my own art. I’ve had more failures than successes but I am grateful for the nudge.
Stay tuned for new work being offered at a Blue Roof House Party together with 5 extraordinary artists.
BLUE ROOF HOUSE SHOW
645 BISHOP MEADE ROAD, MILLWOOD VA
OCTOBER 14 5 PM TO 8 PM & OCTOBER 15 11 AM TO 2 PM
Pam Klein, Tim Radford, Richard Lew, Page Carter, Peggy Duvall, Winslow McCagg, Amy Oliver