I attended the art walk in Ballard on Saturday. I was very pleasantly surprised by the number of venues and the quality of art I found. It may be the best of the walks aside from the First Thursday scene.
At Miro Tea, I met artist Elizabeth Dixon. It is an interesting mix of venue and artist, since Elizabeth's works show a resemblance to the artist Miro. Elizabeth is returning to painting and showing her works after taking a hiatus following the birth of her daughter. Elizabeth's paintings are cheery, and while simple in form, complex in texture. Elizabeth says her life has been transformed by the birth of her daughter, and it has translated into her work. She says the colors she now uses are much more vibrant than the more subtle tones of her prior work. The paintings shown at Miro also reflect her newfound love of children - each of them is named after a child. Her painting "Tess" which she stands in front of in the photo, is named after her daughter.
Next, at Shakti West, I met artist Nancy Reithaar. Nancy is well known, I suppose, in the Ballard neighborhood. Two years ago, I followed Nancy's show at Karma Coffee, with my own photography. Nancy's show sold out, from what I understand, while I failed to sell one photo. Both of those are indicative of the level of talent (though hopefully my work has grown since then).
Nancy paints monotypes, some with collage; and sketches. She uses a vibrant palate which she balances with cool blues and greens, and plenty of white space. The paintings with collage are intricate and complex, and beautiful in symmetry, texture, and color. She presents her work framed with the art floated over art paper, for a finished sophisticated look. Her sketches are likewise beautifully done. I would equate them to the photographic equivelent of a black & white silver gelatin print. They are a pleasure to view in a way that the subject matter is allowed to be expressed without the added values color brings. All of Nancy's work is very affordable, and beautifully done. (nancyreithaar.com)
At Annie's Art & Frame, I met artist Susan Martin. Susan is an employee at Annie's and has taken up artistic pursuits of her own. Susan recently completed the work here, which is a series of sketches she made of the walls of Fort Warden. Fort Worden, for those unfamiliar, is one of the original artillery battery placements guarding the entrance of Puget Sound. It is located near Port Townsend. The guns are gone, and now what remains are a labyrinth of concrete trenches, and old metal doors. The walls have cracks, peeling paint, and lichen, and the doors have serious rust, so there is plenty of texture. Susan took photos of the walls, on a flat, gray day, and made sketches of what she photographed. The effect are some very interesting abstracts. Susan also has some smallish, acrylic paintings of Pacific Northwest inspired water. Nice work from a new artist.
My next stop was at Market Street Shoes, where I met photographer Glynnis Hughes. This was the first solo show for Glynnis, though she also has a solo show opening on Thursday for the Capitol Hill Blitz art walk, at North Hill Bakery, 518 15th Ave E. Glynnis shoots traditional black and white silver gelatin prints. Many of her photos were shot on a trip to Paris, France, and there are a few Northwest photos, as well. Glynnis shoots abstracts. She gets close to her subject matter. One gets the sense of "Parisian" rather than say a blatant photo of Le Tour Eiffel. The prints are small, inviting the viewer to get close and take in the atmosphere of the photograph. While perhaps not in vogue, the small photograph has a long legacy with most of the master's, such as Imogen Cunningham, printing on a small scale. Inviting the viewer to get close is the problem with this show, however, since most the photographs are all placed above the displays in the small store - meaning at least eight feet to the lowest edge. Glynnis has a good eye and the prints are nicely done. As she sells these at a reasonable price, and is able to get into the darkroom on a more steady basis, she should evolve into a fine photographer.
Finally, it was past nine, and I expected I would not be able to see more. However, I noticed Skarbos was open, and it appeared there were people milling - a sign of an art show. So I stepped inside. Here I met artist Liv (pronounced Leev) Larsen. Liv is originally from Boston, and has been here just a short time. Liv is a Norwegian name. It is a nice name, and one I had not seen before.
Liv paints dark deep forests and trees. With bark so real looking that you might swear she hued a large chunk from a tree and pasted it to the canvas. In fact, in the photo of Liv, you see Liv next to a large painting, called Peeling Bark. Liv painted what looks like a tree skinned of its bark in one piece and stood on end. To heighten the effect, Liv leaves the piece free of frame or structure, and bends the outer edges towards the center - like a stripped bark would do. It is a beautiful piece, as is her entire collection. The colors are deep chocolaty brown canvases with white and brown trees and golden coloring from a hidden sun or perhaps magical light source. They feel rich in a culture that relates to trees.
In ancient Scandinavian culture, the evergreen tree was an important icon. According to Norse mythology, the world was a giant tree called Yggdrasil. The roots of Yggdrasil went deep into the underworld. According to one researcher, the importance of the tree remained even after the introduction of Christianity, with Scandinavian churches built in nine sections - the same as the number of realms in Yggdrasil. I bring this up to wonder if Liv is painting from this resource, or if her heritage is naturally drawn to the woods as an artistic element to explore and bring out emotional response.
Skarbos sells high end modern Scandinavian furnishings and Liv's paintings felt at home with expensive furniture. Liv is also a very talented photographer. Perhaps we will see that side in another show. (livlarsenphotography.com)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fremont Art Walk.
I made it to four of the venues at the Fremont First Friday art walk last night. If I can find a venue with an artist, then I will spend extra time talking to them, if they are available, and hopefully getting a picture or two to put on my Flickr account, which shows up here.
Such was the case last night. I got an early start - before the art walk officially began, and was notified of such by one shop owner. In the reporting business, it's called "getting the scoop" isn't it? Okay, so I'm not a real reporter. And I don't have my I-phone (yet!), so it would not have made it up here anyway. I really was just hoping to make it through the whole walk in one night.
Anyway, I went to Fremont Coffee Company before the 6:00 start. I liked what I saw. A lot. I asked if the artist was going to be there, and was told she was. I took my daughter, Natalie, to dinner across the street at Norm's Eatery & Ale House. There I had a Mushroom & Gorgonzola Burger, that was fabulous, and a tasty ale. Nice atmosphere too. It is also a dog-friendly place, so be prepared to share your space with a few canines.
After dinner, we headed back across the street where I met up with artist Christen Shaw (ChristenShaw.com).
Do you remember horror movies before the in-your-face death and destruction and bloodletting that began with Alien, perhaps, or maybe Halloween? The horror then was psychological, and always perceived, than shoved in your face.
That is the type of art Christen brings us. There is no way to label her work other than dark. Dark, is a given. But the questions that her work poses - what is going on here? - are much more potent and thought provoking than what lies on the surface. Not that a clown, standing a good foot taller than a grown man(?), and painted in black (with perhaps dark red tones) and white, won't be enough to give you bad dreams. Or perhaps it is the little girl with an enormously over sized head cocked to one side with a large pistol at her side, that will give you the deepest chill.
The characters in the paintings hearken back to the old-time horror flicks, I mentioned before. Was it House On The Haunted Hill?, or Hound of the Baskervilles?, or maybe Abbot & Costello Meet the Werewolf?, but in one of those, or maybe all of them, a sinister portrait hung on a wall. Did the eyes move as someone walked by? If you can dream of such things as being scary, then this work is for you. Perhaps the Abbot & Costello movie analogy is the more accurate, for there is also a touch of humor in these pieces. They are not seriously scary, but scary nonetheless. I also liked that each one is different. Christen is able to think of unique ways to scare you in each painting, ie she has a vivid imagination.
Her paintings are reasonably priced, too. If you want a conversation starter, but one which is also very well done, you will want to consider purchasing her work. At the least, drop by Fremont Coffee for a look at this refreshing body of work.
My next stop, was at Fremont Jewelry Design, where I met artist Nick Orban. Nick is new to Seattle, having been here less than a year. But he has picked up the Northwest scenery and made the adjustment of colors here that our clouds and weather cast, and given us some beautiful oil paintings. The paintings in Fremont all included water in them. I am not sure how a painter can include the grays and blues influenced by the weather here, and yet make a painting that springs to life on a wall, but Nick finds a way with an effect that is at once relaxing and yet vibrant. These paintings would look good in almost any Northwest home.(NickOrban.com)
Such was the case last night. I got an early start - before the art walk officially began, and was notified of such by one shop owner. In the reporting business, it's called "getting the scoop" isn't it? Okay, so I'm not a real reporter. And I don't have my I-phone (yet!), so it would not have made it up here anyway. I really was just hoping to make it through the whole walk in one night.
Anyway, I went to Fremont Coffee Company before the 6:00 start. I liked what I saw. A lot. I asked if the artist was going to be there, and was told she was. I took my daughter, Natalie, to dinner across the street at Norm's Eatery & Ale House. There I had a Mushroom & Gorgonzola Burger, that was fabulous, and a tasty ale. Nice atmosphere too. It is also a dog-friendly place, so be prepared to share your space with a few canines.
After dinner, we headed back across the street where I met up with artist Christen Shaw (ChristenShaw.com).
Do you remember horror movies before the in-your-face death and destruction and bloodletting that began with Alien, perhaps, or maybe Halloween? The horror then was psychological, and always perceived, than shoved in your face.
That is the type of art Christen brings us. There is no way to label her work other than dark. Dark, is a given. But the questions that her work poses - what is going on here? - are much more potent and thought provoking than what lies on the surface. Not that a clown, standing a good foot taller than a grown man(?), and painted in black (with perhaps dark red tones) and white, won't be enough to give you bad dreams. Or perhaps it is the little girl with an enormously over sized head cocked to one side with a large pistol at her side, that will give you the deepest chill.
The characters in the paintings hearken back to the old-time horror flicks, I mentioned before. Was it House On The Haunted Hill?, or Hound of the Baskervilles?, or maybe Abbot & Costello Meet the Werewolf?, but in one of those, or maybe all of them, a sinister portrait hung on a wall. Did the eyes move as someone walked by? If you can dream of such things as being scary, then this work is for you. Perhaps the Abbot & Costello movie analogy is the more accurate, for there is also a touch of humor in these pieces. They are not seriously scary, but scary nonetheless. I also liked that each one is different. Christen is able to think of unique ways to scare you in each painting, ie she has a vivid imagination.
Her paintings are reasonably priced, too. If you want a conversation starter, but one which is also very well done, you will want to consider purchasing her work. At the least, drop by Fremont Coffee for a look at this refreshing body of work.
My next stop, was at Fremont Jewelry Design, where I met artist Nick Orban. Nick is new to Seattle, having been here less than a year. But he has picked up the Northwest scenery and made the adjustment of colors here that our clouds and weather cast, and given us some beautiful oil paintings. The paintings in Fremont all included water in them. I am not sure how a painter can include the grays and blues influenced by the weather here, and yet make a painting that springs to life on a wall, but Nick finds a way with an effect that is at once relaxing and yet vibrant. These paintings would look good in almost any Northwest home.(NickOrban.com)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Catching Up with Artists
Last month I posted about the portrait work of Jenny Gini, who was showing at Cutz Salon in Wallingford. Jenny is back at Cutz this month with some beautiful landscapes. I particularly like the Orchid painting: very whimsical.
Artist Letha Colleen, who I wrote about last month in Wallingford, also, will be showing new work in Ballard. Letha creates beautiful collages on panels with paper and found objects. Her opening will be this Saturday at Dolce Vita, 5323 Ballard Ave NW, from 6 to 9 pm. The name of her new show is "Depth Conversion."
Artist Letha Colleen, who I wrote about last month in Wallingford, also, will be showing new work in Ballard. Letha creates beautiful collages on panels with paper and found objects. Her opening will be this Saturday at Dolce Vita, 5323 Ballard Ave NW, from 6 to 9 pm. The name of her new show is "Depth Conversion."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wallingford Art Walk tomorrow evening.
Wallingford features a free shuttle for some of the further points on the route. The shuttle leaves Wallingford Center at 6:45 for an hour and a half tour.
They also have live music outside the Wallingford Center in the plaza. Look for The Unoriginals playing from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Art Walk hours are 6pm to 9pm, except at Wallingford Center which closes at 8 pm.
I was at Fuel Coffee earlier and recommend catching the Pop Art work of Lucus Vidana. Kerf International, located in the Wallingford Center, switched locations in the Center. Find them at the opposite end and side than previously located.
Updated participating businesses. Look for maps throughout the artwalk.
They also have live music outside the Wallingford Center in the plaza. Look for The Unoriginals playing from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Art Walk hours are 6pm to 9pm, except at Wallingford Center which closes at 8 pm.
I was at Fuel Coffee earlier and recommend catching the Pop Art work of Lucus Vidana. Kerf International, located in the Wallingford Center, switched locations in the Center. Find them at the opposite end and side than previously located.
Updated participating businesses. Look for maps throughout the artwalk.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Non-affiliated venues.
This blog is about venues for showing artwork. The art walks are a convenient way for businesses to allow artists to show their work, and for the public to view it. I hope this blog increases awareness and will contribute to their success. However, I am going to start a separate listing of businesses that show work outside of the art walk realm. I will be building this database and posting what I have soon. But please feel free to send me any businesses that you know where work can be shown.
New To Blog
Yesterday I added a calendar which can be found on the side menu with the page views of the community art walks.
This morning I added a weather view. Default seems to be New York City. It's an easy fix to view Seattle (or wherever) though, so I will keep it. Nice to know the weather if you are going to be walking neighborhoods looking at art.
Further down the page, on the right side again, you have the opportunity to join my website.
Added Kirkland Second Thursday to calendar.
Look for even more content to come.
This morning I added a weather view. Default seems to be New York City. It's an easy fix to view Seattle (or wherever) though, so I will keep it. Nice to know the weather if you are going to be walking neighborhoods looking at art.
Further down the page, on the right side again, you have the opportunity to join my website.
Added Kirkland Second Thursday to calendar.
Look for even more content to come.
Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
This coming weekend, Bainbridge Island hosts its' twice yearly Studio Tour. The tour features seven locations and 52 artists. Hours are 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 7-9. The tour is self-guided and admission is free. A preview of the art, and a map are available on their website: http://bistudiotour.com
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