July 2013 Gallery Picks Newsletter

Summer is finally here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and our thoughts are turning to leafy greens, cool whites, and fragrant roses.  And yes, we know it's nearly August, and that another newsletter will appear quickly on the heels of this one, but please scroll down and see what's been making us drool this month!

Necklace Monet.  Begona Rentero

 Yes, this is definitely the kind of cool green we were craving!  Created by

the incomparable Begona Rentero of Spain from paper she makes from various fibers,

this gorgeous, lightweight necklace with its suggestion of lily pads and blossoms

would be perfect to wear lounging beside a gentle stream or your koi pond.

Or wherever.  

To slightly misquote one of our customers, "If I owned that I'd wear it to vacuum!"

We're behind you one hundred percent.

Fingertip Pocket Tunic.  Carol Lee Shanks

Cool and breezy, this is one of those perfect white summer tops.

Comfortable linen with pockets and interesting tab detailing will

take you right through the hottest months of the year in style.

Walnut and Koa Rocking Chair

Beauty and comfort make this rocking chair a terrific addition

to any home.  The classic styling is timeless yet infused with

a contemporary vibe, especially evident in its combination of

spectacular woods, fine leather, and a smooth-as-silk finish.

Koa, an interesting and increasingly rare exotic wood, is the

strong-grained red-orange wood used on the backrest or

splat portion of the chair.  Here's a little about it:

Koa is part of the Acacia family of trees and is recognized as one of the finest

textured woods in the world. This native of Hawaii is truly a monarch of the

forest, growing to heights of 100 feet. The best Koa can be found

specifically on higher elevations of the Big Island and take 50 to 70

years to mature. Different parts of the island lend their own distinctive hue to

the color of the wood, from dark red to orange-brown to a lighter brown. 

   In ancient Hawaii, Koa wood was harvested exclusively for the

alii class, or royalty. The huge logs were crafted into sculpted images of

gods, personal containers and canoes for royalty. 

   By the turn of the century, koa was called the Hawaiian Mahogany and

used extensively by the upper class and in government buildings for furniture,

staircases and other woodwork. Beautiful examples can still be viewed in

such places as the Iolani Palace.

Shiloh Pass.  Jen Till

Shiloh Pass from our delightful Bainbridge Island artist Jen Till certainly fits our mood.

We love the moody greens and vibrant light of this oil landscape.

Jen comments on her approach and process:

I am inspired by the many ways light casts itself on our earth.

Moments in my life when I behold such beauty inspires me to create its

memory in my work. Nature provides me with a foundation upon which

I can build  paintings to express a wide range of feeling.

The process I use is meditation with my brush in hand. This enables my

creative energy to flow, uninterrupted and fueled by intuition. By creating

layers with glazes I try to explore the inherent aspects of paint itself

while keeping my mind focused on a feeling and place. 

My painting experience grounds me and reminds me to be aware of the

presence of spirit in all of life's moments.

I search for this essence and mystery as I dwell on a place filled with light.

My hope is to engage the viewer and to share the mystery and calm I so cherish.

My work reminds me that by painting the experience of the material world around me

I can move toward the intangible, ethereal mystery of life.

Bowls.  Dave Berfield

Our newest ceramic artist, Dave Berfield of Bainbridge Island, is a well-known

artist who has specialized in porcelain enamels for many years.  He has now turned his

attention to wood-fired ceramics, and recently brought us a selection of wondrous little

vessels that remind us of Navajo seed bowls of the Southwest.  They're perfect for

housing a pretty stem of something-or-other from the garden, but not too many -

these holes are tiny!  Dave's various glazes and their effects complement each other

so they look great in a grouping.  In other words, they play well together.

You are encouraged to adopt a few at a time! 

Lodalite and Roman Glass Earrings. Virginia Paquette

These were a bit of a challenge to photograph successfully, but we hope

this gets the idea across!  The opalescence of the ancient Roman glass is

quite stunning, changing in different lighting; the mossy faceted lodalite

nuggets are just lovely, and in Virginia's inimitable fashion are the perfect

color match for the glass.

A little about the Roman glass:

The ancient Roman glass that we're currently seeing pop up in contemporary 

jewelry designs is coming out of Afghanistan. These beads were originally

traded into the Middle East from Roman glass makers, and were likely once bowls,

cups or storage implements. Their age is not precisely known but they

are likely greater than 1,000 years old. 

Silk Chiffon Topper.  Sandra Holzman

Some things are simply timeless, like this, for instance.

Sandra Holzman creates her own style in these

kimono-influenced jackets that make any outfit special.

Soft and gauzy silk chiffon hand-dyed by the artist, it travels

well across the seasons and is perfect when you need a pop of color

to dress up a plain dress or, say, long black flowing pants.

They come in a variety of rich colors; in fact, there's a perfect

one for autumn right here.

Black and Red Rose Neoprene Necklace.  NEO

Last, but definitely not least, is this charmer of a necklace

from NEO of Italy.  It's quite long at 35 inches; you can see the

way it drapes when worn here, where it's displayed with

the Carol Lee Shanks white linen fingertip tunic, or scroll back up
to view on this page.  The red rose is actually a brooch, and the soft,
squishy qualities of neoprene are pleasing both to the touch and to the eye.

Thanks for visiting us for the July installment of the Newsletter.  We'll be back before you know it in mid-August with another selection of our fabulous artists' work.

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August 2013 First Friday Artwalk - You're Invited!

What a glorious summer we're having in the usually-drippy Pacific Northwest!  And the weather looks good for Bainbridge Island's upcoming First Friday Artwalk on August 2nd. 

Here's what we're up to:

The View from Above.  Kathleen Faulkner.
24" x 18".  Oil Pastel

North by Northwest

Kathleen Faulkner

Oil Pastels

August 2 – 31, 2013

Artist’s Reception, First Friday, August 2, 6-8 pm

Featuring Gypsy Jazz from Bainbridge Island’s

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers

in concert on the Plaza

400 Winslow Way E., #120, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Anacortes artist Kathleen Faulkner portrays her environment in landscapes

and their creatures that are undeniably personal and familiar to her as a

lifelong resident of the Northwest. Her work displays a firm yet gauzy

technique that evokes our area’s own misty backdrop.

About the Artist:  Born and raised in Seattle, Kathleen has lived her adult life in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Her formal art training was at Cornish School in Seattle.

She became interested in scrimshaw when she moved to Alaska in the mid 1970s, and has continued to work in that medium throughout her adult life. In the mid 1980s she began a jewelry apprenticeship with Lois Bertolino, working with her for several years before venturing out on her own as a jewelry artist.

Kathleen has recently discovered oil pastel and finds that it is now her medium of choice, noting that the creative process is meditative.

"I am interested in telling stories, giving form to memories of times and places. It is an attempt to convey a glimpse of the essence of this place, our little corner of the world. Many years have been, and continue to be, spent moving about my world, experiencing and documenting. I conceive and create with the idea of a ‘visual’ journal that keeps track of those times and places. Each piece has significant personal history and tends to become part of a series allowing me to re-visit for extended periods."

Kathleen continues her jewelry work and is represented in the current exhibition at the newly-opened Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.


Ranger and the Re-Arrangers

We know things will start to jump once Ranger and the Re-Arrangers are all set up on the outdoor Plaza here at the Winslow, right in front of the gallery.  Their specialty is Gypsy Jazz in the vein of Django Reinhardt, and after the first few notes from Ranger's sweet violin and the Re-Arrangers' excellent combo of guitar, mandolin and drums, every foot will be tapping!  Here's why:

Seattle Gypsy Jazz band Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Gypsy campsite with their unique twist on gypsy jazz. “At the heart of their sound is Ranger Sciacca's sweet violin playing… his sense of melody and daring improvisations.” (World Rhythm Webzine) Their tight rhythm section features a hand drummer, giving the music a bouncy swing and accentuating the joyful interplay between the two soloists. The band’s repertoire includes swing standards, traditional Gypsy melodies, the music of Django & Grappelli, Brazilian choros, and Ranger's unique originals.

The band was formed in 2006 after Ranger and Michael returned from the Django Reinhardt festival in Samois, France. In the years since, the band has released three CDs and have played at about 400 shows, including summer concerts, festivals, dances, art openings, and weddings.

About the Artists:

Violinist RANGER SCIACCA began playing violin at the age of six. Through most of his teens, he divided his studies between fiddle tunes with renowned Seattle fiddler Stuart Williams and classical improvisation with Alice Kanack, an internationally-known violinist and author on the subject. A chance encounter with a CD of violin jazz ignited Ranger’s interest in the playing of Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Gradually Ranger, with his dad Michael Sciacca on rhythm guitar, built a repertoire of rags, blues, and swing jazz classics. A few of Ranger’s originals were always part of the playlist. Ranger’s playing draws from all the genres he has studied, and, according to one reviewer, “features frantic staccato runs, pizzicato plucking that keeps one on the edge and an overall sense of tone that reveals many shades and moods.”

Bassist TODD HOUGHTON began performing, teaching, and producing music in the early 1960s in Colorado. He has played guitar, bass and keyboards in jazz, folk, rock and C&W groups since then. He has composed for commercials, films and live theater. In addition to his private students and independent studio work, Todd has hosted an “open mic” on Bainbridge Island, Washington since 1993. Blind since the age of seven, Todd is currently an advisor to Jack Straw Production’s Blind Youth Audio Project.

Percussionist JEFFREY MOOSE has a 30-year career in both music and fine art. His collaborations and band projects include work with Joined at the Head, Heliotroupe, Dog Superior, Stiff Kitty, The Todd Houghton Band, Atoke, Zayah=2 0Emmanuel, and Sam Andrews, founder of Big Brother and the Holding Company. Born in Mexico and raised in West Africa and Arlington, Virginia, he is currently director of Jeffrey Moose Gallery in Seattle.

Mandolinist DAVE STEWART began his musical studies in Tacoma, Washington playing classical piano. Since discovering the mandolin four years ago, Dave has played ceaselessly, and he now performs with a 5-string electric mandolin and a tenor guitar as well as a traditional mandolin. Dave is an accomplished digital animation artist.

Rhythm Guitarist MICHAEL SCIACCA is Ranger's father, and has been backing up Ranger on guitar for over 10 years. Ranger and Michael are descended from Sicilian immigrants, who played jazz in New York at the start of the 20th century.

Guitarist DARIN LOCKE studied at the prestigious Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California. He has split the last decade between Bremerton, Washington and Austin, Texas, teaching, recording, and performing. Darin is an accomplished musician in many different genres; while based in Austin, he toured the United States with alternative-country band Micky and the Motorcars, and played rhythm guitar for gypsy jazz group Django's Moustache.

AWARDS & HONORS: The band has won several accolades and awards: FINALIST Independent Music Award (2007 and 2009), Best Song, World Traditional Category WINNER, Global Rhythm Magazine Song Contest, Gypsy Moon (April 2007).

Visit the band's web site for more info at http://www.rangerswings.com/calendar.html.

We hope to see you for a wonderful First Friday event!

For further information, contact the Gallery by phone or at ssn@theislandgallery.net.  To subscribe to our newsletter, please e-mail sr@theislandgallery.net with your e-mail address and we'll add you to the list right away.

Special Saturday Performance: Peter Spencer & Jonathan Green

If you're a fan of our concerts in general, and Peter Spencer in particular (and who isn't), we have a special summer treat for you:  Peter will be playing with Jonathan Green here at The Winslow on July 27th at 2:30 pm, for our first-ever Saturday show.  See more details below.


Peter Spencer

Expect a blues/R&B-driven afternoon with Peter's trademark growl and inimitable fingerpicking guitar style, the perfect foil to Jonathan's elegant, rocking bass.   Here's a little about them both:

Peter Spencer is a fingerpicking guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he grew up listening to the R&B and hillbilly music played on radio stations like WLAC in Nashville and CKLW in Windsor, Ontario. He began his musical career in 1968 playing harmonica in a blues band in Pittsburgh, but soon switched to solo guitar. Peter spent the 1970s touring North America and Europe playing early blues, jazz and ragtime. Then, in the early 1980s, he began writing songs, co-founding the Fast Folk Musician's Cooperative in Greenwich Village, New York, where he worked with artists like Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplanski, Cliff Eberhardt, and Jack Hardy. These recordings are part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

After graduating from The Writing Program at Columbia University in 1989, Peter retired from performing and became a full-time music writer for magazines like Rolling Stone and Sing Out. His book "World Beat: A Listener's Guide to Contemporary World Music on CD" was published by the Chicago Review Press in 1992.

Peter has been called a "guitar wizard" by Seattle's Victory Music News and "a gifted lyricist with a sharp eye" by the New Jersey Star-Ledger. He tours regularly in the Northeast and throughout the Pacific Northwest and teaches guitar and voice at the Dusty Strings Music School in Seattle and the Island Music Center of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Jonathan Green enjoys wearing many musical hats. For the past 15 years, he has been a bassist for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Work in the orchestra world has included years with the San Diego Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony and the Tulsa Philharmonic, as well as summer gigs at the Colorado Music Festival, Spoletto Festival of Two Worlds, the Sedona Chamber Music Festival and the Icicle Creek Music Festival. He also performs and records regularly with Music of Remembrance.

Outside of the canon of western classical music, Jon performs with Johnny Bregar and the Country Dogs, Pete Spencer and Laura DeLuca’s klezmer band. He also plays electric bass for the Seattle Symphony Pops concerts.

Concert Details:

Date:  July 27, 2013

Place:  The Winslow, 400 Winslow Way E.,  Bainbridge Island, Washington

Outdoors on the Plaza

Time:  2:30 pm

Admission:  Free

Audience:  All ages

For More Information Contact:  The Island Gallery, 206.780.9500 or ssn@theislandgallery.net 

Upcoming Event: Kathleen Faulkner, Northwest Artist

Introducing our newest artist, Kathleen Faulkner of Anacortes, Washington.


Ika Island.   18" x 24".  Oil pastel

The Island Gallery is delighted to welcome Northwest artist Kathleen Faulkner with a solo show of her oil pastel work, August 2 - 31, 2013.  The artist's reception will be 6-8 pm, featuring gypsy jazz music outside on the Plaza with Bainbridge Island's own Ranger and the Re-Arrangers.

More details about Kathleen's wonderful work will be coming soon!

Frogs on the Rock

The Bainbridge Island Downtown Association has officially launched the Frogs On The Rock community art project that highlights the talented local artists of our island. Artists have painted and embellished 36 larger than life fiberglass frog sculptures that are prominently displayed island-wide for residents and visitors to enjoy. The project "Frogs on the Rock" was unveiled to the public during the Grand Ole Fourth of July celebration and the frogs will be on display until September 2014, at which time they will be auctioned off as a BIDA Fundraiser.

Installed along a flower-strewn pathway adjacent to The Winslow's Plaza, may we introduce Flora Frogg:

Flora is the creation of Bainbridge Island artist Jen Till and is sponsored by the merchants and tenants of The Winslow Building.  If you wander around Winslow you will see many of her friends, hanging out and enjoying their roles as Greeter Frogs. They are on duty outside of town as well, so as you travel the byways of Bainbridge keep an eye peeled for these Amphibious Ambassadors!

Jen conceived of Flora as a living sculpture, embodying the earth and flora of Bainbridge Island and Puget Sound.  With that in mind, Flora asked us to send a message to passersby at The Winslow: 

Because my mossy outer cover has just been transplanted I have to be kept moist. Like all living things, I need a little care. I am currently being fed a mixture of water and buttermilk to help my mossy coating become accustomed to my body. I try to stay in a shady area, but I like visitors. I am glad you stopped by. If I look a little dry please give me a couple of shots from the water bottle.

Ribbit!
(Trans.:  Thanks!)

Introducing Our Newest Artist: Martha Reisdorf

The Island Gallery is delighted to introduce its newest artist, abstract expressionist Martha Reisdorf.



Aufnsteig 133

 Martha grew up in Steilacoom, Washington, facing the shores of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain ranges. She honed creativeness as a child having the sea, sand and woods as her playground. This creativeness resurfaced in later years. From the sea and sand she dug and shaped castles, underground tunnels and cities. Trails were forged, camps built and furniture crafted from broken tree limbs and twigs.

She followed a traditional career path until a traumatic event dramatically changed her life. In 1990 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the removal causing skewed vision, loss of balance and depth perception. As an escape from the tedium of rehab she enrolled in an art class at Pacific Northwest College of Art, eventually graduating. Her skewed eyesight had become a gift, enabling her to virtually see in the abstract. During this time she learned alternative approaches to supplant 'restricted' physical functions, further supporting this advent.

Tropfenol 110

Her works are not preconceived ... each work becomes a journey unto itself as the paint finds its own expression. From multiple layers of paint applied randomly in staccato strokes, the paint melds into a fusion of colors and lines. Her intent is that the finished piece provoke viewers to find their own meaning whether that be emotional, spiritual, a perceived imagery … or 'what's that?'

Martha's work has been exhibited in regional museums and art galleries, and is in private collections throughout the United States, England, France and Germany. She was the subject of a PBS television show and has been featured in various news publications and catalogues.

Martha will be featured at the July 5th First Friday Artwalk, and we will soon include her lovely paintings in our web shop.  More details coming soon.

June 2013 Gallery Picks Newsletter

How on earth is it suddenly June?

Forget we said that!  There are too many beautiful, sunny things arriving at the Gallery on beautiful, sunny days, keeping us delighted, to dwell on the mysterious passage of time.  We'll share some of our favorite items with you - June's Gallery Picks, if you will - right here, right now.  You can also click on the link beneath each item to visit it in our online shop if you would like additional details.

So without further ado...

"Mayu", Ballet Swing Jacket.  Roselle Abramowitz

Now, this is one of those gorgeous garments that is both sizzling hot, color-wise,

and breezy-cool, style- and wearability-wise.  In fact, it's so gorgeous that when

you aren't wearing it, you can simply hang it on the wall to show it off as the

art piece that it is!  It is handpainted crimped silk with a silk lining,

tapered sleeves and shawl collar, in shades of purple, teal and

black, as well as dashes of other colors.

Glorious!

"Solstice" Dining Table

How timely!  This dining table, seasonally named "Solstice", is simply beautiful.

Crafted from Oregon walnut with wenge detailing, it surprises with a center

inlay of black, hot rolled steel.  We've displayed it with

"McCormick" chairs, also in Oregon walnut, and an extraordinary

black locust tree stump, serving here as a seat (more about that below...).

 Black Locust Tree Stump

 A magnificent black locust tree stump, sawn straight across the top and

beautifully finished, ready to be used as a stool, side table, base for art works

such as sculptural pieces, and altogether a wonderful and unexpected

natural element to enhance your home decor.

Shibori-Dyed Leggings.  Carter Smith

How cool are these?

 

First, we must confess:  Yes, we are again indulging in our continuing love affair with

Carter Smith's incomparable artistry.  We apologize not one whit.  Every time he sends us

something new we find ourselves collapsing on fainting couches and calling for smelling salts.

These sweet things are no different:  marvelous shibori dyed cotton leggings, available

in a variety of colors and sizes, they are currently hanging out in the Gallery,

waiting to be added to any number of outfits your imagination can conjure up.

From a terrific splash of color and fun beneath a plain tunic to truly frisky yoga pants,

or beneath one of Carter's matching cotton T-shirts (also new!), these are...

and let me repeat:  no apologies ... Absolutely Fabulous!

 

 

"Waiting For Daybreak", Wood Fired Ceramic.  Robin Hominiuk

A graceful vase by southwestern Washington State ceramic artist Robin Hominiuk,
we must say that there is no photograph that can properly do it justice.
Tall, sensuous and serene, it is the type of statement art piece that can command
any room; its neutral greys and tans will enhance and complement many styles of decor.
Sitting on a perfect base, whether in a quiet corner or center stage in a grand hallway,
it calmly draws the eye.

It is wood fired stoneware with porcelain slip; Robin has hammered
its surface to lend intriguing texture.

 Three-Piece Outfit, Crinkled Silk.  Carol Lee Shanks

Again, we confess:  We just love these crinkled silk separates by

Carol Lee Shanks, which we have featured here in the Newsletter before.

So imagine the joyous screams when this vibrant - dare we say HOTHOTHOT -

outfit arrived at the Gallery!  This super combination of vivid pink and tomato red

is just what summer ordered.  We can barely contain ourselves!

First, there's the waist length pink tunic, a saucy yet roomy blouse; bias skirt swing

dress in pink; and bias skirt dress in tomato.  These three wonderful items together

make the brightest-of-bright fashion statement, but can be purchased separately

and paired with... just about anything!  As a bonus, the crinkle silk is hand-washable,

and travels beautifully.

Shown with one of Janet Essa Elia's wonderful floral brooches.

(Or if you'd prefer something more sparkly... well, take a peek below...)

Necklace:  Rose Quartz and Amethyst.  Virginia Paquette

 Another magnificent creation from Seattle artist Virginia Paquette.

This is a 20"-long necklace in stunning rose quartz nuggets and faceted

amethyst beads, with sterling silver big-link chain and clasp, that

will enhance any outfit, casual or formal-fancy.

(Imagine it with that hot pink Carol Lee Shanks tunic or dress, above!)

 

Virginia's consistently pleasing, bold styles and always extraordinary

gemstones, metals and beads never fail to enthrall us. 

 But where, oh where to put this lovely thing when we're not

wearing it?  Hmmmmm..... let's see...

Oh, yes, that's right:

Legged Jewelry Box.  John Luke

This should do!

For those few special items of jewelry, to stash a watch, cufflinks,

coins, or as a pen box, this perfect little maple and bloodwood legged box

with a lift lid is small but lovely, and a perfect gift!  Its graceful curves and

exacting construction show off the gifts of this master woodworker.

(If you need something larger to store your vast cache of bling, John creates a

wide range of jewelry boxes - each as fabulous as the next.  He is also

happy to entertain custom orders; simply contact the Gallery.)

But perhaps the following item would fit nicely (either inside one of these jewelry

boxes or on your finger):

"Tranquility".  Anna Whitmore

A beautiful, sunny ring from California artist Anna Whitmore, she has

named it Tranquility.  We featured it in our June Solstice Faire Artwalk

festivities, and because it's so prettily bright and sparkling, to fit the season,

 we wanted to show it off one more time.  It is a bezel set petite Portuguese cut

golden rutilated quartz stone, with oxidized sterling silver and 14k bezel.

We have recently begun carrying Anna's work; do check the web shop

for more items coming soon, or stop into the Gallery to acquaint

yourself in person with her lovely jewelry.

To receive direct notice of new blog posts and newsletters, including advance warning e-cards on exhibitions, sales, and musical events, send your e-mail address to sr@theislandgallery.net; we'll sign you right up.  You can also become a Blog Member or sign up for the RSS feed; see link at the bottom of the page.

Enjoy summer!