Happy Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HEALTHY & PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN 2016!

 For last minute shoppers, we are still receiving creations from our artists.  Here are recent arrivals:

• a stunning segmented Vase composed of 444 pieces of Bubinga wood by new Gallery artist Marc Roux
• a Madrone Rocking Chair in the style of Sam Maloof from new Gallery artist Jeff Harmes
• a late 19th century Step Tansu (kaidan-dansu) in Japanese Cypress completely restored by artist Carol Fielder Kawaguchi
• a new Winter Collection by jewelry artist Christine Sundt
• more ruby red glasses from Ken & Ingrid Hanson
• fabulous one-of-a-kind felted wood & silk jackets and vests from Maggy Pavlou (the first shipment sold out!)
• contemporary paper jewelry from new Gallery artist Nancy Raasch
• new monotypes from Renee Jameson and Irene Yesley
• a new painting from Lisa Wederquist
• a pair of midcentury modern red leather & chrome chairs
• and finally, something vintage from Stella McCartney! 

We invite you to visit The Manor House Restaurant at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge Island to see the art of Renee Jameson and Karen Chaussabel currently being exhibited for the holidays and beyond. 

We are always impressed by the creativity of our Gallery artists and are grateful to have the opportunity of sharing their art with you.                                          

November 2016 Gallery Picks Newsletter

Thanksgiving is here, and the holidays are upon us!  In this edition of the Newsletter we are going to go heavy on photos and light on chit-chat - so much to do, so much to see, so little time...  Be sure to click on links of the individual items to find more information about them in our online shop.

Also, we'll be following up this post with two important items:  The invitation to our 10th Annual Wearable Art Show, and shortly thereafter our December Gallery Picks Newsletter.  Do come back and check those out, or sign up to receive alerts directly in your inbox (see end of this post for details).

Introducing:  Vintage clothes!  With this issue, we're beginning our venture into this interesting area of fashion.  Our first item has just been listed - an amazing Versace top - which you can see below and in the new Vintage Clothing section in the online shop.

Please Note:  We are currently running a sale on existing wood furniture, table slab, and sculpture inventory with 20-50% discounts on many items.

And for now, here are some beautiful pieces of art for you to enjoy on this Thanksgiving weekend, to hopefully and helpfully get those gift-giving ideas flowing.  So much more awaits in the Gallery!  Do come in for a visit, and we'll be delighted to help you find fabulous gifts!  (Or a little something for yourself, perhaps?  Why not??!)

Enjoy!

WOOD FURNITURE & SCULPTURE

Sculptural Shelf, Figured Maple.  Alan Vogel

A beautiful shelf/sculpture from Bainbridge Island artist Alan Vogel.
His magnificent presentation of this piece of figured maple
shows off not only his talent, but the beauty of the natural wood.

Demi Luna Shelf.  David Kellum

A beautiful shelf with a slot for keys, letters or little treasures,
with an elegant, tapered form.

Illuminated Sculpture, "Gordo 2".  L. Wendy Dunder

Another amazing lamp from Wendy, this
big pumpkin-form illuminated sculpture is very dramatic,
whether sitting on a base or wired to the ceiling.

Bentwood Cooking Utensils.  Tiplin Taylor

These wonderful bentwood utensils are simply fabulous, with mixed

exotic woods, and great gifty prices.  Shown above, clockwise from bottom:

rice paddle, small spatula, large spatula, salad servers, cake server,

butter/cheese spreader, pie server.

Here's a closer look:

Close-up: Spreader, Wok Spatula, Rice Paddle.  Tiplin Taylor

INTRODUCING:  VINTAGE CLOTHING

Vintage Black and Silver Top.  Versace

The first item in our latest shop section, this is an amazing

Vintage Versace blouse or jacket that is ultra lightweight, with

a simply beautiful flattering cut and generous dolman sleeves.

So, so festive and wearable with many other separates.  Our

lovely model is wearing it over a black dress, and the top

works with it perfectly!

TEXTILES

Silver Ponchette.  Bobbie Sumberg

 We LOVE these pretty ponchettes, soft in wool and silk, lightweight
and elegant.  These are available in other colors in the Gallery and
in the online shop, and make great gifts!

Below, in Rust:

Rust Ponchette.  Bobbie Sumberg.

Pieced Tunic with Maverick Selvage Detail.  Carol Lee Shanks

From the incomparable Carol Lee Shanks, another
piece of pure art that also happens to be wearable: a wool crepe tunic, with
gold selvage details.  There are five pieces in this series, some
considerably longer, each with its own features.

Dress up, dress down; these pieces do it all.

Long Vest.  Maggy Pavlou

 Yikes, gorgeous!  A real stunner from
Maggy Pavlou, roomy and long, meant to be tossed on
over skirt, pants or a dress for a winter walk.  Felted wool and silk.

Oh, and boots.  This would look fab with boots!

Cardigan.  Sandra Holzman

Gorgeous colors, soooo snugly, Sandra calls these room garments cardigans.
They have generous, kimono-style sleeves and come in a
variety of colors.

JEWELRY

Poppy Necklace.  Nancy Raasch

 New for the holidays, we are delighted to present
the jewelry of Nancy Raasch.  These pieces are created using
ancient Korean paper techniques and these two are
just the beginning:  we have more, plus amazing earrings,
available in the Gallery and soon in the online shop, all
ready for immediate shipping.

Here's another:

 

Joomchi Orange Flaps Necklace.  Nancy Raasch

Necklace New York.  Begona Rentero

Ah, Begona!

How about this for a night of dancing?
Named for the Big Apple, this retro-style swingy fringe
model will delight with its color, movement and Roaring Twenties
vibe.  And while we're looking at it, Begona's latest series is inspired
by women authors, including the following:

Earrings Virginia Woolf.  Begona Rentero

These come in a variety of different colors; we have a
rosy red as well as this deep teal available in the Gallery and online.

 ART GLASS

Monet Tumblers.  Ken & Ingrid Hanson

Another beautiful take on classic Tumblers.

These amber and teal green are in the Gallery, but other colors are

available, and coming soon to the online shop.

VISUAL ARTS

Monotype with Plate - Black 1.  Irene Yesley

One of three similar pieces in a series by award-winning Bainbridge Island
artist Irene Yesley, they are monotypes and layers of plexiglas.

Stunning!  And a perfect gift for art fanciers.

~o0o~

That's it for now.  Look for our December Newsletter, coming very soon, with gift suggestions and everything that is new for the holidays in the Gallery!

And don't forget, if you'd like to receive the newsletter and our other publications directly in your inbox, send a note to sr [at] theislandgallery [dot] net and we'll put you on the mailing list.

And now... Let the merriment begin!!

You're Invited: November 2015 First Friday Artwalk

Halloween is almost here and Thanksgiving is around the corner, so it must be time to wander into downtown Winslow and enjoy looking at beautiful things - for yourself, your home, and all those deserving folks on your gift lists.  This First Friday Artwalk here at the Gallery will be a wood extravaganza that you don't want to miss.  AND we're having a BIG SALE!  Read on for the details:

Wood Odysseys

November 6 –29, 2015

Reception with the Artists:

First Friday, November 6, 6-8 pm

Thoughtful and exciting works to enliven your home or work environment

from Northwest artists

Sean Carleton, Nathan Christopher, L. Wendy Dunder, Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi, David Kellum

Carl Larson, John Luke, Ted Scherrer, Donald Smith, Dave Thompson, Tiplin Taylor

Scott Trumbo and Alan Vogel

Also Announcing:

In conjunction with the Wood Odysseys Exhibition:

ON SALE NOW

Existing Inventory of Wood Slabs, Wall Sculptures, Benches, Desks

MAJOR REDUCTIONS FROM 25-50%

About Our Newest Wood Artists:

Sean Carleton was 15 when his father introduced him to welding, and he was immediately hooked.  He traveled to Australia to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, then enrolled at Western Washington University with hopes of pursuing a future in renewable energy vehicles. But it was while working as a hardwood flooring sander and finisher that he began a serious pursuit of welding and metallurgy, attending Lake Washington Technical College and eventually working as a welder in Ballard.  From there he began crafting fine furniture.  Here is something about his process and philosophy, in his own words:

When I build with my hands I feel happy and fulfilled. I like to create the designs in my

head first, then physically manifest them. While working in my shop I feel freedom. … I push myself, improve, push boundaries, chase new technology and new possibilities for a clean energy future surrounding the Solar Energy Movement. I want to challenge the art form, and make my mark.

Architecture, the balance of weight, and ideas for the future all inspire my work. Each

morning I wake I find inspiration in my shop with complex textures, material shape and my fierce inner drive. Music maintains my focus and allows my mind to fluently flow through physical fluid geometric shapes. Industrial environments in which I spent my young life have left a indelible mark. Appreciation of equipment, tools, techniques, and materials is my type of fun.

Objects are cheap, quality is low, and people are tired. My work signifies lasting quality

and integrity. I want my work to be a symbol that people can rely on in times of despair and

remember that a dreamer existed and fought until the end for what they believed in.

Each piece is cut, de-burred, tacked together, TIG (tungsten inert gas) welded, sanded,

finished and assembled by hand. With complete control of quality and function I am able to

achieve new ideas and forms of movement.

Finishing metal and wood by hand is my specialty. I work with patinas as well as clear finishes to ensure a long life. I use a progressive, environmentally friendly two-part hardened oil to protect my woodwork in a thin application. This process reveals the natural beauty and texture of the wood beneath.

David Kellum of Port Townsend, Washington designs and builds residential and commercial wood furniture that allow him to join together his creative and technical abilities.  David creates graceful, contemporary pieces that highlight the natural beauty of the wood and make the most of a valuable natural resource, providing lasting beauty and utility.

Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi of Bainbridge Island combines her talents as a fine artist with her skills as a fine woodworker specializing in Antique Restoration and Repair, unique Fine Wood Furnishings and Fine Art Assemblages. Ms. Fiedler Kawaguchi attended Cornish Art Institute in 1978 and ‘79 and received a degree in fine art from Western Washington University in 1981 with a focus on Japanese Art History and Printmaking. She apprenticed to a violinmaker and a ceramicist during the 1980s while living in New Mexico where she opened her first woodworking and interior furnishings business. She has traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. She has worked as an artist and woodworker for the past 25 years and now makes her home in Washington.

About Our Fine Woodworkers:

Nathan Christopher’s work merges sustainability and functionality with the aesthetics of unique and artful design.  With a degree in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University, Nathan places a huge emphasis on timeless elements created by nature.

Each piece is conceived and crafted according to the history, nuance and texture of the reclaimed wood used.  Nathan creates furniture and sculpture with character.

A talented multi-disciplinary artist, L. Wendy Dunder of Portland, Oregon, returns to her first artistic love with  her amazing illuminated paper and wood sculptures.   Wendy says, “Once again it is light I crave.  The lamps I create are sculptures with a purpose. They are made of wood strips cut thin on the table saw, bent into shape and held with hoops and clothespins, as each strip is glued in place. It takes a long time because glue joints must dry before more are added. When the shape is complete, the skin of small pieces of tissue paper are painted on with diluted white glue. About 10 layers with attendant drying time make a surprisingly tough translucent skin.”

With over 25 years of experience in fine woodworking, Carl Larson has built hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces, from custom cabinetry and architectural elements such as staircases, doors and mantles to custom hand-built furniture at his North Kitsap studio.   In particular, his lamps are created from exotic hardwoods with special shades made from bark and vintage electrical components.

Fine furniture maker John Luke began woodworking as a part-time avocation three decades ago. After stress-related illness forced an early retirement, Luke began designing and building furniture 24/7.   Clean, simple lines with a perfect balance of form and function best characterize Luke’s designs. Table, dresser or chair, Luke uses exposed joinery techniques and gives meticulous attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. He finishes each piece with low luster varnish or lacquer for maximum durability.

Ted Scherrer’s hand-crafted furniture is inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement. In response to the superficial decor of the Victorian Age, this turn of the century movement sought to establish a new aesthetic based on the beauty of natural materials combined with handcraft to produce designs of simple lines and high integrity:  This furniture is built to last.   Says Ted, “My pieces are meant to be heirlooms.  Exposed mortise and tenons and doweling demonstrates structural integrity; the joinery in fact becomes the decoration. Arts and Crafts is much more than a style, it represents a fundamental design reform and is a reflection of a historical ideology.”

Donald Smith of Seattle specializes in furniture using salvaged wood from urban trees. Besides utilizing materials that would otherwise go to waste, the urban trees used are typically older and larger than their farmed cousins and grow in more interesting ways in the open than they do in the forest. They develop unique shapes and curves and unusually beautiful patterns, or “figure,” as well as other markings that tell the history of the tree. Most of the wood he uses is from hardwood trees found in and around Seattle, with walnut, madrone, elm and maple being the most popular.

Dave Thompson of Seattle is well known for his exquisite bowls and accessories, with walnut, sycamore, elm and maple woods predominating in his popular designs.

Tiplin Taylor brings us wonderful bent-wood utensils crafted from exotic woods.

Scott Trumbo generally uses premium native west coast woods in his beautiful bowls, with big leaf maple and big leaf maple burl being the dominant woods he works with.  He also turns myrtlewood, pacific madrone, coastal redwood burl, red alder, claro walnut, sycamore, the fruitwoods, and some imported exotics.  He lives and works in western Oregon.

Alan Vogel of Bainbridge Island, while known for his reclaimed fir dining tables, also fashions more artistic live edge pieces from figured and spalted slabs of maple, alder, cherry and redwood, among other woods. Each of these pieces display a uniqueness that emphasize the natural shape and characteristics of the wood.

October 2015 Gallery Picks Newsletter

Yes, we're back!

Following a little summer hiatus we are happy to be laboring under a veritable backlog of beauty, as you will see by scrolling downwards.  This post will feature several more items than actually appear on our card, so continue on for October Surprises, particularly in Jewelry and Textiles.

And of course, our artists have outdone themselves, as always.

We have also just posted some important and exciting news pertaining to the online shop, so please see the post prior to this one for all that information.

Please enjoy!

FINE WOOD FURNITURE
& VISUAL ART

Sycamore Bench; with A Particular Green Hillside, Mark Bowles

A combination too seductive to ignore, this lovely Northwest artisan-crafted

sycamore bench looks right at home beneath one of Mark Bowles'

glowing acrylics.  Once we noted the two together,
we couldn't feature one without the other!

From locally salvaged wood, the artist has carefully combined

raw nature with clean lines for a contemporary look that

is highly sought after these days.   The jaunty yet rustic bowtie join,

quite literally, ties it all together.

Here's a closer look at those lovely, undulating edges:

Sycamore Bench, close-up showing live edge

For more information on Mark whose work, so reminiscent of abundant

Central California landscapes, we so greatly admire,

click here to go to his online Gallery shop page.

from ICE 2.  Irene Yesley

The subject of our current Gallery Exhibition Patterns in Plexi, Irene Yesley has

presented us with more of her incomparable artistry.  The range of

techniques and styles, including her use of monotype and paper with layers of plexiglas,

is most impressive; we highly recommend a visit to the Gallery
to view these new works by a truly special Bainbridge Island artist.

Irene is also featured in an exhibit that has just opened at the

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Thought Patterns,
550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, Washington.

For further information about Irene, please view the previous post on this blog,
which discusses more about the artist, her work and recent/current shows;

or click here to visit her pages in our online shop.

TEXTILES

Ponchette, Purple.  Bobbie Sumberg

What a lovely way to ward off the cold of winter!

These fine knitted wool and silk "Ponchettes", with

snappy tassels and casual styling, are just the ticket.

Just toss over your head, and off you go.  They are soft and stylish,

easy to dress up (for example, with the shown orange silk batik

and bead necklace from Red Lotus, or one of Carter Smith's fabulous

little shibori silk scarves) or keep casual, over a shirt and jeans.

They are also available in other colors.

We welcome Bobbie as one of the Gallery's newest artists.

Here's a little something about her:

Bobbie Sumberg began knitting at seven years old and has been involved

with textiles ever since.  After a five-year stint raising sheep,

spinning, dying, and weaving, she returned to school and received

an M.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1993 and a Ph.D in 2001.

Research for both these degrees in textile studies was conducted in

West Africa.  She has also done research and traveled in India, North Africa,

Turkey, and the Middle East and held the position of Curator of Textiles

and Costume, as well as Curator of African Art, at the Museum of International

Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico for fourteen years.

She has authored Young Brides, Old Treasures:  Macedonian Embroidered

Dress, Textiles:  Museum of International Folk Art Collection as well as

co-authoring the book Sleeping Around:  The Bed from Antiquity to Now and

has published articles on her research and on collections at the Museum.

Please check Bobbie's page in the online shop here

for further information or to see other available colors of

these delectably cozy capes.

Peplum Jacket and Pleat Skirt.  Carol Lee Shanks

We love Carol Lee Shanks' work, as you may have noticed

if you follow this blog.  And why not?  Her styles are always

eye-catching and avant-garde, yet she is able to add a

functionality to each piece that allows them to take you from

daily wear to high fashion with a tweak here or an accessory there.

Brilliant!

This ensemble, for example, is breathtaking.  We don't like

exaggeration, but this really is something to behold:  In dramatic tones of autumn

browns with a metallic gleam and red/orange undertones, the fabric is crisp and
holds its pleats.  With a pair of walking boots and your favorite friend,
this amazing outfit would take you directly to the opera.

So dramatic, and typical of Carol's work, more of which may
be viewed right here.

Jacket, Midnight Blue.  Spirithouse

Oh, boy.  This one is fun.

From our wonderful Spirithouse line and its creator, Katrin Noon,

comes this new addition to the Gallery, a terrific zip-front jacket

with collar that can flip up or lie flat, and can easily convert to

double duty as a top over leggings or pants.

It shows as very dramatic when zipped all the way up, which gives

it a high-collared, faux-turtleneck look; then add a scarf or necklace.

But we particularly love the styling on the back, with its

gentle pleating - such a pretty additional touch by a skillful

artist/designer. Visit more of her work here.

Silk Shibori Scarf, multicolored.  Carter Smith

Not to repeat ourselves, but we must:  if you follow this

blog at all, you know we LOVE the shibori genius of Carter Smith.

And we are happy to announce that we have another selection of

his small and medium scarves available once again in the online shop here,

most of which qualify for free shipping.  For an even greater selection,

please call the Gallery or just wander in when you're on the island; there are

always a few pieces that don't make it onto the website.

For more information on this great Shibori Master, see one of the many

other posts here on the blog where he is featured, or visit his

page (right here) in the Gallery's online shop.  While you're there, do

take a gander at the magnificent clothing this incredible designer creates,

more of which are available in the Gallery.

Nacho Poncho "Fire".  Amy Brill

Another artist we can't get enough of!

Our latest shipment of Amy Brill's fabulous knitted tops, sweaters and ponchos

has just arrived in the Gallery, and we're working like mad to get them up

in the webshop.  These are so interesting, stylish, wearable, fun,
fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes, and really look good on everyone.

They are also wonderfully priced, so think GIFTS!

One of these would make a beautiful and functional present for a

special someone.

(Oh, dear, and look at the date - almost time for holiday shopping!

Sorry to bring that up, but... YIKES...)

For a fun and colorful visual feast, check out all our available
pieces from Amy right here.

GLASS ART

Regular Tumblers: Topaz, Teal, Lime.  Ken and Ingrid Hanson

What were we just saying about gift giving... oh, YES, that's right.

Time to start thinking.

Well, think no more:  We'll make this easy.

For gifting to your favorite glass lovers or simply as lovely accents

on your own Thanksgiving table, these handblown tumblers

will bring together that festive look we all shoot for at this time of year.

And these colors - the amber, teal and apple green are at the

very heart of an autumn color palette.

They are available in a range of colors, such as lime, salmon, aqua, topaz,

purple, orange, green, cobalt, yellow and ruby.  Please give the Gallery a call if

you don't see the color you need online here; if we're out of stock in particular

colors we can special order for you, but please check early for the holidays.

For more information about these excellent artists
click here to visit their pages in the online shop.

CERAMICS

"Naked" Raku Pot.  Mark Ferris

The Gallery welcomes local ceramic artist Mark Ferris and his
pottery, known for beautiful form and wonderful markings, in this case
created from horsehair.  The artist refers to his technique
as "naked" raku, so-called because the clay is unglazed.

Here are a few of the artist's own words about his craft:

I have been working with clay for about 10 years. My passion is exploring the

earthier, natural look of the pottery tradition. Each unique pot is hand-thrown

in symmetrical forms, generally trending toward the pottery and style of the

American Southwest. My current focus has been exploring the smoke firing

technique called Naked Raku.

Currently, I have been working with smoke or carbon firing. This technique

challenges me to explore the depths of this complex medium. My goal is

to create one of kind pieces that challenges the medium’s depths but also

my creative energy.

You can visit Mark's page in the online shop here.

JEWELRY

Kunzite Necklace.  Virginia Paquette

My, my, my.

Virginia outdoes herself every time, something we have come to expect,

long for and admire, but this stone - Gorgeous!

The large focal stone is an extraordinary piece of pink kunzite.  At first

glance the pink is bashful and elusive, but when the right light catches it a pinky-rainbow

of subtle color presents itself.  Virginia has paired it with a milky, glowing old

African trading bead and bulky chain, and frankly, all we can say is

whether you wear it with an evening gown or a potato sack,
no one will notice the difference.

(Officially, however, we do NOT endorse the wearing
of potato sacks.)

Multi Charm Necklace.  Virginia Paquette

This one has also just arrived - a familiar style of

Virginia's in recent years - and features a number of little treasures,

including pearl, silver, mother of pearl, lodalite and labradorite (drool).

(This looks great with the Carol Lee Shanks metallic swirl

autumn brown ensemble, by the way.)

More of Virginia's incredible jewelry appears here.

Well, that should do it for right now.  We'll be back in November with many more suggestions for holiday gift giving and wearing or, of course, simply wonderful items for you and you alone.

If you'd like to have our Newsletter Alert card mailed directly to your inbox please send a note to us at sr [at] theislandgallery [dot] net, and we'll put you on our mailing list.  This will also assure that you receive first notice of exhibitions, sales and concerts, as well as our other occasional features.  (Don't worry, we only do mailings about twice a month, so we won't stuff your inbox.)

Have a ghastly Halloween, enjoy the lovely cool of autumn, and we'll be back before Thanksgiving!