Showing posts with label chaussabel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chaussabel. Show all posts

Monday, February 12, 2018

Valentine's Day: Very Special Treats

If you happen into the Gallery this month you will see, besides the usual extraordinary art, some brand-new treats on hand just in time for Valentine's Day gifting.   Here's a quick peek, and note that all of these items are also currently available in the Gallery's extensive (and very fun!) online shop.  Simply click on the images to visit from your favorite electronic device.

For that Special Someone who happens to be a ceramics enthusiast, or anyone
who enjoys a perfect bowl of noodles (although by no means do we recommend
restraining ourselves by serving ONLY noodles in these gorgeous coppery-red
glazed wood-fired bowls), imagine these gracing your table:

Dave Berfield, Red-glazed Noodle Bowls.  Wood fired
A vision of creamy French Vanilla ice cream topped with
luscious strawberries quickly springs to mind.  On the other extreme, a
toasty-warm breakfast of oatmeal beckons (blueberries always taste
wonderful in red bowls, don't you think?) or phabulous pho.

We at the Gallery are in that above-mentioned group of dedicated ceramic
enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to wood firing, and beyond a doubt
the crusty, rustic anagama look is something that is a wonder to behold.
But these cheery, deep, functional bowls are simply perfect.  So much so
that we use ours literally every day.  Adding to their attraction is the fact that
the artist lives, works and fires these beauties right here on Bainbridge Island,
so really, what could be better?

Oh, did we mention:  they are offered at a special price this month,
as well as this elegant piece below, which has a matching glaze
but is wider and shallow, to function perfectly as a serving dish:

Dave Berfield, Red-glazed Serving Bowl.  Wood fired
There is more of Dave's attractive, accessible work, including vases
and seed pots, to be found in the Gallery or here, on his Artist Pages.
Here's something sweet and soft for a loved one to tuck into a pocket,
display on a desk, sit on the mantel, or generally to snuggle:
Jacki Moseley, Felted Wool Hearts.  Merino Wool
Perhaps better known for her large hanging felted sculptures (which can be
viewed here on her Artist Pages), Jacki's offerings of these Pretty Somethings
are a bit more personal and, as you can see, quite delightful!
These tactile pleasures are also made on Bainbridge, as is this
line of sumptuous, cushy pillows from Island artist and
designer Tom Johnson:

Tom Johnson, Love Grows Here pillow.

On an island where gardening is king and art
flourishes right alongside the roses and raspberries,
the sentiment of this particular pillow fits right into our
prevailing mood, and the current chilly season.  There are a number
of other pillows currently available waiting for new homes, which
can be viewed in the Gallery or on Tom's Artist's Pages (click here).
Tom also enjoys custom orders, so if you have something in mind
to fit in with your decor, please contact us.

 Finally, we've just received a shipment of limited edition
tee shirts from remarkable shibori artist, Mary Jaeger.
These are unmistakably a fit for your Valentine (or for you...):

Mary Jaeger, Love Shibori Tee
Long-sleeved to combat our lingering winter cold and soft as can
always be expected from 100% cotton, these are available in
varying sizes and, as is true with Mary's line of tees, unlikely
to last long in the Gallery.  They're just that good.  Come in or call for
additional information, or to quickly see these and more of Mary's
sophisticated textile pieces, click on the link to head over to her Artist Pages.

Also, and always available in the Gallery but never more in
demand than right about now, are Karen Chaussabel's
Art Cards:


Left, Food Is Love Card
Right, Card in Pink and Grey

Karen original works are encaustic on paper, with the addition
of found objects such as string or thread.  The cards can be found online
as well in the Art Card section of the shop; descriptions of Karen's
process and a look at her original works can be found in various posts elsewhere
on this blog and on her Artist's Pages by clicking here.

WINTER HOURS
Tuesdays - Saturdays 11:00 – 6:00 pm
Sundays Noon – 5:00 pm
Closed Mondays

But why wait...

and don't forget:  sign up below for

.
 Happy Valentine's Day to you all!


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

You're Invited: First Friday Artwalk, February 3, 2017

Come to town and join us for a sip of wine, jazzy music, and beautiful art, as we open our new show:




Karen Chaussabel

February 3 – 28, 2017

Opening Reception:
First Friday, February 3, 6-8 pm

In Concert, performing as a duo:

Ranger & Mike Sciacca of

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers
Bainbridge Island’s Own Gypsy Jazz Band


IMAGES SHOWN:
Left from Top: 


About the Show:

Drawing from a great variety of materials Karen Chaussabel follows her own threads of inspiration to create a series of connecting mixed media works for the wall and simpatico clay renderings, using as her primary focus the eternal symbols of vitality and love:  Hearts.

This collection invites the viewer to interact on a very personal level, using sight, touch, and each of our own sparks of recognition to discover the true shape of our own hearts.

About the Artist:

Karen Chaussabel (Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Karen was born in France and grew up in a small village where she and her family were closely connected to nature. She moved to the United States to attend college in the Pacific Northwest, subsequently living in diverse places, ranging from the East Coast to Texas and Canada, attending a course on Creativity at the Visual Arts Centre in Montréal.  This led to three years of studio work which brought a sense of freedom to explore her creative voice and a realization that cultivating creativity is very much a practice rooted in the process - a process that, for her, has taken on many shapes.

Alone or combined, Karen uses ink, encaustic, thread, pencil, and tools to make marks. She enjoys having a variety of paper and fibers for printmaking, encaustic monotype and mixed media pieces. Karen also appreciates the tactile quality of clay. Materials are very much at the heart of her art. They are the tools she can reach for and count on to bring to form feelings and impressions.
Here she discusses her process and media used in this new show:

Heart is what keeps me in the flow, in coherence with what is. I try my best to listen in, and from there I choose material to partner with. The great variety of materials I draw from enables me to have a range of expressions, to be fluid and in tune with them. Making marks with ink, pen or a bar of melting encaustic paint gives me a feel for gesture and movement where I find myself to be free, open, playful. Those are qualities I pay attention to when I create. Pieces of thread that are stitched or collaged on paper also embody playfulness through their shape, placement. They remind me too of the process of connecting and following the thread of inspiration that moves through me.

Heart is what mentors me in the art of movement, movement guided by a balance between being active and letting go. I embrace a sense of unfolding. Using encaustic paint on a hot plate creates pools of molten wax and when I press the paper onto it to create a monotype, colors swirls, blend. Where the encaustic goes, I follow. With my ceramic hearts, I let what touches me guide the shape, size, texture, but ultimately they come into being from being released into the alchemy of fire. And those bits of glass that became pools evoking water remind me how much I just dive in and see where it takes me!

What I see embodied in these pieces today and what is part of my art making experience are those very movements of the heart.  I am touched and grateful for their presence in my art, in my life, as they connect me to a spirited sense of exploring, discovering, being.

For more about the artist’s work please view her Cradled Hearts video here.

About the Musicians:

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers (Bainbridge Island, Washington)

THE GENRE:  The band plays "Gypsy jazz" or “hot jazz”, created by and named in honor of Django Reinhardt, Europe's acclaimed composer and guitarist. In the 1930s, Django and violinist Stephane Grappelli blended their own musical legacies with the new American art form of jazz.  Soon their recordings brought international fame to the genre. Gypsy jazz is characterized by upbeat, high energy swing on acoustic instruments, especially guitar, violin, bass, clarinet, and accordion. The band’s repertoire appeals to everyone who enjoys swing standards, traditional Gypsy jazz songs, and world music originals.

Tonight they will be playing for us as a duo, performing as a full band on the Plaza sometime this spring.

Violin:  At the heart of the band’s sound is the sweet violin playing of RANGER SCIACCA, who began playing violin at the age of six. He divided his studies between old-time fiddle and classical violin until a chance encounter with a CD of violin jazz ignited Ranger’s interest in the music of Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Ranger’s playing draws from all the genres he has studied and, according to one reviewer, “features frantic staccato runs and an overall sense of tone that reveals many shades and moods.”

Rhythm Guitar:  MIKE SCIACCA is Ranger's father, and has been backing up Ranger on guitar for over 15 years. Ranger and Mike are descended from Sicilian immigrants, who played jazz in New York at the start of the 20th century.


About The Island Gallery

Established in 2002, The Island Gallery features internationally recognized artists whose work takes traditional art forms in exciting new directions: studio furniture and sculpture; museum quality textile art and wearables; wood fired ceramics from the finest potters in America; paintings and prints; and unique jewelry creations. Our monthly exhibitions include live musical concerts, featuring such genres as jazz, rock, folk, chamber music and performance art.  This, along with its reputation for excellence, makes The Island Gallery a destination spot on
beautiful Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, and
steps from the new Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Contact Us/Visit:



Event Location: 

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

Underground parking is available at The Winslow off Ericksen Avenue.



Sunday, July 3, 2016

July 2016 Gallery Picks Newsletter

We are poised once again on the eve of summer's Main Event, the Fourth of July.  And if you're rushing around, preparing for the inevitable barbecues, parades and fireworks, perhaps we can offer something extra:  How about a little Independence Day art-viewing on a long, leisurely holiday weekend?  And if you have friends and family in town, we would invite you to bring them downtown for the festivities - and stay for the art!

On the other hand, if you can't tear yourself away from all that grilling and those sparkling fireworks, no problem there either:  stay right  here and scroll through our beautiful offerings at your leisure, then simply click on the photos for a magical visit to our Online Shop.

And on the third hand (we don't know about you but we would really love to have a third hand during these busy times...) we have a new feature, with a delicious suggestion for those wonderful meals you're planning.

Enjoy!

STUDIO FURNITURE

Indoor/Outdoor Maple and Walnut Bench
Here's a lovely summer sight:  A flower-strewn patio, a beautiful
day, and a bench to sit on to enjoy it all.

This lovely indoor/outdoor bench is crafted here in the Northwest
from a board of rich, glowing maple.  The artist has cleverly inlaid
strips of contrasting walnut, added clean-look walnut legs, and finished it
with water-resistant teak oil, which is often used on boats'
brightwork and decks to protect them from the elements.

This beautiful bench measures out at approximately 44" long x 11" wide x 21.5 tall.

http://theislandgallery.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_118&products_id=1926
Indoor/Outdoor Maple and Walnut Bench, Table Top Detail

Here's a little closer look at the grain, and the artist's wonderful
attention to detail on the inlays.

Also visible in this shot is the design of the legs, which extend slightly
 beyond the perimeter of the seat, and add to the clean look we were talking about.

A gentle breeze, a splash of sunlight, book, a latte or lemonade...

Aaaaaaahhhhhhh...........

Console 3610.  Carl Yurdin

We were saying something above about clean lines, and must conclude
that this is the furniture phrase of the day!  This piece from local
wood artisan Carl Yurdin quite perfectly fits into the same category.

An oh-so-useful Hall Console Table in walnut, showing off gorgeous, deep
color and stunning grain, this is a deceptively simple piece that
is perfect for displaying art pieces, such as a small sculpture or a
painting on a display stand - even a draped textile, ornate box, or a 
perfect piece of pottery (which is exactly what we did here,
with an excellent dark-glazed vase and bright orange roses,
appearing a bit later in the blog).

Here are a few longer looks at this excellent table:
Console 360.  Detail

Noteworthy, of course, is the glorious swirling walnut grain.

More of his work can be found by clicking here.

A few words of interest about Carl:

The Island Gallery welcomes Carl Yurdin, a new artist from the industrial
design world of the East Coast, who settled first on Orcas Island and now
here on Bainbridge.

In Carl’s own words:

As an industrial designer for over fifty years, I have spent my whole career designing
products that expand the visual possibilities.  Over those years, I have remained
committed to high design standards, balancing functionality, user requirements,
regulatory needs and overall aesthetics – for both highly consumer focused products,
as well as more industrial products, like medical and construction equipment.
In my view, everything deserves the opportunity to be well designed to enhance
the overall user experience.  That perspective informs how I work today, 
having moved to the Northwest and Bainbridge Island.

My process is about investing in the beauty of the wood and revealing what
possibilities exist.  I don’t always know what will come out of a project when
I start, but I respect the materials I am working with – letting them provide direction,
along with the tools I use.  Together, we figure it out.  I strive to create pieces
that convey the possibility of nature, but bring a practical usability to bear.
Nothing is too fragile and everything has a purpose, be it highlighting an aspect
of the natural wood or incorporating it into a function of use.  That’s where the
keen balance of the industrial designer in me shines.

Walnut Slab, "Mysteria"

Speaking of glorious swirling walnut grain, it would be difficult to
find any more interesting than this...

Named "Mysteria" by the artist, we wonder if he is referring to the
 apparently random, yet definitely connected grain visible in this bookmatched slab.
The lines are a bit of a mystery!
We can see them relating to one another, yet there is
something free-form that catches the eye and lets it journey
across the length and breadth of the board in abstract fashion.

Fully finished with a tough conversion varnish, this slab begs to become a
spectacular table to be the focus of a dining room or board room, or even
as a desk for your beautiful office.

Imagine that!

We can work with you and one of our superb local wood artisans to design the
perfect legs and table top size size for your needs, and before you know it a
magnificent piece of wood will be a beloved fixture in your home.

If the rich, chocolatey depth of walnut isn't for you, though, never fear!
We also carry other beautiful slabs in various woods, like maple
and ever-popular cherry.  If we don't have what you need,
we will find it - in the right size and color to fit your decor to a T.

More slabs and dining tables can be viewed here.

SCULPTURE

Savvy Cantilevered Bird House.  Chris Thompson

How delightful is this very special birdhouse?

 Perched on a dainty (yet sturdy) bough of purple heart,
any bird with discerning tastes would be positively chirpy to call
this happy abode home!  A visual feast of style, angles and
colorful exotic woods, artist Chris is inspired by California
Modernist architecture - and dare we say, there's more than
a hint here of Frank Lloyd Wright, adding to the delight of our
feathered friends - combined with his own whimsical sensibilities.

His blending of woods is also noteworty:  the base is hard maple burl;
the support beams are purple heart; the house, African paduk;
and the roof, Australian lacewood.  The entire piece is
finished with teak oil to keep it safe in the elements.

And if this design isn't what your local birdies have in mind for
their dream house, perhaps they might prefer this one:

Savvy Bird House.  Chris Thompson
It almost looks like it arrived directly from Planet Tatooine, doesn't it?
(And will doubtless appeal to your favorite avian Star Wars aficianado!)

This one is crafted from black cherry, black walnut, bird's eye maple,
and oak, and is also finished with durable teak oil.

Both are extraordinary designs, beautifully made, fun, and altogether
perfect for gifts or as a treat for yourself - and of course,
for those wonderful non-internet twittering friends of ours.

More of Chris Thompson's pleasing designs for the home can be found
in the Baskets, Bowls & Boxes section of the Online Shop,
or click right here to visit Chris's page in a flash.

TEXTILES

"Come Sail Away" Pillow.  Tom Johnson
We were speaking above, obliquely, about boats and brightwork
and decks and such, which could most certainly fall into the
category of Summer Delights.  We live on an island in Puget Sound,
Washington State, and boating is never far from anyone's mind -
we travel by boat and ferry to the mainland, we live and party on
boats, we love our kayaks, and can't resist the sparkling diamonds
of sunlight dancing on the water that surrounds us.

So things that are boat-oriented always ring bells and raise eyebrows
around these parts.

Like this fabulous pillow, for example.

Featured in the Gallery's current exhibition, Dialogues in Fiber, the
"Come Sail Away" pillow and its companions are made of handcrafted multi-layered
textiles and each makes its own statement.

Here's a look at three others:

Pillows, left to right:  "Make No Wake", "Better Together", "F* Cancer"

Whether used as an eye-catching accessory on that wonderful
boat, or for landlubbers simply gracing a couch or bed in your
very terra-firma-attached home, these have attitude, convey
universal messages, and are stunning works of art.

Here's a little about Tom, in his own words:

This body of my work - which is created by taking multiple layers of fabric,
manipulating, sewing, cutting, and washing them to make the fibers “bloom” -
had a serendipitous  beginning.  I had fabric remnants from a variety
of architectural and interior design projects.  I started experimenting with
layering, sewing them in lines at close intervals, cutting and washing,
in an effort to create a soft, tactile, dog-friendly throw for our sofa.
The results got my creative juices flowing.  I quickly saw lots of
possibilities, determined which fabrics worked best and how this
newly created “Ridge and Furrow Chenille” could be used.  Benches
and ottomans soon followed.  “Ridge and Furrow” designs for the
wall, as well as a “quilt,” developed simultaneously.


After seeing quilts at the Modern Quilt Show in Austin that had graphic
messages, and wanting to commemorate the death of a couple of close
friends, I started creating pillows with a message. The pillows led me
to explore color applied in strips to the top layer.  My most recent
piece, “Passage,” utilizes this technique as well as washed
and unwashed layers. 

The process continues to excite me and take me in new directions.  I am
influenced by the tradition of quilt making as well as by modern and
minimalist quilts (and on some level by the randomness of Jackson Pollock).
I’m inspired by the surprises that come from the layers beneath the surface,
the interplay of color, interpreting what I see around me in this
medium of fabric and threads, expressing a message that grabs me,
and the endless possibilities.
   
These pillows can be viewed on Tom's pages in the Online Shop, along with
more of his quite diverse art pieces - wall art, ottomans, framed
pieces - right here.

WEARABLE ART - JEWELRY

Earrings Tahiti, White.  Begona Rentero
We surely have said all there is to say when it comes to
Begona Rentero's truly, TRULY spectacular jewelry; and
yet here we go again!

Ladies:  Is there one single thing in the world of clothing/accessories
that says "SUMMER" more immediately than a fabulous pair of earrings?

We think not.

And is there a more fabulous pair of lightweight, flora, fauna, and specialty
earrings, in special editions, presented in handmade boxes, each made especially
for each style, whose designer has been honored in a New York museum as one
of the 50 greatest up-and-coming jewelry designers anywhere on the planet,
than a little something from the studio of Spanish artist Begona Rentero?

Most unlikely.

And is there another design than the glorious blossoms in white Tahiti
shown above that we'd rather be wearing in our deckchair,
or in the prow of that boat, gliding over the sun-diamonds,
or running around town, or for the fanciest of fancy late-evening parties;
or at the theatre, or the opera, at the Fourth of July parade, or on a really hot date?

Hmmm??

Well... maybe this...

Earrings Kenai, White.  Begona Rentero
What is a lady to do?

Buy both?  Why not?

Oh, but then there are so many more to choose from...

Okay, we admit it, we may have a slight problem, because we
really do want them ALL.

Like these.

(Oh, yes, and you can click right here to see more earrings.)

And don't get us started on her necklaces.
Or bracelets.
Or brooches.

Somebody please stop us...


Here's a little about Begona:

Spanish designer Begoña Rentero, originally from Granada, grew up
in a family that had a profound respect for nature and the environment.
These early influences developed into a passion for organic forms,
color and movement inspired by nature. Begoña later translated this
passion into a jewelry collection featuring a series of unique pieces.
The colors and organic shapes of winter flowers, flora and sea
fauna have inspired her latest collection of hand-made, exquisitely
crafted jewelry. The pieces are made of special paper, fibers of silk,
cotton, et cetera, that she prepares with a method she has developed
to toughen them up for daily use, without compromising their delicate,
organic aesthetic. Using only natural dyes her pieces both reflect and
respect the environment and, as she says, "are so light you have
to touch them to know that you're wearing them."

These beautiful jewelry items are made entirely by hand, in Spain.

Strands, COLL 08.  NEO
And then of course, there's this!

These looooong strands of vivid, gemmy neoprene, embellished
with silver bullons, are addictive!  Here's how long they are:

Strands, COLL 08.  NEO
And how oh so versatile!  Buy your favorite colors, then loop, coil
or twist them, doubled, maybe tripled, or leave some
long, and have fun with them.

We have semi-joked in the past that you can easily wear Neo's
neoprene creations scuba diving, if you so chose, as
they are made from the self-same material of scuba suits, but
it's actually true.  The metal highlights are little hex-nut-looking
silver bullons so would be uninclined to rust.  Therefore - and
we seem to be talking about boating quite a bit today - if you simply must
take a dip off the family yacht or dinghy or other wondrous watercraft, you're all set!

Actually, now that we think about it, these would be great for the beach,
with a cute bathing suit and silky cover-up... how about that!
And as they hail from Italy, I think the ladies of NEO
may have intended this use all along...  So please, put on that bathing suit
and fearlessly drape yourself in these fabulous waterproof strands for an
unbeatable summer look.

WEARABLE ART - CLOTHING

Modified Issey Jacket, "Masai".  Front.  Kay Chapman
Crisp, cool, relaxed, stylish.

This piece says summer for Kay Chapman.

Button to wear as a shirt or leave open as a jacket to get
so much use out of this single versatile piece of clothing.

Kay's designs tend to reflect nature and modern ethnic-themed
inspirations, as seen in the African tribal Masai appelation
and also in many of her other styles. 

A look at the divine back and collar detail:

Modified Issey Jacket, "Masai".  Front.  Kay Chapman
This lovely piece (which would look great on that boat...)
is 100% cotton in sky blue and white.

And not to overstate this, but let's take a look at
her spectacular color choices:

Modified Issey Jacket, "Retro".  Front.  Kay Chapman
This beauty is created from dupioni silk in her style "Retro",
modified leaf/bamboo, perhaps, with a distinct abstract/urban sensibility,
in gorgeous wine and black.  It is a purplish color with an
orange or salmon undertone that is quite breathtaking.


A little about Kay:

Kay Chapman is an American fabric artist/clothing designer who shows
her work in galleries and boutiques nationwide. She works primarily
on natural fabrics: silk, linen, cotton and wool, as well as bamboo. Pattern
and color are applied to the fabric using direct dye techniques, usually
stretched over bars and painted with either fiber reactive or acid dyes
using foam brushes. Dyes are then set by steaming. The fabric is washed
and rinsed and ready to be made into the garment.

Kay's goal is to create styles which flatter a woman’s body and are easy to wear.

Ponchette, Rust.  Bobbie Sumberg.  Multicolor Necklace, COLL 22L.  NEO
So if night is approaching and the boat is getting a little cool
(and you can easily substitute "barbecue", "pool party", "wedding",
"theatre", or "romantic outdoor dinner" for "boat")
just toss this beautiful ponchette over your shoulders and get cozy.

This fine knitted "Ponchette" is created from softest wool and is
available in a variety of subtle colors and two different lengths, with perky tassels.
They are one size and certified no nonsense - no flapping off in a
stiff breeze, no fiddling and unsuccessfully knotting it when dancing,
no chilly shoulders.  Just cozy convenience, and the
extraordinary softness that is so delightful when wool and
silk are combined in a fine knit.

See more color choices here.

We must also point out that our mannequin display includes another
superlative NEO piece, this one a multi-strand necklace
in many colors, again made of neoprene, ultra-lightweight,
and it looks super with the ponchettes.

(Or the bathing suit... remember the bathing suit...)

Here's a slightly closer look at it:

Multicolored Multistrand Necklace.  Neo
Goodness:  Too much fun!

CERAMICS

Tea Bowl, Turquoise Glaze.  Joe O'Brien
Bainbridge Island ceramic artist Joe O'Brien has brought us
a series of tea bowls that he has wood-fired right here on
our beautiful island.  A retired art teacher, he loves
experimenting with glazes in wood fire, and is getting
some great effects with them; he is said to be one of few wood fire potters
to be successful with the glorious turquoise hues that can come from
the copper component of the glazes.

Here are a few other examples of his tea bowls:
Winter tea bowl, shino glaze.
Turquoise glaze, celadon toned interior.
Journey along this link to see more of Joe's very interesting work.

Here's a little something about the artist:


Ceramic artist Joe O’Brien of Bainbridge Island was educated at the
University of Washington (BA, Art Education) and in ceramics at Northern
Illinois University (MA, MFA).  He has exhibited throughout the
Midwest as well as the Northwest and operated a custom ceramic
tile business for many years.  He collaborated with Jacob Lawrence in
the designing and creation of a ceramic mosaic mural for the City of
New York and designed a porcelain enamel mural for the Orlando
International Airport.  More recently he has proposed a ceramic mosaic
mural for the Washington State Capitol.

"Open", Vase.  Lisa Wederquist
This appealing earthenware vase is graceful, with its
unabashedly abstract inclinations, bold in coloration, and
looks terrific hosting a big, bright bouquet of flowers!

Just imagine how this piece could be used
(you've seen it before above, but it's so pretty, let's indulge ourselves):



Here's a bit about Lisa, who has been with us as a painter for
several years, and who is now adding ceramics to her
growing list of talents:

Born in Germany, I grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a child
I roamed the then wide-open foothills and canyons of the front range
of the Rocky Mountains. This connection with nature has always
sustained and inspired me.

I studied painting and industrial design at Colorado College, City
College of San Francisco, and Pratt Institute.
Living in San Francisco for five years, and New York City for ten,
infused me with the wonder, freedom, and crazy richness of urban life.
I returned to the West, moving to Santa Fe, my home since 1991.

I have been a painting contractor and decorative painter for many years.
I have always been an artist. The scale of many of my paintings is
informed by a love of physical work, the imagery by
a love for the physical world.

VISUAL ART


Another series from Bainbridge Island's own Irene Yesley,
an artist who pleases with her seemingly endless artistic experiments,
as she continues to push the boundaries of her art form.

These two amazing examples, which certainly bring to
mind vast solar systems and galaxies, are both Monotypes on two layers
of plexiglas, showcasing Irene's remarkable layering techniques.

We must point out that because of this stunning layering,
it is very difficult to fully capture in photographs the full impact of pieces created
in this style, to show their true depth that is only perfectly visible when viewed in real life.
If you're already a fan of Irene's work, or perhaps more importantly,
if you've never seen her work before, please visit the Gallery
for an up-close, in-person look.  They must be seen to be fully appreciated.


Outer Space with Gold.  Irene Yesley
Here's Irene's information:

Irene Yesley of Bainbridge Island, Washington,describes herself as a
geometric abstract minimalist, designing hard-edge patterns
against a relatively flat background. Physical textures, such as brush strokes,
play a minimal role to the interplay of positive and negative shapes,
and the emotional impact of color.

Irene describes her journey:

I earned an MFA in printmaking from Arizona State University.
After graduation, I bought two floor looms and started making rugs
and tapestries. Eventually I grew frustrated with the restraints of weaving,
the warp and the weft, and especially the fact that I could never change
anything, so I sold my looms and started down the path of rediscovering
what kind of artist I wanted to be. I attended Haystack School of Art
 and Crafts in Maine, where I was fortunate enough to have Warren
Seelig as my instructor. He opened the door to all sorts of
materials and experimentation.

Since then I have used pencil, pastel and oil stick on paper, done
reverse painting on Plexiglas, acrylics on wooden panels and gesso
board and now I have returned to painting on layers of Plexiglas
and stacking them to make 3 dimensional paintings.

The outdoors is the biggest influence on my work. The first landscape
I knew was Spokane, Washington, where I grew up. That was followed
by the cactus of Arizona for 5 years, the urbanscapes of Boston and
Washington, DC, the chaparral of Topanga Canyon, and 22 years
in the desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico.  For six years until 2004, we
had a condo in Kas, Turkey, on the Turquoise Coast of the
Mediterranean, where I spent six months a year

Now I live on an island across the sound from Seattle in a temperate
rainforest. Without even being aware of what was happening,
each new location has changed the shapes and colors in my work.

A piece of Irene's will be featured in the upcoming 2016 August
All Gallery Artist show, and in another show in 2017 (date to be announced).

Golden Orbs.  Single Panel.  Karen Chaussabel
Making her home on Bainbridge Island as well, Karen Chaussabel describes herself
as "a mixed media artist in the making."  We are happy to be able to say
that she is also currently an Associate at the Gallery, and one of
our intrepid photographers, without whom this blog would
most likely be made up entirely of very boring words!

Karen originally hails from France, and infuses her work with the
nature and countryside of her youth, allowing her life
experiences to impact her work - as all artists do - but conversely also
allowing her art to impact all areas of her life
(which all artists don't!).

This special sensitivity not only produces very meaningful art, but
inevitably creates surprises along the way.
(Keep reading; we'll introduce our own Karen-oriented SURPRISE in a moment.)


The work shown here, currently available at the Gallery,
is primarily encaustic, pen and pencil with mixed media.
First, though, we'll let Karen discuss encaustic in her own words:

Encaustic paint is made of  beeswax combined with resin and color,
in either paint or pigment forms. It is used heated and applied to a
variety of surfaces. My favorite surface for encaustic is paper.  I make
monotypes and also brush [or] draw directly on the paper.

When making encaustic monotypes, I brush warm encaustic on a hot
plate, or melt encaustic directly on the hot plate, then I lay a piece
of paper over the encaustic and pull it up.  I like the next step,
the reveal, where I look at what happened on the paper. Colors blended,
spread, an image was created from this fluid interaction. The exciting
part for me is discovering this newborn image and looking at it,
being with the fullness of possibility.  I can let it be enough, or
I can keep on exploring with it, adding lines with pencils when it is still
warm, layering another color, blending them further by rubbing.  It is a
medium that allows me to practice being open to possibility.

Harvest of the Heart:  Fullness III.  Karen Chaussabel

Karen continues, with thoughts about her work:

I work on paper, creating encaustic monotype, using inks, pencil, fiber
for mixed media, and also enjoy the feel of clay. I am an explorer by
nature and will try different techniques and materials, just to see.
I am very much driven by curiosity.  And in the process I find
more than one way to express my creative voice. Just like a tree
going through the seasons or standing in the light at different times
of the day, my voice takes on the tone of its place in time and space.

Karen presents a series of fruit- and vegetable-like
forms, suggestions of the harvest, the heart's attachment to it,
light, and summer.

Oh, and speaking of fruit and vegetables...

Introducing A New Feature:

An Artist's Approach
Food As Art
 
(or, Art As Food, as you will...)

There's just no getting around it, sometimes life imitates art.
And when one is an artist, glorious overlapping and
wonderful surprises inevitably occur!  As we feature this month the work of an artist
 who has an abiding love for nature and its bounty - and who also happens
to be a great cook - her inspiration is sure to whet your appetite for more!

Encaustic and multi-media artist Karen Chaussabel takes us
to the French countryside, sharing with us her love of cooking
 in the tradition of her homeland.  This first offering is a beautiful suggestion for a
summer evening's dessert, filled with freshness, taste, and heart.


Karen Chaussabel
For me the kitchen is just another studio! I let the ingredients
guide my choice of what to prepare.  Growing up in the countryside
in France gave me ample opportunities to taste what grew in my family's gardens,
in the fields (blackberries) and forests (mushrooms, blueberries, chestnuts)
and farmers markets, and a sense of gathering around food from our
often lengthy family dinners. As a teen I worked
at a Farm to Table restaurant, which added layers of kitchen tips, flavors -
all of which would come into focus once I left France for the US,
and was handy know-how for working in catering through college.
All those flavors, those experiences, they all came with me! 
Since moving to Bainbridge Island I have been able to reconnect to
my country roots, to the joy and enthusiasm of preparing, and
eating, what is in season, and locally sourced
The question of what's for dinner is one I approach like I paint,
I don't know until I start!!!
I look at what I have, what I found at the garden, from my CSA with
Leapfrog Farm or other finds from the store or farmers market - and I 
go on from there!

I think being a visual artist does influence how I cook.
I choose vegetable combinations with an eye for color. I do believe
we eat with our eyes first! Next layering flavors with herbs, spices,
texture is a way for me to create dimension in the meals I make. 
 A pan, a plate, are my other canvases.


I feel clafoutis, shown below, is the ultimate versatile canvas: growing up with a
small cherry orchard in our front yard, there were many traditional
classic cherry clafoutis but I also like apricot/raspberry when the
eastern Washington apricots comes into season (now!). For Thanksgiving/Holidays
I make a cranberry clafoutis flavored with orange. The possibilities are endless!!
I so appreciate that art has and still is teaching me that, no matter what my canvas is!

Traditionally there is kirsch or some kind of liqueur (Grand Marnier
added with oranges/cranberries is yum!)
Sometimes I add almond meal for flavor, texture; soy instead of regular
milk. Basically it’s dairy-free and gluten friendly if you want/need it to be.
And low sugar. Apricot/red or black currants is a great combo
for the sweet/tartness too.  And you can dress up with whipped cream!

Apricot-Raspberry Clafoutis
using Basic Clafoutis recipe based on Suzanne Goin
Sunday Supper at Lucques

3/4 cup all purpose flour, sifted

1/2 cup sugar
3  large eggs
1-1/2 cup whole milk or non-dairy milk 

pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract  
3-4 apricots, depending on size, cut into quarters
 1 cup of raspberries or more if you want!! (black or red currants work too!)
Optional: a sprinkle of slivered almonds, pecans, almond flavor (1/2 tsp) on top; a splash of blackcurrant or raspberry currant liqueur or rum to flavor the batter

Heat up
to a gentle simmer the milk, sugar, and any spices you are using 
until sugar is dissolved.
Add vanilla, or almond extract. Take pot off the stove.
Beat the eggs and add to the milk mixture. Mix until blended.
Sift in the flour.
Let the batter rest for 20 minutes, up to one hour.

While batter cools:
 Heat the oven to 350F.
Butter a 9-inch cake pan, add apricot slices in single layer, sprinkle on the berries.

Pour the batter over the fruit.


Bake for 40-45 minutes.

NOTE: If you are short on time, you can also make this batter cold:
mix cold milk, eggs, sugar, flavorings, et cetera, then flour; pour batter on the fruit and bake.


Notes for other fruit and flavor combinations:
Flavorings options: almond extract, lemon or orange zest, liqueur,
spices, frozen berries, rhubarb (fruit can be used frozen).
Substitute 1/2 cup of almond meal for flour.
Sprinkle nuts on top of the batter for added texture and taste
Dried fruits cranberries (great with walnut or pecans), blueberries, apricots,

figs, alone or in combination with fresh fruits.

Clafoutis is best enjoyed warm, at room temperature.
Also very good next day as flavors infuse.


Well, that's the blog for now!  Please have a safe and fun 4th of July, and check back soon for more beautiful things to see in the world of art, and another recipe!  Don't forget: if you'd like to have us send you advance notice of a newly-posted blog, simply send your e-mail address to ssn [at] theislandgallery [dot] [net] and we'll put you on our mailing list.*

*We present our e-mail address this way to discourage spammers, phishers, and other internet nasties.  Thank you for  understanding!

Posted by:  S. Roth, 7/3/16