Showing posts with label coffee table. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee table. Show all posts

Monday, October 27, 2014

October 2014 Gallery Picks Newsletter

Ahhh, October!  Its light enhances autumn's already rich colors as the sun dips lower on the horizon, creating vignettes of nature's art all around us.  Meanwhile, we reach for sweaters and mugs of hot cider, and perhaps contemplate a visit to a bit of glorious man-made art.

Keep reading for a glimpse of more offerings from our incredible artists, currently available in the Gallery.  And don't forget, if those autumn winds and rainy days keep you snuggled at home by the computer, simply click on the link on each individual piece to visit our online shop for more details. 

Grab a cozy beverage of your choice, settle back in a comfy chair, and enjoy!


VISUAL ARTS



Poppies.  Lisa Wederquist


 Santa Fe artist Lisa Wederquist paints in acrylics on linen, paper and canvas.
Her paintings capture the essence of the natural world in the Southwest:
desert sky, wild grasses and the search for water.  Often using primary colors
in counterpoint and featuring strong, evocative lines, her work is hopeful
and friendly, each piece creating images steeped in life's little realities,
presented on a big canvas.

Earlier this October we opened the exhibit Desert Rhythms
featuring Lisa's expressive, vibrant work.  Besides greatly enjoying meeting
Lisa for the first time, her work was very well received.  She is currently hard
at work creating more pieces in her indigo Night series and we can't wait
to see these new works (coming soon).

Here's a little about Lisa, in her own words: 

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.

Lisa's work is available in the Gallery; we'll have it all posted
in the online shop shortly.


FINE FURNITURE


Western Red Cedar Bench
Gorgeous!

This extra-long bench is a real stunner, and would look
fabulous along an entry wall or outward-facing gallery space,
perhaps gazing out over a peaceful woodsy garden or sea vista.
It features black steel channel legs and a live edge front
face, with the familiar deep color and markings of our local cedar.
As to the design process, metal artist Kris Skotheim collaborated
with the Gallery to come up with creative design solutions that would
 complement this and other Northwest wood with fabricated or recycled steel.
Given the resulting clean lines and organic forms this piece
displays, we think we can declare that effort a success!

For a better look pop into the Gallery; it's currently
residing in our main exhibit room, and makes quite a
statement!  Or, for a front view and more information, click here.


Mid-Century Modern Sling Chair.  Frederic Weinberg
We might all agree that this is one of the most interesting
pieces of mid-century modern furniture we've had in the Gallery.
Created by prolific artist Frederic Weinberg, this wicker and iron
Sling chair is in very good condition, a delight to view, and
so comfy to sink into!

Philadelphia-based artist and industrial designer Frederic Weinberg
trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts before producing and
selling a wide variety of functional and decorative items, such as
figural wire and fiberglass wall sculptures.  He also produced clocks, lamps,
furniture and retail fixtures, based on his semi-abstract paintings,
for homes, institutions and businesses.

 His abstract, stylized, and modernistic work spanned three decades and
several media, always maintaining its 1950s vibe, and has recently become the
obsession of in-the-know modern art collectors.  He is, however, best known
for his sculptural pieces, which can fetch thousands at auction.

In spite of his current high profile in the mid-century modern oeuvre,
finding biographical information on Mr. Weinberg is like hunting for the
proverbial needle in a haystack!  If you have information about him
we invite you to contact the Gallery; we are actively researching this
artist and his fascinating work.

Walnut Coffee Table/Bench
Another excellent creation from woodworker Donald Smith, and
a truly sweet treat of a coffee table, this lovely natural edge
piece stands out for its gorgeous and distinct markings, a
sea of light sapwood perfectly surrounding an island of rich reddish
(dare we say "walnut colored") interior wood, with all its geographical lines.
It is sturdy enough to be used as a bench as well, so the purchaser can choose
their preferred use in their home for this exquisite piece.


TEXTILE & FIBER ART


Cropped Modified Issey Shirt.  Kay Chapman
Silky and stunning, this hand-painted creation
from textile artist Kay Chapman is a perfect example
of the vivid colors we're so enjoying this
month (and it looks so wonderful with the Poppies painting!
Hang one on the wall, wear the other...)

We love Kay's pieces for their great cut and wearability,
in styles that always - always! - seem to suit everyone.


Shopping Bag, "Jaguar".  Concepcion Quevac for Cojolya
Isn't this fabulous!
Just arrived in the Gallery, Candis Krummel has brought us a series of
expertly woven items, including this dramatic and roomy shopping bag,
from her artisan associates in Guatemala.  They are fair trade, museum
quality textiles from the Cojolya Association of Mayan Women Weavers.
This beautiful piece is cotton, woven by artist Concepcion Quevac
in the "Jaguar" pattern.

Candis, a designer with strong connections to
Bainbridge Island, describes her passion for the art
of her adopted homeland:

I have thrived living on the shore of magical Lake Atitlan in
Guatemala for over 30 years.  Enchanted by the splendor of the green
volcanoes and the culture of the Tzutujil Maya, over time I became
deeply immersed in the tradition of back-strap loom weaving and
fascinated by the opportunities it offers for creative expression.
Today, I am more than ever impressed with the infinite potential for
design using this ancient  loom...the mother of looms... given to Maya
women by the Goddess Ixchel.

I was fortunate to be asked to use my design and community development
skills to work with women of the lowland Maya, who live in the endless
forests of Quintana Roo, Mexico. They are the fiercely independent
children of Maya heroes, who in 1847 fought for and regained their
freedom for over fifty years. Utilizing the women's ancestral skills, we
were able to introduce finely-crafted accessories into the high-end
tourist markets along Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Fortune has led me on the same route as the Proto-Maya, who drifted
to the island of Hispaniola, where they settled. Centuries later, the
Taíno people encountered them, after migrating up from South America.
The Classic Taíno culture grew to dominate the island until the
Spanish conquest, which eliminated both ancient cultures.
The Taíno spirit lives on in the DNA of the Dominican people...the
unbroken link is their embracing warmth. In a project for the
province of Puerto Plata (dedicated to revitalizing the economy
through sustainable tourism) I have encouraged artisans to use
the art of their Taíno ancestors as a fountain of inspiration.
These designs are for products that visitors to the communities
will take with them as reminders of their unique experience
with the Dominican people. My own logo reflects the exquisite
Taíno designs found on ceramic seals, once used to decorate
their bodies for ritual dances.

Come into the Gallery to view more of these amazing pieces of
art, including a shawl that might just blow your mind:  black merino
wool, crafted as the other items on a back-strap loom, it features
Swarovski crystals woven into the shawl right on the threads,
and sparkles like a starry, starry night.  Amazing!


JEWELRY


Neckpiece:  Bubbly, Red & Black.  Christine L. Sundt

Fiery-warm, cheerfully bright off-round slices of red chalk turquoise
pair with polished black onyx beads, nylon wire, and sterling silver
in this dancing necklace.

If you read this blog on a regular basis you already
know how much we admire Christine Sundt's finely-crafted
jewelry, with its clean design work and classicism with a twist, a
concept brilliantly captured in this piece.  The stones are strung on
nearly invisible (when worn) nylon wire, giving an impression of the
random movement of individual stones, and thus creates great visual interest.
Other of her similarly-crafted pieces can be doubled over and twisted,
then strung onto plain sterling, cord or nylon neck wires or hoops, creating an
entirely new style.  Imagine that!  Two or three necklaces out of one.
Such a deal, very playful and fun, and great-looking.

Dance on down to the Gallery and ask for a demonstration!
These are quite unique.


Thanks for visiting us, and joining our celebration of October.  Keep an eye on the blog for news of upcoming events, exhibits, concerts and sales, and don't forget:  If you'd like to receive alerts when we post information, send your e-mail address to sr @ theislandgallery-dot-net (sorry, spammers...) and we'll sign you right up.

We have a major Holiday-oriented post planned for Thanksgiving, so see you again in November, and Happy Halloween!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 2013 Gallery Picks

Valentine's Day is bearing down on us, which must mean it's time for this month's Gallery Picks!  If you're just joining us, welcome, and enjoy this monthly newsletter, created in hopes of providing a larger audience with the opportunity to better know the work of our fantastic artists.  Please scroll down to view examples of their art currently available in the Gallery and in our online shop.  For further information, click on the highlighted links to visit the individual items in our web shop.  And if you'd like reminders to pop up directly in your inbox, please send your e-mail address to sr@theislandgallery.net to join our subscriber list. 



Pencil and pastel
Matted and framed
Dimensions:  29” x 36”

This is the second time we've featured Bainbridge Island artist Irene Yesley in our Gallery Picks, and for good reason: her work is contemporary and diverse in both medium, tone and subject matter.  Whether drawing muted forms in pencil and pastel on paper, layering brilliant fields of acrylic on board to create landscapes and walls of bold stripes, or offering exquisite control of reverse painting on stacked slices of Plexiglas to create 3-D effects, this artist keeps us interested, and thinking!

All of the wall art presently on view in our exhibit room comes from her studio.  Examples of her work can be viewed in our web shop under Visual Arts.  


Woven Cotton, Beaded

Dimensions: 10-1/2" l  x 7" w

Jaspe, the ancient traditional art of tying and dyeing patterns into the threads before weaving on a backstrap loom, has been a feature of Tzutujil Maya textile design for hundreds of years. These jaspe bags are inspired by the Guatemalan landscape of trembling volcanoes where the big cats still roam the forests.

Describing her passion for the art of her adopted homeland, Candis says:

I have thrived living on the shore of magical Lake Atitlan in Guatemala for over 30 years. Enchanted by the splendor of the green volcanoes and the culture of the Tzutujil Maya, over time I became deeply immersed in the tradition of back-strap loom weaving and fascinated by the opportunities it offers for creative expression. Today, I am more than ever impressed with the infinite potential for design using this ancient loom...the mother of looms... given to Maya women by the Goddess Ixchel. 
I was fortunate to be asked to use my design and community development skills to work with women of the lowland Maya, who live in the endless forests of Quintana Roo, Mexico... Utilizing the women's ancestral skills, we were able to introduce finely-crafted accessories into the high-end tourist markets along Mexico's Caribbean coast.
(To read more, please visit our web shop under Textiles.)
  
The Gallery has maintained a long and active interest in sustaining textile traditions in countries like Indonesia; we are therefore delighted to introduce these beautiful accessories to our customers.



Dimensions: approximately 76” l x 38” w x 17” t (at greatest point)


This book-matched coffee table/bench is made from hand-cut Claro Walnut grown on the Patatucci farm in Carmichael, California.  While the Claro Walnut tree is known for its strong root system, an English Walnut graft was made, which can be seen on each end, to help produce good nuts.  The tree was cut and its wood air-dried for 35 years, then kiln-dried and made into this table in 2012.  Brian grew up on Bainbridge Island and like his artist parents, divided his time between Bainbridge and Alaska.  Brian has worked as a fisherman and shipwright and used his shipbuilding skills in creating this table using all wood construction.

We have photos of this extraordinary table in its various stages of production, which will be posted to the blog at some time.  To preview these images please contact the Gallery. 



Shino glaze

Dimensions:  12" in diameter x 1" deep


A new artist to the Gallery, Aaron was raised in Auburn, Washington.  It was not until the last semester of his Senior year at the University of Puget Sound that he was introduced to pottery.  Quickly drawn in by the wheel, Aaron appreciated the tangible results, and continued his pursuit of the art form, both at UPS and Green River Community College.  It was at Green River that he really started to get a feel for clay and high temperature gas firings.  In 2010 Aaron started working with Elinor Maroney at her Studio in Covington, Washington.  Aaron reports:


Elinor has been working in clay for 40 years and is a wonderful artist.  I have learned immensely from Elinor, and in turn I assist with the heavy lifting.  I am building a new soda kiln at the Studio, so we can start working with atmospheric glazing.

This plate is glazed with red shino, a type of high-fire glaze, which can be seen in white as well as orange-reds.  A highly varied glaze, the atmosphere impacts the final color that is achieved on the clay surfaces.

We are looking forward to receiving lots of Aaron's functional pieces for the home - plates, mugs, vases, sushi platters, French butter dishes, and more.  Check back here, where we will announce their arrival!
This plate can be viewed in our web shop under the new category, Ceramic Art, General.
 



Encaustic, diptych
Dimensions:  24” x 24” x 1.5”

Well, we did mention that Valentine's Day was imminent, didn't we?

We currently have four of Carrie's small encaustic pieces on view in the Gallery.  Come on in to see them, or visit them in the web shop for a vibrant visual treat!



Maple, Madrone Burl and Bubinga

Dimensions:  8” x 8” x 6-1/2" tall, with leg protrusions of 1-1/2” on either side

Fine furniture maker John Luke began woodworking as a part-time avocation three decades ago. After stress-related illness forced his early retirement, Luke began designing and building furniture 24/7. He says the process of starting with rough sawn lumber, bringing out the wood’s beauty and character and ultimately creating an attractive, functional piece provides a most satisfying pastime. “It keeps my mind and body active,” he says.  Clean, simple lines with a perfect balance of form and function best characterize John’s designs. Table, dresser, chair or one-of-a-kind jewelry boxes, he 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.

This piece is a good representation of John's designs: a lift-lid jewelry box with partitioned lower compartment and partitioned sliding drawer above, it is crafted in maple, madrone burl and bubinga.  It comes complete with Zen-like serenity, and would be a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for either Him or Her!



Dimensions:  16" x 44"

Pure Valentine's red, Carter recently sent us this wonderful scarf, personally signed by the artist.  The Gallery has delighted in his work for some time, and most recently we are enjoying his new designs that feature digital design elements and fabric printing.  Each of the patterns are photographed from one of Carter's "treasure pieces" (pieces of shibori art so intensely beautiful that he feels that they cannot be improved upon by using them in a garment).  The images are then edited by Carter, and produced in very small runs.  This is an amazing way to make museum quality work available for clothing.


Carter uses 100% silk (double georgette, chiffon, organza, or embroidered) in all his clothing and accessories, and all are made in the USA.

To visit our web shop:
theislandgallery.net/shop/

To receive direct e-mails, including reminders of sales, exhibitions and musical events,
please send a note  with your e-mail address to: 
sr@theislandgallery.net