Saturday, February 23, 2013

March Music

Not to be coy about it, but we have a little music-something in the works here at the Gallery.  To Be Announced...

We're also hoping to present more wonderful live music in conjunction with the upcoming First Friday Artwalk, 6-8 pm on March 1st.  We'll post as soon as we have confirmation, hopefully early this week, along with March show information.

And after that, especially if you're a lover of the local music scene, stay tuned for an exciting announcement!

(Actually, that is being rather coy, isn't it?)

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

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Rockin' the House!

This past First Friday, February 1st, during the Artwalk, the Gallery and patrons enjoyed a rollicking evening of music and song, thanks to the talents of Bainbridge Island guitarist and singer/songwriter Peter Spencer, Seattle Symphony bassist Jonathan Greene, and singer Caleb Spencer.  Beginning with a tender instrumental run of Lennon-McCartney songs, including the beautiful yet seldom-performed "Yes It Is" and the more familiar "Across the Universe" and "Hey Jude", they turned up the heat to lay down take-no-prisoners versions of well-known blues and rock songs, including "Mercury Blues", as well as several of Peter's own compositions. 

The crowd stayed, rocked, enjoyed, bought Peter's CDs, and left with a unanimous request:  "Bring 'em back!  Soon!!"

We hope to do just that. 

Thanks to all who attended, family and friends, and to our wonderful performers, Peter, Jon and Caleb, for giving us a memorable evening while taking the roof off The Winslow!

How to keep posted:  If you're on our subscription list we'll automatically send you advance warning of the Gallery's next musical event.  If not, you can sign up and receive notices of all events, including sales and shows, by simply sending an e-mail to sr@theislandgallery.net.  And, of course, be sure to check back here often.

P.S.:  A dwindling supply of Peter's CDs is still available at the Gallery for $15.00 each.  Please contact the gallery at ssn@theislandgallery.net or 206.780.9500 to order or for further information. 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Treats for the Sweet


Pretty in Pink

Our amazing local textile and beading artist, Janet Essa Elia, came by on this chilly winter day with a new selection of her very popular floral brooches which can double as hairpins, ornaments for a purse or belt, or even a sassy addition to the toe or heel of a perfect black shoe.  Like little harbingers of spring, they warmed us with their good cheer.  We are inspired to spread around the joy: 



Janet is a native of Iraq where for 15 years she owned and operated a well-known atelier in Baghdad, specializing in custom-made, beaded clothing and accessories. She left there in 2009 and has lived in the U.S. - here on Bainbridge Island - since then. All her designs are original, and employ traditional Middle Eastern methods. The decorative work is applied by hand, using needle and thread.


Red and Purple Gauze

During the rule of Saddam Hussein, when Janet established her business, it was highly unusual for women to own independent businesses in Iraq. In fact, it still is. Besides dressmaking generally, her atelier was considered to be the finest source of custom wedding dresses and bridal accessories in Baghdad, and attracted a prominent clientele. In Iraq, weddings are extremely important social occasions and tend to be very large. Wedding trousseaux, whether traditional or modern, are typically highly decorated.



Turquoise Layers
The jewelry and accessories Janet produces are entirely hand-made by her, and are inspired by the traditions of decorated clothing with which she grew up and by contemporary international design. Her work is sold in a number of Pacific Northwest galleries and she collaborates with custom couturier designers on wedding apparel, bridal accessories, and custom gowns. Additionally, she has been featured in numerous exhibitions in the Seattle area including the Seattle Bridal Show, the Red Dress Competition, the Seattle Metropolitan Fashion Week competition, and an American Cancer Society benefit at the Museum of Flight.  Janet also offers her line of purses and framed art pieces. 

Mindful that Valentine's Day is right around the corner, our Gallery Picks for February will feature gift suggestions (including several of Janet's new brooches) for that certain someone, or even a little something for yourself...
Pure Valentine Red!

For further information or to purchase one of Janet's pieces, click on the links beneath the photos or visit the Gallery's web shop at:
www.theislandgallery.net/shop/

To receive early warnings of sales, exhibitions and musical events, send us an e-mail:
sr@theislandgallery.net

Friday, January 18, 2013

An Evening of Music

The Island Gallery is delighted to welcome back guitarist Peter Spencer for a special musical event, performing in the Gallery with bassist Jonathan Green during February's First Friday Artwalk.



An Evening of Music
 First Friday, February 1, 2013, 6-8 pm
The Island Gallery
400 Winslow Way E., #120
Bainbridge Island, Washington
(Underground Parking Available - Enter Off Ericksen Avenue) 


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, D.C.

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 returned to performing with the 2000 release "New Hope and Wise Virgins," followed by a series of releases beginning with an album of original and classic blues called "Nobody's Daddy" in 2005. "Handsignal," another album of original songs, followed in 2006. Later that year came "Gathering Light," an album of Christmas music for solo guitar. In 2007 he released "The Blues Concert," recorded live on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and in 2009 "From the Island," another set of original songs.

His newest album, released in the Spring of 2011, is called "1896," recorded simply with his voice and an 1896 Washburn parlor guitar in a Bainbridge Island schoolhouse that was also built in 1896.

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 is a distinguished bassist with the Seattle Symphony, active as well in chamber-music and new-music circles.

Admission is free.  For further information please contact the Gallery:

Phone:
206.780.9500

E-mail:

Web shop:

Sign up to receive e-mail alerts for upcoming events, newsletter, sales by e-mailing:

Monday, January 14, 2013

January 2013 Gallery Picks

Since last September, we have sent our Monthly Gallery Picks Newsletter via direct e-mail to patrons around the middle of each month, featuring selected pieces from our current collection.  Beginning right now, we will be posting the Gallery Picks exclusively here on our blog, in hopes of providing a larger audience with an opportunity to better know the work of our fantastic artists.  Please scroll down to view examples of the wonderful 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 sent directly to your mailbox, please send your e-mail address to sr@theislandgallery.net to join our subscriber list. 

Coming soon:  Music in February!

 Enjoy! 



Dimensions:  To top of back, 30"; to top of seat, 18"; seat, 17" x 18".

Direct your guests through dinner parties or any of your family's favorite entertainments with these fabulous, comfortable chairs:  A set of four mid-century modern vintage directors chairs; armless, camel-colored leather on chrome frames.  Made in Italy by the Aarben Company, they are fully foldable for easy storage.  We think they look terrific with live-edge tabletops, and currently have them displayed in the Gallery with a gorgeous quartersawn sycamore dining table.  Come take a look when you're on the island! 



Shibori, Embroidered Silk

Glowing reds and blues predominate in this remarkable coat, segueing into a rainbow of colors including purples, greens and golds.  The collar can be left low across the shoulders or raised, peacock-like, to frame your face.  Magnificent!  Although it is listed as a Size Small, we've tried this on here at the Gallery (be still my heart...) and find that it is quite roomy and will actually be a better fit for a medium.  This is a one-of-a-kind piece, as are all of this artist's pieces.  And while we're talking about the artist, here's a little something about him:

Carter Smith has been creating one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics since 1965 when, as a freshman in college, he attended tie-dye workshops taught by his mother.  This became his life’s work, and during his first twenty years of tie-dying, Carter invented and perfected three techniques of dyeing, primarily on silk and almost exclusively for wall hangings, selling 30,000 individual stretched pieces and banners.  Thinking he had done it all, he took a couple of years off, and worked as a carpenter.

After seeing one of the first silk banners he had dyed years before, Carter was inspired to take up his art anew, and by the end of the year had added over forty new steps that multiplied into over a thousand techniques.  The more the process was opened up, the more the process evolved, creating a renaissance in his work.  He decided to start designing and making his own clothing.  His hand-dyed original fashions are now sold all over the United States and throughout the world.  Notables who own his creations include Elizabeth Taylor, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jane Fonda, Allie McGraw, Alice Walker, Dionne Warwick, Maya Angelou, Susan Taylor, Goldie Hawn, Jesse Norman, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Anne Austin, Kim Novak, Cassandra Wilson, Mary Travers, Jan Robinson, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, and others.

Today, Carter produces over 250 original bias design concepts and creations from his studios in Nahant, Massachusetts, and after 40 years and over 200,000 yards of personally dyed fabric he feels that this is only the beginning.  We certainly hope so, and always look forward to seeing Carter’s next magnificent creation!




Dimensions:  approximately 36" wide x 22" deep.

Ready to light up your very own castle, this complex yet beautifully serene illuminated sculpture is named "Baroque".  It comes with hardware ready for ceiling attachment.  The photo shows its side view as installed on the left; the view on the right is from below.

Like this one, the illuminated sculptures carried in the Gallery are created from thin slices of wood, bent and formed, then overlaid with up to ten layers of tissue paper, torn and glued around the frame.  Each layer must dry before the artist can continue.  This painstaking process produces a surprisingly strong skin and luminous glow in each piece.  Please visit our web shop to view more of these truly lovely works of art. 



Black and Purple  
Sized S/M/L.  Zipper front

Not that we were surprised, but as soon as we introduced these warm, snuggly vests they began to fly out of the Gallery.  Generously cut, they can be used to layer over other garments, or worn over a thin shirt or blouse, making this a very versatile clothing item, in any climate.  The garment shown is black and a subtle, rich purple but is also available in other colors and patterns.

A little about the artist:

Kay Chapman is a 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 with bamboo fabrics. Pattern and color are applied to the fabric using direct dye techniques, with the fabric usually stretched over bars and painted with either fiber reactive or acid dyes using foam brushes.  Dyes are then set in the cloth by steaming, then washed and rinsed and ready to be made into the garment.  Kay creates styles which flatter a woman’s body and are easy to wear.



Dimensions:  30” wide x 50” long, x 30” tall.

What marvelous style:  simple, clean and dramatically beautiful!
This cantilevered live-edge walnut desk has ample writing/laptop surface and is sure to complement a multitude of office or living room design styles.  If you're feeling a Hemingway, Shakespeare or Steinbeck moment coming on (or favorite author of your choice), imagine sitting down to write the Great American Novel at this lovely desk!

The desk shown is currently on display in the Gallery, but is also available by special order in different sizes. Please contact the Gallery for further information on this item, or to discuss a custom project.



Length: 18” cord length with 8” drop from center point of cord.

 Reminiscent of a field of waving poppies or anemones, this amazing necklace heightens one's longing for far-off spring!  (But don't worry, it's right around the corner.)  Eco-friendly jewelry inspired by flora and sea fauna, Spanish artist Begona Rentero makes her own papers from silk, cotton and other fibers, hardening them through a special process so that they can easily be worn for everyday use.  They are ultra-lightweight, and Begona uses all natural dyes in her creations, many of which can be viewed here. This particular style is available in a longer style, in other colors, and with matching earrings, which can be viewed under separate listing in our web shop.  If you don't see them, please contact the Gallery.  



Spalted MapleBowl, Peter Sibbett
Dimensions: 14-1/2” x 7-1/2”.
#WM072012D

Thanks to a special artist, what began as a forgotten, discarded piece of wood has become a graceful art bowl.  Hewn from spalted maple logs carefully selected from salvaged logs in Port Gamble, Washington, it is finished with five coats of natural pure tung oil that accentuate its dramatic coloration and graining.

About the artist:
 
Peter Sibbett, orphaned in Korea at a young age, was adopted by his family in Indianola, Washington when he was 14 years old.  Though Peter had no previous education in Korea, he learned English and graduated with his high school class, going on to graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in International Studies from the Jackson School of International Studies.

Peter then spent 20 years establishing and operating international glass, window and door manufacturing companies before his artistic passion brought him to his studio where he crafts fine hand-turned wooden bowls.  They are made from local Pacific Northwest wood, primarily maple, but often from cherry, oak, ash and cedar.  Peter and his family also make wonderfully unique Northwest wooden jigsaw puzzles from salvaged and repurposed cedar, white fir and maple logs. 


Dimensions:  3” drop from top of ear wires

 Direct from Venice, Italy, and the artistry of Mirella Foffano, comes a line of Murano glass jewelry that is drawing Ooohs and Aaahs at the gallery.  Shown is a sampling of her bold sphere earrings, featuring soft  PVC wrapped around glass beads, fancifully filled with PVC ribbons, and drops of crystal.  Big, bold and lightweight, these pieces are sophisticated, but also just plain fun.  Our first shipment sold out the day after they arrived!

Not shown here but available in the Gallery now and soon to be listed in our web shop is an array of these earrings in other colors, including gold-flecked red, blue, and even deep emerald green.

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 to:
sr@theislandgallery.net

 



Saturday, January 5, 2013

The Gallery's Annual January Sale

As we all recover from the holiday festivities, here is one more reason to drag ourselves off the couch:

The Island Gallery's Annual January Sale!!

All items in the Gallery, 10% Off
Sale Rack items, 20 - 50% Off

The sale lasts through January 31, 2013.

Online shoppers, please contact the gallery directly to take advantage of these discounts.

e-mail:

Phone:
206.780.9500