mesa contemporary art, artist reception

The installation.

Lots of activity since I last posted in 2012.
Our exhibit Creature Man Nature opened January 11th. And a week from last Friday, on the 25th, we had our Artist Reception at Mesa Contemporary. It was one busy evening – with family, friends and many fine-art appreciators.

I slept all day on Saturday.

This framed image greeted our guests at the front entrance of the gallery.

I’m including a few photos from the event. If you want to see more visit our exhibition blog → Formal Exhibit and Informal Blog.

I’ll just say the last few weeks – have been full.

Our grand exhibition banner sits on the side of the building.

Detail of Mary’s work in the foreground with one of my drawings in the background.

Mary’s center sculpture strongly connects all of our work. It repeats the vertical trees in Carolyn’s work below, and it connects to the figures and the line work in mine above. 

This is my wall in the gallery space.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with press. I learned a few more things about Mary and Carolyn.

What’s next? We have plans to continue. For now we’ll enjoy the run of the show. You have until April to catch it.

te aventaste

Last night was the opening for Mixing It Up, at the Tempe Center for the Arts.  Gary Keller, from the Hispanic Research Center, spoke about the implications of the phrase, Mixing it up. Based on a brief time of boxing in his life, he said, It could imply a fight.  I liked the connotation. He spoke about the regular idea of mixing it up… which to me indicates a Post Modern association.

I spent much of the evening in conversation with others, about my work. I met two docents… One who was very curious and asked very specific questions about the organs in the artworks. And the other, her spouse, who had more than the average person’s understanding, vocabulary, and appreciation for the physical body. I asked if he was an M.D. Turns out he’d served as a Green Beret medic at one point-in-time.  Now retired, he’s planning to head out to Honduras, to volunteer and help out there. They both wanted direct information from me, to share with viewers throughout the coming months. I guess now they can quote me.  And I can quote them.

Several people make note of the surface of my work. Because I am so careful with detail and quality of surface, in both paintings and drawings, I appreciate these comments in particular. A well-lit space … you know it makes all the difference. I  have a moment with artist Martin Moreno. He has work in the exhibit as well.  He points over to my wall and says te aventaste.  The Spanish phrase basically implies a thumbs up.

Above a photo of Michelle Dock (curator) and I, just before the evening is over. What do we have in common? Other than being involved in the ARTS, here in AZ?  Both of us attended New Mexico State University, probably about the same time.  For whatever reasons our paths never crossed there, I’m pleased to say we know each other now. I’ve worked with her several times. Facebook should offer an te aventaste button.  If they did Michelle and all the crew would receive one on this morning, after a fine opening.

More Info:  Mixing It Up:  Building an Identity
                  Sept. 17 to Jan. 28

what’s going on and what’s taking place/now

WHAT: WHAT GOES ON and WHAT TAKES PLACE

WHERE:  MODIFIED ARTS
407 East Roosevelt
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1918

WHEN:    FEB 18TH – MARCH 12TH
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY FEB 18   6-9
GALLERY HOURS: FRI-SAT  12-6
First and Third Fridays 6-9

WHAT ELSE:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 · 1:30 3:00 pm
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION about work, influences, and artistic processes.
Light refreshments provided.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 12, 13  8:00 p.m.
Downtown Phoenix Chamber Series
MORE

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PRESS

Press Article: What Goes On and What Takes Place: Four Women Artists Working
Author: Jackalope Ranch, Claire Lawton
Date: Thursday, December 09, 2010
Link: Phoenix New Times