The Main Gallery: Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery in Redwood City, CA SF Bay Area http://themaingallery.org Artist Gallery in Redwood City, CA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:25:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Vidya Narasimhan http://themaingallery.org/vidja-narasimhan/ http://themaingallery.org/vidja-narasimhan/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:28:37 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1286 Photography is a vehicle to express my inner most sense of connection and spirituality to our majestic landscapes. Being a romantic at heart, I scour national parks, state parks and federal lands, not with the mere intention of recording iconic landmarks, but in the pursuit of providing an emotional link to these lands. This has led to an unending quest of not just the right light, but also the right conditions to provide a window into my feelings.

I look to photograph the beauty in nature’s purest elements and lands formed by the perseverance of forces of erosion, rivers gushing from snow melt, flowers blooming at the onset of spring, trees shedding leaves in autumn, clouds threatening to create a storm, and snow-capped mountains reaching up to the skies. The unending cycle of life has created a passion that I cannot seem to get enough of.

I also believe that the ultimate manifestation of my art rests in the creation of expressive prints. So, a lot of my time is spent in constantly refining the digital raw files using techniques similar to those undertaken in the traditional dark room to ensure that the prints best reflect my artistic intent.

 

URL to my website : www.photographybyvidya.com

 

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/vidja-narasimhan/feed/ 0 Diana Herring http://themaingallery.org/diana-herring/ http://themaingallery.org/diana-herring/#comments Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:54:59 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1270 I make a line.  A line makes shape. A shape makes an image. An image makes a character. Multiple characters make a world.

I am an explorer of a rich world populated by visual images and verbal attempts to grasp meaning and order.

I like to observe. Everything has a persona that is expressed in gesture. The flow of line is the flow of energy.

I am more interested in intuition and feeling than in literal appearance.

]]> http://themaingallery.org/diana-herring/feed/ 0 Climate Crisis: An Artistic Response http://themaingallery.org/climate-crisis/ http://themaingallery.org/climate-crisis/#comments Tue, 28 May 2013 20:27:33 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1256 var jsSlideshow = new Array(); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Trapped-jsg.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Good-Old-days,-K.-Hartmetz,mixed-media--2013.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/spirit-of-aspen-by-joyce-converse.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/The-Road-Ends.png"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Survivors-II_ElizabethNoerdlinger.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/I\'m-OK.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Disappearing-Beauty---Sunset-over-Cypress-Swamp,-L"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/As-Things-Unravel.jpg");

Redwood City, CA – Climate Crisis: An Artistic Response opens Wednesday May 29th and runs through Sunday, June 30th.  This exhibit showcases eight of The Main Gallery artists; Joyce Converse, Jeanne Gadol, Katinka Hartmetz, Diana Herring, Terri Wilson Moore, Elizabeth Noerdlinger, David Scouffas, and Arena Shawn.

An intelligent, creative conversation is posed between artist and viewer regarding climate change. This show raises questions and sparks contemplation about the future of the planet. Through irony, humor, comparison, rhythm and more, the depth of the show is sure to ignite a reaction from viewers. The Main Gallery, located at 1018 Main Street in Redwood City, will be hosting an opening reception with the artists on Saturday June 1st, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Here is a sampling of the creative style and artistic observations presented for you at The Main Gallery’s Climate Crisis exhibit:

“Too much to lose” is the focus for Joyce Converse in The Main Gallery’s current Climate Crisis exhibit. Converse explains how her house rests on a ridge with 360O views.  A recent visit to her 20 acre property by the US Dept of Agriculture, its estimated that due to Converse’s care and choice of native tree and shrub plantings, as many as 70 different species of native birds are may live on her land. Converse describes her oil paintings as projecting deep passion, inspiration, and understanding for landscape’s “spirit, beauty and habitat, especially the local Santa Cruz mountain landscape.”

The digital art of Jeanne Gadol focuses on birds and animals. The images of these creatures, combined with geometric forms and repeated in patterns, suggest extinction and loss, the need for hope and balance, and the uncertainty and burden associated with climate change. Gadol explains that her art’s aesthetic rhythm, form and pattern are a “visual merging of the rugged Northern California landscape and wildlife, with images absorbed while on three life changing Africa safaris.”

Using an old window, a birdcage, a table, and a library card file, multimedia artist Katinka Hartmetz uses altered photographs and paintings in combination to express nostalgia. Hartmetz asks, “Does anyone remember what the old days were like?” Her images of stormy sea give a sense that something perilous may be waiting the future of humankind.

The prints by Diana Herring use humor to show how current human behavior is leading to a potentially deadly situation. In “The Road Ends,” a happy little girl and a skeleton are in an old jalopy, running off the road’s edge. In “Carbon Footprint,” a man’s face is being swept over by a wave as a foot looms over his head. Herring states that she “came to the conclusion that climate change is the result of entropy (lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder).” She further describes climate change as the “accumulation and population of human waste and activity. Such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and overpopulation of our earth.”

Painter, Terri Wilson Moore combines detailed graphite drawings, layers of paint, acrylic gels, and elements of collage onto panels to illustrate the unchecked growth of bark beetles (that are destroying pine forests) and human destruction that’s gradually eliminating the rain forest. In her pieces Moore includes text from UN reports on climate change, and incorporates red threads throughout to underscore a sense of unraveling, suggesting things coming apart that can lead to serious consequences. Moore asks, “As the evidence of harm keeps accumulating, why don’t we respond in a way that matches the threat?”

For this exhibit, oil painter Elizabeth Noerdlinger focuses on animals and plants that will benefit in a warmer, higher carbon dioxide environment. Incorporating information from laboratory reports, and her own observations of thriving animals in her local environment, she paints collage-like scenes of predicted survivors; of animals and plants that seems likely to thrive in a disturbed, higher CO2 environment.

Photographer, David Scouffas employs photomontage for his elegant digital prints that illustrate the theme of cause and effect. His images of rich, luxurious lifestyles juxtaposed with environmental disasters are clear, yet startling, inviting the viewer to look again and think about what they are seeing.

Climate Crisis: An Artistic Response is a show not to be missed. Come view The Main Gallery’s artists’ ominous insight into the climate change, and join the conversation through creative works of art that will inform, alert, sadden, energize and urge you to react.

The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with some 22 members, showcases the work of some of the best local talent in the Bay Area.  The Gallery is located at 1018 Main Street at the corner of Main and Middlefield in the historic yellow Victorian Cottage in Redwood City.  The Main Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  For more information, please visit our website at www.themaingallery.org or call The Main Gallery at (650) 701-1018.

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/climate-crisis/feed/ 0 Elizabeth Gomez http://themaingallery.org/elizabeth-gomez/ http://themaingallery.org/elizabeth-gomez/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 00:18:07 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1233 In my artwork, I explore in the interactions of humans and animals in the landscape. I often wonder if we control Nature, or if Nature still has a hold on us. I worry that none of us can walk lightly on Earth, not even our tender children, leaving footprints as we go.

My work is influenced by popular arts from around the world and by surreal artists who explore reality through fantastical transformations. I love the qualities of sharply outlined cartoons that I infinitely watched as a kid. I often have in mind the colorful Mexican retablos of my childhood. I also delight in the jewel-like Persian miniatures and medieval illuminations. I strive for work that has the honesty and directness of hand made crafts with the use of over-decoration and space flattening pattern.

I feel privileged to be able to make art.

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/elizabeth-gomez/feed/ 0 Mainly Clay Group Show – http://themaingallery.org/mainly-clay-3/ http://themaingallery.org/mainly-clay-3/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:23:45 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1185 var jsSlideshow = new Array(); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/3-Teapot,s-white-stoneware,-~12in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Circus-dancer,-white-stoneware,~11-in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Blue-Zebra,-white-stoneware,-~11in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Fish-School.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080410-press-release.jpeg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080427-fb.jpeg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080586-press-release.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCCream-bud-vase-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCWinterPlatter-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCbamboovase-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Lovers-on-Display.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Off-the-top-of-my-head.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Lovers\'s-Tales.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Fabric-Cups-and-Saucers.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Wall-Hanging-One.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Wall-Hanging-Two.JPG");

Redwood City, CA – Mainly Clay 2013, an annual group exhibit showcasing five three-dimensional artists from The Main Gallery opens Wednesday April 24th and runs through Sunday, May 26th.  This group of artistic specialties includes jewelry, fiber art, and ceramics.  The Main Gallery, located at 1018 Main Street in Redwood City, will host an opening reception with the artists on Saturday April 27th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This years Mainly Clay 2013 artists share inspiration from nature’s seasons and creatures.

“Spring Awakening”, the new collection of jewelry by Elfi Altendorfer, is inspired by nature’s materials and vibrant colors.  The long multi-strand necklaces have a beautiful cascading effect.  The choker-style necklaces are classic and understated as are the coil bracelets and earrings. Most of the pieces are lightweight, using polymer clay, resin nuts, silver, and metal chains.

Ceramics artist Doris Fischer describes her influences:
“I am always drawn to the elegance of plants, and often bring them into my work either representationally as an imprint, or literally, to reside in a carefully designed vessel.” She adds that her work travelled in three distinct directions:
First she created large platters in the “winter” series- a series with plant imprints and suggestions of snow in the background.
Second, Fischer developed a new series of porcelain cups and saucers with curly handles and offset saucers.
Third, she has a created new vase forms to enjoy with or without the lovely flowers of spring.”

 

In this exhibit, ceramicist Susan Wolf has continued the themes that influenced her during preparation for her previous show, Insects and Bugs.  Wolf reflects that her new series of bowls are “..all about butterflies…”  In addition, the teapots are austere with single colors and simple images on the sides.  Her simple, elegant horses range from somber to circus-like.

 

For this exhibition, artist Nina Koepcke displays clay pieces “similar to previous work, namely images with birds and people.” However, her newer art combines found wood objects with clay additions.  She explains that her new direction uses fish, masks, and anti-gun imagery, all of which continue along a path first started with a previous Main Gallery show entitled Day of the Dead.

Andrea Rosenman, a fiber artist, jokes that her work falls into the ‘mainly’ part of the Mainly Clay exhibit.  In addition to Rosenman’s new collection of felt cups and saucers, she has made six two-dimensional felt wall pieces, which ironically have ceramic vessels as imagery.

 

Don’t miss seeing Mainly Clay, a sampling of some of the Peninsula’s best three-dimensional art at The Main Gallery!

 

The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with some 20 members, showcases the work of some of the best local talent in the Bay Area.  The Gallery is located at 1018 Main Street at the corner of Main and Middlefield in the historic yellow Victorian Cottage in Redwood City.  The Main Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

 

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/mainly-clay-3/feed/ 0 Arena Shawn http://themaingallery.org/arena-shawn/ http://themaingallery.org/arena-shawn/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:16:09 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1165 Arena Shawn was a science major and obtained a Ph.D. in Physics in 2008 from Purdue University. However, alongside science she has always had a passion for art. After coming to United States for graduate school, Arena took the opportunity to attend many art classes provided by the university, and attended painting workshops around the country with nationally-renowned instructors. Eventually, her calling to art has led her to leave her technical job as an Application Scientist in a scientific instrument company in Silicon Valley. She is currently studying classical drawing and painting methods following the 19th-century French academic lineage in the Golden Gate Atelier in San Francisco.

In her pursuit of art, Arena tries to use brush and paints to reflect the quiet lights, subtle colors and playful shapes exhibited by seemingly mundane, everyday objects. Striving for the emotional quality of every piece she has created, Arena hopes that her work would be able to reach out and connect with their viewers, evoking the sense of wonder and awe of our everyday life that are so often taken as granted. Her primary working methods involves direct application of wet watercolor to saturated paper surface to create the fluidic appearance and organic patterns that borderlines representational and abstract nature, with special attentions paid to create strong value patterns and varied edge quality.

Arena is a member of the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society (SCVWS) and the California Watercolor Association (CWA). More of her work can be viewed and purchased at her online gallery, http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/arena-shawn-2464, or her website, http://arenashawn.fineartstudioonline.com/. She also discusses her new works and painting process in her blog, http://arenashawn.blogspot.com, and her facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ArenaShawn.

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/arena-shawn/feed/ 0 Jeanne Gadol http://themaingallery.org/jeanne-gadol/ http://themaingallery.org/jeanne-gadol/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:46:53 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1138 Attracted to the forms, colors and drama of nature, I strive to capture its beauty and essence. I am fortunate to have found digital mixed media as my medium.

I became a graphic designer when computer graphics were first coming of age and then, as an already accomplished nature photographer, I embraced the change from film to digital capture.

I soon began experimenting with my digital photographs and learned that by combining my photographs, my paintings, original text and/or special effects I could more purely express my aesthetic and emotional appreciation of the natural world.

In addition to wall art, I’m creating silk scarves and wall hangings. The possibilities in the digital arena are endless and continue to expand as the technology matures. I’m looking forward to many more years of exploration in this new, ever-changing world.

Learn more about me and my art at

www.jeannegadol.com

 

 

 

]]> http://themaingallery.org/jeanne-gadol/feed/ 0 Joyce Converse http://themaingallery.org/joyce-converse/ http://themaingallery.org/joyce-converse/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:42:21 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1115 An artist all my life, I have been a serious painter of landscapes in oil since 1996.  I am fortunate to live and paint on land at 900′ elevation with open views in the Santa Cruz mountains.  Familiarity breeds connection and for me, the intimate and daily exposure to my land has bred an interest in capturing the essential spirit of things.  I search for that spirit in unexpected elements of the ordinary.  The relative “success” of any of my paintings is in direct correlation to my success in getting out of my own way; striking a balance between thinking and not thinking, letting the work develop out of my body via the brush.  Learning about color, structure and technique, learning to take risks, to be bold, to let go of precious bits that you might want to preserve but that need to be sacrificed in the service of something better — all this must be integrated so that it can be subordinated to the body in the actual experience of painting.  When  I am able to achieve that level of balance, I am wholly engaged with this thing that I love and wonderfully lost within it.  For me the gift is the process.  The painting is the product.  It is a celebration — like saying Hey!  Look at this!  I want to expose life, mystery and magic.  Paint ITSELF contains these elements.  Engaging with it is an ingestion of “otherness”, a merging that feeds spirit.  Nothing feels better.

My paintings have been shown in multiple places and are in private collections on both coasts.  My paintings were included in the 2010 edition of the trade publication “Studio Visit”. My work was featured in the Half Moon Bay Review in early 2013 and is currently also on display at Gallerie Amsterdam in Carmel and at St. Michael’s Alley in Palo Alto.

website

]]> http://themaingallery.org/joyce-converse/feed/ 0 Lightworks Group Show http://themaingallery.org/lightworks-show/ http://themaingallery.org/lightworks-show/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:59:26 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1070 var jsSlideshow = new Array(); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/3-Teapot,s-white-stoneware,-~12in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Circus-dancer,-white-stoneware,~11-in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Blue-Zebra,-white-stoneware,-~11in-tall.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Fish-School.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080410-press-release.jpeg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080427-fb.jpeg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/P1080586-press-release.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCCream-bud-vase-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCWinterPlatter-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/DFCbamboovase-small.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Lovers-on-Display.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Off-the-top-of-my-head.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Lovers\'s-Tales.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Fabric-Cups-and-Saucers.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Wall-Hanging-One.JPG"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Wall-Hanging-Two.JPG");

Redwood City, CA – Lightworks, a invitational exhibit showcasing eight fine art photographers at The Main Gallery opens Wednesday, March 20th and runs through Sunday, April 21st . The group is showing captivating landscape photographs from their far-flung travels to stunning portraits. The gallery, located at 1018 Main Street in Redwood City, will host an opening reception with the artists on Saturday, March 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a closing reception Saturday, April 20, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00p.m.

There will also be two Meet-The-Artist days at the Main Gallery. The first will be Palm Sunday, March 24th with Oliver Klink and Tony Williams; the second will be Easter Sunday, March 31 with Rick Saal and another artist TBD. Please contact the gallery for more information.

The Lightwork photographers are a diverse creative group and The Main Gallery is excited to present their work. The artists exhibiting are;

Award winning photographer Tony Williams. He focuses on landscape and cityscape images. He will display both his 2D and his patented Williams Dynamic Images. The WDI system transforms a normal 2D digital image into a photograph which appears to have depth and thus is three dimensional.

To pursue his art Photographer Bruce Beron is an intrepid world traveler, visited four or five different countries in 2012 alone. Also displaying work is Oliver Klink. Oliver is the founder of Incredible Travel Photos. Using his vast store of energy Oliver conducts photo tours and photographs in far-flung places, such as Alaska, Venice, Italy, East Africa, and Antarctica. Steve Johnsen, known in the group as the “Sharpness Guy”, specializes in very large, crystal clear interpretations of stunning landscapes and wildlife. He is able to execute his work through great skill, vast experience and almost obsessive devotion to the latest and greatest equipment. He, too, travels extensively pursuing the elusive “perfect image”.

Joel Simon is a world re-known wildlife, aquatic and native peoples photographer. His work has appeared in such prestigious publications as National Geographic Magazine. Currently Joel splits his time between his home in Menlo Park and guiding diving tours and photographing in the South Pacific.

Rick Saal is a former prosecuting attorney who gave up that rough and tumble life for the more ethereal, soul satisfying pursuit of the “perfect portrait”. Also doing marvelous work in portraiture is Dany Suk. He focuses on creating high impact portraits. Along with his exquisite camera skills, Danny has the ability to generate drama and narrative through the adroit use the “Painter” software system.

And Cathy Cakebread photographs are rich with color with clean sensual lines. If you are seeking artwork which is calm yet vibrant, hers are the photographs you certainly should experience.

The Main Gallery is fortunate to host such a diverse and interesting group of photographers! Don’t miss seeing the ‘world’ through the eyes of these photographers! Following the Lightworks display, look for the Mainly Clay show and an exhibition centering on Climate Change! Not to be missed!

The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with some 23 members, showcases the work of some of the best local talent in the Bay Area. The Gallery is located at 1018 Main Street at the corner of Main and Middlefield in the historic yellow Victorian Cottage in Redwood City. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

]]> http://themaingallery.org/lightworks-show/feed/ 0 Insects & Bugs http://themaingallery.org/bugs-insects/ http://themaingallery.org/bugs-insects/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:42:15 +0000 themaingallery http://themaingallery.org/?p=1055 var jsSlideshow = new Array(); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/When-I\'m-Outdoors-3-by-Katinka-Hartmetz.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Moth-Swarm-by-Susan-Wolf.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Green-Dragon-Fly-by-Susan-Wolf.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Cherry-Blossoms-Mirror-by-Katinka-Hartmetz.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Stuffed-Bugs-by-Katinka-Hartmetz.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/-Lady-Bug-Cups-by-Susan-Wolf.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Bug-2-by-Ginger-Slonaker.jpg"); jsSlideshow.push("http://themaingallery.org/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery-pro/Metamorphosis-by-Diana-Herring.jpg");

Redwood City, CA – Insects & Bugs opens February 13th and runs through March 17th at The Main Gallery. This imaginative art exhibition showcases gallery artists Katinka Hartmetz, Diana Herring, Arena Shawn, Ginger Slonaker and Susan Wolf. Each artist brings you their own unique perspective of an artists’ relationship to insects and bugs! The gallery, located at 1018 Main Street in Redwood City, will host a reception with the artists on Saturday, February 16th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Here is a small sampling of some of the artwork you will at Insects & Bugs;

Using upcycled wool sweaters, felt and yarn Katinka Hartmetz has experimented with making soft toys, which are more than a foot tall and very lovable! Hartmetz is also exhibiting an abstract painting of a dragonfly, and two beautiful antique windows with distressed botanical drawings of insects in the windowpanes.

Diana Herring states, “Insects and bugs are very different from humans: They wear their skeletons on the outside; their blood is green or yellow; during their lives, many experience radical transformations called metamorphosis; they are born knowing everything they need to know in order to succeed at every stage of life. They are endowed with numerous, exquisitely tuned senses. To me, this makes them interesting.” “However,” she continues, “my work is always about human consciousness and experience!”

For the Insects & Bugs exhibit, Herring took out the World Book Encyclopedia she had as a child. She revisited the happy hours she spent looking at the diagrams and hunting for bugs. She also looked again at the famous French print maker, Grandville, who excelled at depicting insects reflecting human foibles. Herrings’ prints are done with various silkscreen processes and different forms of intaglio printmaking.

Arena Shawn, a new gallery artist specializing in watercolor, is showing a series depicting butterflies dwelling on flowers, which are painted in her signature realistic, detailed fashion. She is showing these along with a set of colorful studies of bees, dragonflies and beetles. These are painted with more expressive colors and she has experimented with guiding wet paint on paper and using loose expressive drawing.

Until February 23rd you can also find Shawn’s work in The Watercolor Show in the Cinema Place Gallery in Hayward.

Painter Ginger Slonaker uses humor, and recycled materials—cabinet doors, fan blades and old windows, mostly she says, “places where bugs might typically collect.” Slonaker exclaims, “I reflect on a phrase I hear frequently living with teenagers: “bug off”. Funny how those words can apply to shoeing away insects as well as parents!” Slonaker drew inspiration from the similarities she found between a bug’s existence and that of being a teenager’s parent. She states, “Both work endlessly for the greater good yet are ultimately shunned as irritants and nuisances by the humans closest to them.”

Recently Slonaker has also been leading a mural art club at The Bayside STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy, a middle school in San Mateo. She enjoys helping kids to break loose from their preconception of ‘good’ art and steering them to trust themselves and the ideas and abilities of their peers.

Artist Susan Wolf is exhibiting ceramic winged insects. She relates, “This is different than anything I have done before in terms of subject, but most of them do have wings! Wings have been a recurring interest of mine and in this instance (these instances) the wings are mostly of different kinds of wire.”

The delicate charming insects in this show might help us all to remember that we share the world with many creatures! Following Bugs look for the Mainly Clay show and an exhibition centering on Climate Change! Not to be missed!

The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with some 23 members, showcases the work of some of the best local talent in the Bay Area. The Gallery is located at 1018 Main Street at the corner of Main and Middlefield in the historic yellow Victorian Cottage in Redwood City. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, please visit our website at www.themaingallery.org or call the Gallery at (650) 701-1018.

]]> http://themaingallery.org/bugs-insects/feed/ 0