Tag Archives: Piece of The Story

A “Sky Ear” Experience at The Fridge

“Dance Of The Soramimi”

by Larry Janezich

Mishearing a word that sparks a creative leap to an unrelated idea is a common experience and is often the source of inspiration for poets and writers.  The Japanese name for the experience is “soramimi” – literally “empty ear” (according to Wikipedia) – or as three artists currently exhibiting at The Fridge more accurately translate it – “sky ear.”  The collaboration team of Radio Sebastian (Corwin Levi and Yumiko Blackwell) based in DC and Stephanie J. Williams of Virginia find inspiration in the experience to create visual soramimi.

Both Radio Sebastian and Williams reference childhood to explore the ways that what we see differ from what we experience.  Both use design to capture the attention.  Williams explores identity through soft sculpture sewn from cloth.  Radio Sebastian addresses the space between tranquility and anxiety in drawings and prints using mixed media.

Williams is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art in the Foundations Department at James Madison University and has shown her work nationally and internationally.  http://www.stephaniejwilliams.com/

Levi is a law school graduate and Blackwell, currently a  librarian.  Radio Sebastian has  shown in numerous national venues.  http://www.radiosebastian.com/

Dance Of The Soramimi  – the exhibit –  opened last Saturday and runs through April 27.   This month, the Fridge’s Mini Gallery also features “The Art of Storytelling:  Carlos FOES Aguilar.”

The Fridge is open Wednesday – Saturday, noon until 7:00pm.   516 8th Street SE, Rear alley, Washington, DC   http://www.thefridgedc.com/

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Marie Gauthiez

Edited by Larry Janezich

Artist’s statement:

Making Sense of Emotional Chaos and Distress

“I see my work as fragments of conversation without a direct interlocutor. I question the difficult moments in our relationships with others and how they affect our emotional and physical selves.

I also observe the life course of organic shapes, drawing their change of state in the transition from live to dead.  I either isolate them or regroup them to create or release tension, as if they were mimicking human behaviors. Those works tend to be more abstract.

I mostly work in 2-D – painting, drawing, printing. I collage old photographs, use acrylic or oil, on paper or on wood.  I have little care for the materialistic aspect of the creation, but I deeply respect its psychological aspect – the invitation to bring forth the latent truth in the mind of the artist.”

Of the two aspects of Gauthiez’ recent work exhibited in her solo show at Barracks Row’s Tabula Rasa on October 17, the first was inspired by the transformation of orchids in a vase in her studio as they moved from freshness to dried papery tissue; the second is linked to the myth of Leda, the mortal seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan.  The latter series questions the roles played and the tensions that exist in the relationships between women and men.  Gartheiz’ website and contact information can be found here:  www.mariegauthiez.squarespace.com

The Tabula Rasa show was curated by Elizabeth Grazioli of ArtSee, Washington DC.  ArtSee is a DC fire arts agency which helps artists connect with those who appreciate art.

Capitol Hill Corner features the works of local artists in an occasional feature entitled “Piece of the Story.”  Artists interested in participating should email ljjanezich@hotmail.org.

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Joseph Snyder

Editor:  Larry Janezich

Joseph Snyder: 

When art is partisan, it often degenerates into propaganda.  However, for those who believe that most every action or inaction is in some way inherently political, then art is also inherently political.

‘E Pluribus Unum’ is a sketchbook line drawing elaborated with ink, inkwash and watercolor in the context of a bookplate.  The greatest joy of drawing is the freedom to just make things up, even with the constraints of verisimilitude and my modest understanding of anatomy and perspective. 

This particular sketchbook treatise is inspired by Honore Daumier’s 1848 painting ‘La Republique’, which was a competition entry for an official tableau of the Second Republic.  Daumier depicted France personified as woman on a throne much like Lincoln in his memorial, but with France suckling two presumably French children.  As I sometimes do, I thought – what would Daumier do today?

Joseph Snyder is a resident of Capitol Hill.  He sells his art on weekends at Eastern Market.

 Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a local artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please send an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.

HELLO my name is Opens Saturday at The Fridge

Ed.  Larry Janezich

Opening Reception: March 2, 7 – 11pm

Film Screening: March 10, 1 – 3pm

Exhibit Book Launch and Panel Discussion: March 23, 1 – 3pm

HELLO my name is will showcase the foundation of modern graffiti: the name.

To create HELLO my name is, a list of eighty artists from across the Americas and UK was compiled by DC graffiti legends ULTRA and CHE KGB. Each of these artists has received a canvas with an illustration of a “HELLO my name is” sticker that they will paint and return to the gallery. The resulting collection of works is the chance to see the breadth and depth of graffiti artists working across the US and abroad today.

From the start of the graffiti movement in the late 60’s to early 70’s, the act of painting a nickname has become a worldwide radical, infectious act. Repetition and size equal strength, fame and might, and in this collection of works the floor-to-ceiling canvassed walls will represent where graffiti came from and where it stands today.

On the tails of the Corcoran’s Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 80s retrospective, HELLO my name is is set to exhibit the contemporary counterpart of this movement.

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Davis McLane Connelly

Edited by Larry Janezich

Davis McLane Connelly: 

This series of drawings of youthful figures in lifelike, yet surrealistic scenarios is driven by the psychological concept “individuation,” the Jungian term for each person’s path to becoming whole.  The drawings are of iconographic stuffed toys, anthropomorphic animals, and figures in various states of physical maturity which engage nostalgic and curious viewers in a dialogue concerning the regret of lost youth and the struggle for personal expression.

I want to make work that is visually accessible, and I believe it’s important for everyone to be able to form their own interpretation of my work. I aim to make my drawings aesthetically pleasing so that they appeal to a wide range of viewers. Beyond the immediate aesthetics, there are references to greater topics. For example, the words on a magazine, the direction in which light is cast, or the arrangement of the composition will hold clues to a deeper meaning.

The work is currently on view at The Fridge through January 27.

Opening Reception Saturday, January 5, 7 – 11pm

Artist Talk Sunday, January 6, 2 – 3pm

Contact Connelly through gallery owner Alex Goldstein:  alex@thefridgedc.com

The Fridge is located at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003

Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a local artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please send an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.com

Piece of the Story, featuring the work of Geoff Ault

Ed. Larry Janezich

Geoff Ault – As children we are told what not to do.  Don’t touch that, it’s hot.  Don’t eat that, it’s dirty.  Don’t swallow your gum, don’t play with matches.  Don’t run with scissors.

In the art world, often we are told that we shouldn’t paint with acrylics because oils are better.  In photography, we should use film instead of digital cameras.  Often artists are admonished that we should stick to the tried and true methods.  To a certain point this is true.  One must walk before he or she can run.  The basics of composition, technique and color are important in creating art in all forms.

At some point the artist must take a creative leap and forget the rules; run with the scissors this time and see what happens.   I like to twist the composition, play with color and try out new ways of creating images.   It is painting to the extent in that I use brushes, layering and blending.  The only difference is that I have a canvas and brush that are electronic, not physical.  This allows me to create work that can have various textures, colors that can be subtle or vibrant.  It also allows me to alter images to the point that they are unrecognizable from the original image.  

Some images begin as film photographs taken with toy cameras that produce blurry, dreamlike images.  I scan the negative into the computer and what is usually a black and white image of something rather mundane can become a colorful abstraction.  Other images are created from objects placed on a flatbed scanner and digitally manipulated to produce distorted, unrecognizable images.   A flower can become a landscape; a piece of slashed mat board becomes a seascape.  The possibilities are endless. 

Originally from the Chicago area, I moved to Washington in 1957.  I studied art at Western High School in Georgetown with Leon Berkowitz, a Washington Color Field School artist and teacher.  Later I attended classes at the Corcoran School of Art where I studied photography with Mark Power.   More of my work can be viewed at my website http://www.apres-image.com

Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a local artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please submit an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.com

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Scott Sedar

The piece above is entitled  Anniversary West (Garrett Couple #2).  The piece is 30X20, and the materials include pencil, paper board, wall paper, gloss gel on card  board.  It is currently on display as part of the Annual Holiday Art Show at Results Gym, 315 G Street, SE, Washington, DC

Scott Sedar:

For a number of years, life-drawing sessions and playful experiments have fueled my life as a painter.  Ever since I read Painting from the Source, by Aviva Gold, I have experimented with materials and playful doodles as a way to start a painting.  Simple lines in tempera paint often reveal faces or figures, which I develop further.  These experimental works address a different part of the creative life.  They are a considerable departure from plein air scenes that constitute many of my oil paintings and work in gouache.  I bring this same playful approach to work on outdated wallpaper samples. I paint directly on old designs, as in “Lady’s Hat”, also part of the Results show.  The experiments include reproducing wallpaper patterns in paint on my paintings or, as in this work, entitled “Anniversary West,” creating figures by cutting up various wallpaper samples.

I studied art and philosophy while at the University of Denver.  I’ve had several teachers in the Washington DC, area most notably David Holt and Gerald Wartofsky.  Their instruction has helped me broaden my interests and refine my technique.  I had the honor and pleasure to be the 2010-2011 Artist-in-residence at the Evergreen Museum, part of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.  Previous exhibits of the work include shows at the Gaslight Theatre in Denver, Gala Hispanic Theatre, and the Mediterranean Café in Washington, DC; Metro Stage in Alexandria, VA, and the Bethesda Artist’s Gallery Café and the Writer’s Workshop, in Bethesda, MD.   I’ve had two solo exhibits in private homes, one that featured my art in an article in the Washington Post Magazine, Fall Home and Design Issue. My work was also published in the magazines Chesapeake Home and Inspired House.

Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a local artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please submit an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.com

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Alex Goldstein – Owner/Gallery Director of The Fridge

Goldstein:

My recent work reflects the heavily graphic design-influenced style with the visual and text-based themes I have been working with for many years in the streets of NY and DC.

I use two multi-layered images repeated in differing viewpoints: a boy with hand grenade, inspired by Diane Arbus, and a girl with two guns blazing. “These are images of empowerment and rage.  I’m a staunch pacifist.  I’m terrified of guns, but I’m obsessed with these images because of the part that they play in our society.”

Goldsteirn’s work will be exhibited in his first-ever solo show – titled “Exclamation Point” – at his Gallery, The Fridge, opening December 1 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm.  Goldstein will present paintings on paper, mixed media, and a new mural on the exterior walls of The Fridge.  One hundred stencil and spray paint works on paper will be displayed in the gallery.  The exhibition will evolve over the course of the month; buyers are invited to take the works directly off the walls instead of waiting until the exhibit comes down.  The show runs through December 30.

The Fridge is at 516 1/2 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC, 20003 – two blocks from Eastern Market metro.  He can be reached at:www.thefridgedc.com

Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a Capitol Hill artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please submit an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.com

Piece of the Story – Featuring the Work of Paul Kerkhoven

Paul Kerkhoven:  I am an energy consultant and have lived in Washington, DC, since the early eighties.  I was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was fifteen years old.  I learned to work with gold and silver, because I wanted to make some unique Christmas and birthday presents for my immediate family and some of my close friends.  It has now become a passion and a raison d’etre.  Often, instead of being on the golf course I can be found behind my workbench.  I have recently begun exploring other avenues for sharing my pieces and am exhibiting in galleries and a few unique jewelry stores.  I love to use various materials including pieces from old cut up lunch boxes, billiard balls, bowling balls, petrified wood, dinosaur bone and pearls, coral and other formerly living materials, some of which can be over 140 million years old.  I have been told that my work is elegant and delicate, yet simple and beautiful; some pieces have recently been showcased in some local newspapers.  As there is a story with every piece, I love to make pieces when I know who the wearer will be.  I made this ring, Amanda’s ring, for the wonderful wife of my nephew; it lives on her hand.  It is made from beach glass, sterling silver and 14K gold.  I can be reached at: pkerkhoven@ngvamerica.org or 202/494-5887.

Ed. – capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a work by a Capitol Hill artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work.  If you are interested in contributing, please submit an image and 200-300 words, including any biographical info and any venue where your work can be viewed, as well as contact information to: ljjanezich@hotmail.com

Piece of The Story – Featuring the Glass Work of Nancy Donnelly

ed.  Larry Janezich

Nancy Donnelly:  Here is a recent piece called “Woman in Checked Blouse.” Glass with a steel frame, 2012.  This piece is based on something I saw, and it uses a new technique for me, plus an old one.

I trained in Seattle as an oil painter, and of course I’ve been drawing all my life.  When I began making glass art, I put aside my drawing/painting skills and began making 3-dimensional work primarily.  This has been going on for about 5 years.  Not to say I quit making 2-D work completely, but I put my emphasis on learning how to handle the third dimension.  Lately I’ve been missing drawing and painting.  There are a couple ways to deal with that – I can turn my attention to drawing/painting as a supplement, or as a replacement for working in glass.  I started making linocuts and printing them in glass as well as paper, and when traveling I focused on watercolor. But how nice if I can use all my skills in one art form!

Happily for me, and with the help of my mentor Michael Janis, I can figure this out. This piece uses ceramic pencils and embeds the pencil marks inside the glass. There’s a depth that’s achieved as the shadow of the pencil bounces off the white backing up through the glass. Placement of light is important in these pieces.

The other aspect of this work is the feeling that might shine out from it.  What emotion is this woman conveying? Is she responding to something she sees?  Can a viewer look at her and see something of his or her own emotions?  What is she trying to say?  These questions belong to the viewer.

I expect to be using this technique and other, more painterly, techniques in glass during 2013. My next big show is a solo exhibit at the Common Grounds Gallery in VisArts, 155 Gibbs St, Rockville MD. That show starts February 22 and ends March 24, 2013. Here’s my web address: www.nancydonnelly.com

Ed. –  capitolhillcorner.org feature “Piece of the Story” presents an image of a piece of work by a Capitol Hill artist and a paragraph written by the artist explaining how the piece tells the story of the artist’s recent work. 

If you are interested in contributing, please submit an image and 200-300 words of text, including any biographical info you wish to include and any venue where your work can be viewed, to ljjanezich@hotmail.com