Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Creating Form Part 1 of 3

In my next few postings I would like to talk about sculpture. On how I believe its an art form that doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Its as valuable, and complicated as any 2-D work. I always include sculpture with my exhibits it brings in the sophistication.

Collecting sculpture is very unique and it goes with almost any two-dimensional piece as an accent. It can also be your feature piece in your home, office and even in your garden creating a bold statement. Also with sculpture, lighting can play an important role casting beautiful shadows allowing its persona to take on different forms.

The hard part; how do I display it, its not like I can put it on the the wall or can I? Many artists cast reliefs for example Lindley (right) and Jeffery Briggs cast both 3-D and 2-D. Relief pieces can be hung on your wall just like a painting and in most cases with 3-D, you can either purchase the pedestal or one may be provided for the piece.

In fact, some pieces like Jeanne' McCartin's sculpted masks (above) are meant to be hung on the wall. You should see the shadows her pieces create.

But one thing is clear you better start collecting sculpture fast. The materials themselves are starting to sky rocket, all metals for that matter, which is making it extremely difficult for the artists to keep their prices reasonable. This means there is an enhanced value, not only are you collecting from your favorite artist but one day the cost of the materials will make that piece even more valuable.


"Unlike two-dimensional art, sculpture comes with a sense of presence." "American Art Collector" April Issue, #42.
Featured piece Magnolia, Christopher Gowell

Check out our full range of sculptors at www.bowersockgallery.com

Friday, March 27, 2009

Edgy New Website

We just launched our new website today offering news about the gallery, an easier way to find your favorite artists, info about mediums, events, photos from our openings and the future home of Bowersock Gallery Art Blog.
The best part, its much easier to navigate.
www.bowersockgallery.com

While your there check out this new piece and other works from Shaune McCarthy.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Embracing Encaustic

With encaustic becoming a popular medium among artists I wanted to take the time and interview artist Kim Bernard.

First off what is encaustic? The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek, meaning “to burn in”. Encaustic painting is the art of painting with pigmented, molten wax. In painting, a medium is created from a mixture of waxes and resins, melted and pigmented.The technique is one of the oldest painting techniques known, dating back to the first century - Often used in Roman Egypt to decorate mummy coffins and tombs.

How long have you been working with encaustics? "I have been working with ecnaustic, in combination with other materials, for over 9yrs."

What is so special about encaustic? "Encaustic is yummy! It smells good, feels good, its forgiving and allows me to be spontaneous. If I don't like what I've done I can scrape it or melt it off and begin again."

What makes you unique from other encaustic artists? "I am unique from other artists, because my experiences, interests and obsessions are unique, as in true with all of us. I am constantly challenging myself, pushing my work, and asking questions (hopefully the right ones) and exploring new terrain. My work is always evolving. If I ever start doing the same thing year after year, shoot me!"

Where did you come up with the idea, to signature, your piece in Lead? "The lead was a no-brainer in framing my 2-D work since I had been sculpting with lead already. Work begets work. One thing leads to another. As Ani DeFranco put it "I don't know where I'm going , but it ain't where I've been.""

Why lead, why not copper or any other metals? "I use lead because it's very flexible. I can bend it, cut it, wrap it, fold, join it, nail it and sew it. I've welded, cast bronze and I do use copper at times. I like the way materials combine, contrast, harmonize and oppose one another."

~Kim Bernard


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Lines, Color with a Story

Here is a sneak peak into our illustration show, May 29th.

This will be one heck of a show. I will name drop later, about all the wonderful artists participating in this show.
Some even have illustrated for "Highlights for Children."

Tess Feltes is one of six illustrators featured in this show. Her illustrations are amazing and are as equal to fine art as any other painter. Here lines, color and foreshortening are spot on giving her subjects a human like personality. Her objective has been to regain a child's original fascination with beauty, combined with the accuracy of the scientific illustration. I was so blown away by her work that she is now part of our collection of fine artists.



Tuesday, March 3, 2009

To Become an Artist

Some fun facts about our artists?

When and how did you first become interested in Art?

"I've always been an artist. I think it's something your born with. I can't imagine ignoring that part of myself to be someone or something else." - Darlou Gams

"I never 'chose' to be an artist; it chose me. It is not unlike an addiction- its what I have to do."- Michael Palmer

"I probably have been an artist my whole life. As a child I sketched with colored stones on slate and sculpted clay babies in nests while playing in the backyard. My mother kept me occupied with a flour/salt/water homemade clay and collage from her ladies magazines and sketched nonstop." - Christopher Gowell

"I grew up with art materials, books and gallery trips as part of everyday life. I can remember looking through my moms fine art books when I was for or five..." - Dustan Knight