"GRATITUDE," Show by Vista Studio Resident Artists

8/24/12-09/04/12 FANTASTIC REALITY

8/24/12-09/04/12

FANTASTIC REALITY

Introducing: Diane Kilgore-Condon & Bob Trotman

Featuring: Jeff Donovan, Janet Orselli, Peter Lenzo, Philip Morsberger, Dorothy Netherland, David Yaghjian, Kees Salentijn & Marcelo Novo. 

Fantastic Reality, which will open at Columbia's Gallery 80808/Vista Studios with on Friday, August 24, with an artists' reception, 5 – 9 pm, and runs through September 4.

The exhibition will introduce two new artists to the gallery: Greenville's Diane Kilgore Condon and North Carolina's Bob Trotman.

The exhibition also will feature Columbia artists Jeff Donovan, Peter Lenzo and David Yaghjian; Charleston, S.C., artist Dorothy Netherland; former Columbia residents Janet Orselli and Marcelo Novo, now living in North Carolina and the Washington, D.C., area respectively; Philip Morsberger of Augusta, Ga.; and Dutch artist Kees Salentijn.  

McNinch: Channeling Myself and Other Goddesses

                                

“I never intended to show this work, but I felt developed into something worth sharing. It is a result of an exercise in self-awareness. I have enjoyed this process and hope you enjoy the results”  Michel McNinch 

There are three distinct series of paintings in this show.  In order of their origin, they are:  Channels, Subconscious,  and Goddesses.  

“Channels” - During my father’s illness and subsequent death I sought creative counseling.  It was suggested that I attempt a visual prayer.  With this suggestion in mind, my “Channels” series was born.  It evolved into a treasured practice as I continued these prayers for the last two years.

“Subconscious”-   These paintings were an attempt to paint what was beneath the surface of my present awareness. With nothing particular in mind, I chose a color and started painting.  Each time I sat down to paint, I had no idea or direction.  I painted on sheer instinct from the underlying influence of my subconscious.   What freedom!  What fun!  

“Goddesses” - When researching for a proposed workshop,  I had the idea to use the accomplished women in my life to pose for Goddess paintings.  It grew from there to be a very meaningful and rewarding endeavor to honor the many inspiring women in my life.

May is traditionally the time of year I show new work.  Although I  never intended to show the “Channels” or “Subconscious” paintings, these experiments developed into something worth sharing.  The “Goddess” paintings were done for pure pleasure.   I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and hope that you will enjoy the results. 

For more info:

Contact: Ashley C. White, 803-603-0982

AshleyWhite114@gmail.com 

www.michelmcninch.com

Between Intimacy and Decoration; June 16-21

(click on images to enlarge)

Pierre Bonnard once wrote, "I float between intimism and decoration." In figurative painting, a painter often delves into a highly personal subject, channeling the intimacy between painter and perceptual experience. Expressing this intimacy, we become entranced with the materials and their decorative qualities. Decoration stems from the the Latin "decoratus," which in the 16th century meant "to grace or honor." This is implied in painting through a transcendent process of expression through color, light and surface.  In these paintings, all three artists embody this liminal stage that exists between intimacy and decoration.

Ansley Adams works from her own home's interiors, embodying the warmth and familiarity we encounter within our own spaces. The small scale of her work presents a very precious experience for the viewer. The warm temperatures of her palette and the buttery application of the paint suggest a coziness and comfort.

Jaime Misenheimer is extremely attentive to the structure and design of her large scale work. She draws from literature and her own personal experiences to influence an emerging narrative. She relies heavily on a distinct shape organization and a very subtle but complex color palette. 

Laurel Steckel looks to the people in her life when developing her paintings. Her relationships with them are implicit in creating the work. Concerned with the transitory life of young adults, she embeds her figures into their temporary domestic spaces, and then transforms the space through highly saturated color and patterning. The paintings function both as a quiet portraiture and an exciting, decorative tapestry. 

"Green Rug," Adams

"Yellow Room," Adams

"Barnabas," Misenheimer

"Italian Interior," Misenheimer

"Jaime with Coffee," Steckel

"Kevin in his Kitchen," Steckel