Akiko Sugiyama's "Staked Bloom Hut" is made entirely of paper. Photo by Shannen Hayes
BY SHANNEN HAYES, Santiva Chronicle
November 11, 2015
Watson MacRae Gallery opened its eighth season Tuesday, Nov. 10 with the “Paper and Paint” exhibition featuring new work by five diverse artists. It will be on view until Dec. 2.
“We were delighted by the crowd of returning friends and art patrons, who came to see the first exhibit and celebrate out eighth season,” said Watson MacRae Gallery Owner Maureen Watson. “This exhibit features artists who use the ancient materials of paper and paint in modern ways.”
Paper was invented in China by Ts'ai Lun, an official of the royal court in 150AD, as a subsitute for writing on silk. The first use of oil paint for art making was first recorded on the wall of a cave in Afghanistan in 650AD.
The Five Artists
Greg Bolchini continues to amaze with his majestic “Florida Sky” series. His ability to apply multiple layers of vibrant colors produces paintings with an inner luminescence reminiscent of the Renaissance. In addition to his large work, Biolchini created paintings in a much-anticipated smaller format for this exhibit.
Hollis Jeffcoat titled her new series “Telos,” which means to be drawn towards one's divine purpose for human good. Her new paintings are like modern-day Mandalas, as Jeffcoat's application of color weaves its way deeper and deeper into meditative space.
Anne Gates Yarnall returns to Watson MacRae with a new collection of her innovative collages. Using torn pieces of painted paper, Yarnall constructs abstract landscapes that capture the light, color and mystery of remembered places. It is surprising how their modest size belies the monumental feel of these exquisitely formed pieces.
It is hard to fathom that Akiko Sugiyama's intricate and delicate constructions are made entirely of paper. Even when she explains how she rolls, twists, paints, textures, stripes, sews, wraps and spins the paper that she collects from all over the world, it is still difficult to believe.
Cathy Hegman turns from her color saturated paintings to creating in black and white on paper. In this series, “Insominia,” Hegman's women are accompanied by sheep. It is through her intense brush strokes and line work that she conveys the signature Hegman mood and atmosphere.
“This is just the start of another fabulous season on island,” concluded Watson.
