SMALL BUT MIGHTY

MONOTYPES AT GREAT BAY

Linda Chestney

What is the purpose of life if not to teach us wisdom and impart knowledge? Art is one of the tools in life that does just that. To quote one of the artists in the exhibition, “A Small Show of Large Works,” on view through January 26 at the Gateway Gallery at Great Bay Community College, featuring works by members of the Monotype Guild of New England, “the creative endeavor is an intuitive journey through the creative process.”

Meaning, much like life, we learn to navigate the twists and turns in life — and art — that rarely turn out how we thought. We adjust and exercise the fine art of flexibility — which is often exactly what enhances our art and our life — and ultimately the outcome is often better, richer than we may have originally thought.

The show, consisting of 18 artists selected by juror/curator Dr. Annette Cohen, has one constant — works are all monotypes — but none of the techniques are the same. And therein lays their beauty and uniqueness.

I found it particularly fascinating to eavesdrop on artists whose work is in the show and hear how supportive they are of fellow artists. It’s especially enriching to hear the refrain, “How did they do that?”

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