FINDING CLARITY IN THE GREY AREAS by Jim Dyment The words black and white generally make us think of photography; in this case, Nick Johnson and Kelli Costa have curated an exhibit of drawings and paintings. Costa had a couple of artists in mind. She remembered Alicia Dwyer’s black and white paintings of dresses hanging in Indian Hill Music Center in Littleton back in October 2012. It didn’t take long to expand this concept, and artists Catriona G. Baker, Arthur J. Garrone and Joel Moskowitz were added to feature a collection named “Absence of Color.” I was intrigued by Dwyer’s ability to make the garments look like they were in motion. She shared her technique for capturing motion in her painting, “A model wore the dress and jumped on a trampoline while I took still photos with my digital camera,” she explained. “I referenced the photos for the paintings.” Dwyer … [Read more...] about Absence of Color
Issue Articles
Rare Books And Manuscripts
COLLECTING FOR THE BOSTON ATHENAEUM IN THE 21ST CENTURY by James Foritano The Boston Athenaeum’s current exhibit explores the question of what constitutes rarity, with its own brand of exuberance that is at once spirited and discriminating. And what a probing and wide exploration it is. One example, enthroned behind glass (but just barely), we owe to the Countess of Aylesford’s genius for adorning her own private copy of Thomas Pattinson Yeats’ 1773 edition of “Institutions of Entomology” with “delicate, life-size watercolors of each insect.” A description, however accurate, that doesn’t do justice to the vitality of the Countess’ inspired graffiti. No respecter of text, her beetle inscribes its path right across the scientific category that is supposed to pin such waywardness firmly in place. Fast forward a few steps away, through a century and a half of technological … [Read more...] about Rare Books And Manuscripts
Salt of The Earth
Ziek And Shapiro Make Their Marks by Linda Chestney What is it that invades artists’ psyches and propels them toward new exploration while fueling the flames of inspiration many years after they’ve first waded into the profession? More than 30 years after they each made a lifelong commitment to their work, mastering the process and materials of their medium along the way, potter Mark Shapiro and weaver Bhakti Ziek both say they are still challenged, awed and “lucky” to be doing what they do for a living. While they work in totally different media, parallels do exist. “Both Mark and Bhakti are virtuosic in their media so it was easy to picture the two bodies of work together in a show,” said Joanie Morris, a member of the Aidron Duckworth Art Museum selection committee that was responsible for choosing the two guest artists. “Both artists’ works have calligraphic … [Read more...] about Salt of The Earth
Black/White
Looking Beyond The Grayscale by Elizabeth Michelman “Black/White,” this summer’s show at Bromfield, contextualizes the work of 13 gallery artists. Included are drawings, collaged and digitally processed images on paper and plastic, letterpress and photography, needle- point and paintings on aluminum and canvas. What counts as (primarily) “black and white” is left up to the individual artist, based on theory, desire or past work. The limited palette, is for some, the preferred modality. Others produced work just for this show, or had a piece that fit. Ironic, austere, raucous and poetic voices all find their places here. These artists are making work that goes against the tide, emphasizing process, playfulness, and personal search, not grand systems, glamor or global indictments. Within the narrow confines of palette, these works puzzle and delight. Judy Riola calls … [Read more...] about Black/White
Amuse-Bouche
Paintings by Sarah Lutz And Richard Baker by Laura Shabott Jean-George Vongerichten, a New York celebrity restaurateur, describes “amuse-bouche” as the “best way for a great chef to express his or her big ideas in little bites.” It is a fitting thematic for the work of two remarkably talented painters — Richard Baker and Sarah Lutz — in their collaborative site-specific show this August in The Gallery at Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. This departure into installation as a form of expression comes from Baker’s exploration of the genre with “Holiday” this past February at New York’s Tibor De Nagy Gallery. “An artist friend said to me during a visit, ‘Your studio is the art.’ So, I re-created elements of it within the gallery,” Baker said. This visitor’s keen observation, along with “Against Interpretation,” an essay by Susan Sontag and Jacques Tati’s film, … [Read more...] about Amuse-Bouche
Coastal Route 1
You Can Get There From Here by Jamie Thompson Although visitors may not make pilgrimages to Route 1 like they do to Route 66, the East Coast thoroughfare does make for an attractive summer road trip. The coastal stretches of Route 1 in Maine are particularly appealing. Freeport, Brunswick and Bath are all within 18 miles of one another, and they boast a mix of historic atmosphere and modern flair, with eclectic boutiques, fine restaurants and, of course, a diverse art scene. FREEPORT Freeport is a popular tourist destination for its charming historic architecture and plethora of outlet stores, not to mention L.L. Bean, a mecca for the outdoorsy. But, there is more to the town than shopping opportunities. Start your journey early to take advantage of the irresistible offer- ings at Frosty’s Donuts (45 Main St.). Adjacent to Frosty’s is the Freeport Historical … [Read more...] about Coastal Route 1