January/February/March

2006

Dimensional Watercolors

Working with glass has infused me with a renewed enthusiasm for seeking logical links between my two dimensional watercolors and sculptural works. I hadn't even imagined the possibility of glass being part of my "creative toolbox" until I had a conversation with Billy O'Neill of Chihuly Studio. He was instrumental in introducing me to the medium of glass and was the pivotal force behind my initial "translations" from watercolor to glass sculpture. I am now able to consider one more medium when expressing my creative visions. The volatility and seeming fragility of glass are adding new tension and energy to my current body of work.

On the 13th of January I opened my latest exhibition Oil, Bronze, and Glass at the Walla Walla Foundry. The opening reception was full of festive energy. To see more images of the work in the exhibition visit the foundry web site at: www.wallawallafoundry.com/exhibition/

In this exhibition I continue to explore the what I currently think are the essential structures that I experience in the natural world around me. The works were developed out of my personal desire to find hope amid the chaotic pace of day-to-day living. Through the use of bold color and energetic design, it is my hope that viewers of the exhibition will find the works invigorating and refreshing. If you have the opportunity to see the exhibition you'll notice a unique interplay between the work that adorns the walls of the gallery and the sculptural forms that occupy the center of the room. The interaction between the various works create an exciting energy that is best experienced in person. The pieces will be installed until the 3rd of March.

Winter Event Feature

Foundry Gallery Dinner

February 18, 2006 5pm-8pm

Walla Walla Foundry Gallery is hosting a dinner in honor of their current exhibiting artist Squire Broel. Join us for a delightful evening of food, wine and engaging conversation amid a gallery full of Broel's latest creations. Seating is limited to 20 guests. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. For imore information contact Julia Hunter, Gallery Director at 509.529.0736 or julila@wallawallafoundry.com.

The continued development and progression of my work has brought me to a place of greater abstraction and simplification. Much of my inspiration is still informed by the simple beauty of nature – floral forms and landscape (topography). The stripping away of superfluous details has led me to experience powerful, primary forms. The circle and dot currently intrigue me because of their mysteriously calming powers. To experience this effect for yourself, look at the photograph to the right. In the circle, you will find a pleasing and mesmerizing visual form. Your eye will tend to linger and rest within the comfortable confines of the ring shape. A sort-of "base camp" will be established, from which your eye can wander from that stable/predictable corral to view the color fields and gesture markings throughout the rest of the ground. Inevitably your eye will make its way back to the comfort of the circular enclosure. Airy polka dots float effortlessly to the edge of the image, allowing the exploration of the outermost regions of the image. The dots with all of their layers and ephemeral qualities seem to trigger the notions of ethereal or spiritual realm. In my physical studies of nature I have viewed my garden through squinted eyes and have seen flowers transform into similar subtle dots and blurred colors dancing through space. Those moments lead me beyond the physical to an experience that is pensive and soulful. Experiences that appear to be simple moments are truly rich with image and emotion which imprint themselves into my core being.

It is important to me to sift through the history of art, and to learn about the artists who have paved paths for me. The following quotes are by artists whom you'll recognize by name. Their words are inspirational to me.

"I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say 'he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.'"- Vincent van Gogh

"An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language." - Henri Matisse

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for." - Georgia O'keeffe

Lemon Head

bronze with oil paint and patina

5.5" x 4.5", 2003

"What is the lemon really about?"

Understandably, I am asked this question all the time. This article is to help give you some clarity on the subject.

I have worked with the lemon image since I was a child. I have always loved its shape, form and color. In the past I used the image as a literal prop in my paintings and sculptures. You may own a piece that includes the lemon image from that time period.

Currently, I have shifted the lemon from the literal to the realm of metaphor. Sometimes it even works simply as a form that helps to develop my vision for a specific artwork. It is a form that I use to express my thoughts visually.

Admittedly, I am still intrigued with the "lemon" on multiple levels. It is a simple little thing, but for me it offers so much possibility. There are many seemingly insignificant things around us that are ripe with visual richness. Look for them everyday.