Sunbeamed, photography, Canon 5D Mar III with 100-400 mm lens
I was on a photo safari in South Africa, when we spotted the remains of an impala up in a tree. Leopards are the only big cats that are capable of carrying that much weight into a tree. They do it to prevent losing their prey to scavengers. The leopard was gone, but we knew it would be back to finish it, so we returned the next morning before dawn. The Leopard was already in the tree eating. After a while, it came down and we trailed it for a while, before it entered an area filled with thorn trees and bushes, with thorns as long as 7 inches, before settling down at a spot where it seemed comfortable. The driver proceeded towards it, driving over trees and bushes. At times we had to dive down below the seat to avoid sweeping, barbed branches. Once we were as close as practical, we stopped, and it was time to take pictures. The sun was just coming over a rise, striking an area of the thicket yards away from the Leopard, but I guessed its movement would cause it to pass over the Leopard, if we waited where we were. I convinced the other passengers it was worth the try. They agreed to wait, and 30 minutes later the sunbeams began to hit the Leopard directly on the face and arm while the rest remained in shadow. I got the shot I had hoped for.
Recent works by Susan Antonini include Lawsons Landing (triptych)
and second piece hanging in gallery is Calm Seas, an acrylic and a (diptych) Susan has been working in Acrylic most recently She feels that ocean scenes are calming to paint Susan believes a piece of art can bring you to another place
Art Gallery Napa Valley features work by Mosaic Artist Monica Curie-Johnson
‘Shattering Waves of Prejudice‘ is a recent work by her. What materials/tools did you use to create it?_ Monica: stained glass, mirror and silver Jewelry. Why did you create this piece? Monica: This work is a response to random hate crimes against Asian Americans to show the wave of hatred has shattering effects on the individual. The mirror represents that it reflects onto all of us.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens invites artists to submit an application by March 4th to exhibit their original work at the 29th juried Art in the Gardens festival. The two-day event will take place on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Recently sold, Rainbow Ice, oil, 12” x 12”. Inspired by a trip to the glaciers in Alaska, Marlene was fascinated with the light reflecting from the ice texture. She loves the light refractions glowing in the clear chunks of ice.
Marlene writes: I have been painting with watercolor for about 20 years. Several years ago I took a few classes in oil from Cindy Taylor. I was fascinated with the feel and versatility of the oil paint. My go to learning subject is landscapes. When I am confident with the medium I begin to explore abstracting landscapes, then florals and more abstract. All my abstracts are based in nature. I have had a love affair with nebulae and light refraction/reflection forever. The colors of light and how it plays with shadows and prism colors never ceases to amaze me.
During the past months I have been studying abstract expressionists, such as Jackson Pollack and Joan Collins and watching videos about abstract techniques through MOMA in New York. The research has revealed some interesting techniques to create texture and interest that are not always discussed in classes. I have begun to experiment with design texture on my own for special effects I visualize.
My work is at the ART GALLERY NAPA VALLEY, at 1307 First St, Napa, CA.. The new display has several very recent pieces , where I have incorporated some of these new discoveries and techniques.
Please come out this weekend, both Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5, 2021 to support AANV artists and do some holiday shopping at the locations indicated below. Several of Art Gallery Napa Valley Members are participating, including Janis Adams, John Comisky, Sharon Crary, Therese Legere, Sunshine Moeschler, Bill Mellberg, and Frank Trozzo,
Hours have been modified to 10 AM to 4 PM since it is getting dark earlier now. Please note that all the artists listed below will be showing on Saturday; Sunday there will be a reduced presence. Hope to see you there!!
Janis Adams is busy with new art for the holidays. Janis writes:
I’ve attached pics of some new fused glass plates and bowls recently add to my booth at the Gallery. I’m doing new work for the upcoming Holidays and our push to encourage folks to GIVE ART and BUY LOCAL, especially since the “supply chain” appears to have major breaks in it. I’m also making new works to show at the AANV Holiday Pop Up on Saturday, December 4 at 3 locations:
Jeanette recently had this mixed media piece in the show about remembrance Skulls and Roses at Artworks Downtown. Our Lady of Borders and was inspired by reliquary and shrines and what we hold in our hearts. Below is her ArtistStatement for the show.
Front of Reliquary:
“Oppression breeds revolt; and as a breed of men and women grow wiser and ponder through the ages, the time may come when even hopeless revolts will succeed beyond hoping.”
Great Women of Antiquity, (Boadicea), by Clement Wood
The pandemic was a time of deep reflection, evaluation and questioning. It brought to mind our connection/disconnection; our boundaries and what were we willing to include in our ever-shrinking sense of community; and our relationship to our society and our global responsibilities. Though I don’t consider myself a political artist, I found myself questioning the choices that were made on my behalf and questioned if those choices reflect my values and did the choices I make truly support the greater good for humanity? What are boundaries; personal boundaries and are the boundaries we create for our protection, or from our fears?
I view my role as an artist from a tribal perspective, where the artist, healer and shaman are one. So, my position is to present questions that evoke perspective evaluation. Does the belief support the values; values support the action; and/or the action support the greater good for humanity?
As a Mixed Media Artist (AKA alchemist), the choice of materials influences the direction of the creative dialogue. I approach each piece by auditioning materials and as the piece evolves, a secondary message emerges as the metaphysics of the materials create a sub-text message. Using found objects brings a deeper inquiry to what an object represents and how it is placed within the piece. Working with interiors and exteriors allows me to evoke additional inquiries. The juxtaposition and tension amplifies each component and each object can add a deeper meaning to interpretation.
Our Lady of Borders: A Reliquary of Boundaries
Mixed Media (with interpretations)-hearts (what’s written on the heart- open heart and sacred heart), keys (unlock), watch parts (time-time running out), mica (recognize flaws while remaining in a loving space), rust (a measure of time), emergency blanket (molded by heat to form interior heart), holy water font (preparing to enter the sacred space) and found objects (just because they are).
Jeanette Monterio Skulls and Roses, Artworks Downtown JeanetteMonterio.com MFA, BA from San Francisco Art Institute
Jeanette is a Bay Area resident and currently shows her work at Art Association Napa Valley. In her studio in Novato, California, she can be found auditioning her collection of relics as she creates the next alchemical question. Her work has been acknowledged and awarded “Best in Show” and “Jurors Award” and “Honorable Mention” and Napa Register has written articles about her box art. (see JeanetteMonterio.com for details).
Artist Quote: “I have no answers, only questions and if I can pique your curiosity, my job is complete.”
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Albert Einstein
These are two new photos I have in my space called After the Harvest 1 & 2. Much of the photography on vineyards shows grape clusters. I’ve become interested in the beginning and end of the cycle as well. This is obviously the latter. The intend was to bring out the rich textures and colors that grape leaves can take on, by showing the aging process over time of one leaf. These two shots were taken 6 weeks apart.
