April 2008
"Rio Amistad" by Susan Springer
“Pisces Rising”
Group Show
It’s all about fish! Pisces are rising at Illahe Gallery, as are a number of local artists. This month’s featured works range from sculpture to photography and represent a diversity of expression on fish-related themes.
Gallery owner, Susan Springer, displays her ceramic mosaic works. Springer is known for creating the large scale mosaic, titled “Rio Amistad” (or Friendship River) at Lithia Park’s Granite Street overlook to the Calle Guanajuato Marketplace. The colorful mosaic portrays fish and wildlife in and around Ashland Creek, and as intended, has become “a place for reflection on the miracle of water, as explored through art.”
Nelson Davis presents one of his early renditions in purple heart wood and mahogany, mounted on copper. Davis juxtaposes soft carved wood, rusty metal, plus “a little God given inspiration, driven by tons of passion, to connect emotionally to others.”
"Fish" by Wendy Eppinger
Wendy Eppinger, known for her use of recycled materials, displays a sculpture crafted from copper and fishing lures. Eppinger has been “making stuff most of my life,” starting by using her father’s tool table at age 5.
Ron Hodgdon works in a variety of styles and mediums and shows one of his sepia photographs. Much of his work celebrates a sympathetic, nostalgic interpretation of the beauty found in everyday moments and personal remembrances from life.
Shan Lollis shows her paintings on paper. Lollis is known for her stimulating acrylic paintings and believes “in using as much pure color as possible.” Through her years of traveling in Western Europe and Mexico, she has also produced works in pen and ink, and watercolor.
Liesl Meissner, a ceramic student at SOU, presents a “school of fish.” Meissner is “interested in conveying emotion by creating environments. Whether that environment is figurative or literal depends on the alteration and workings of various materials into their surroundings.”
Jan Schmitz has always had “a curiosity and obsession with making things” which led to her “lifetime love of art.” Schmitz exhibits her work in mixed media, collage, and latex paint. Pieces in this show are part of a series of six works done in January 2008.
Saul Stodel presents his renderings in concrete board..
Danna Tartaglia shows her abstractions in oil paints. Tartaglia enjoys many aspects of art and creativity as evidenced by her diverse painting styles and subjects.
"Koi Storm" by Danna Tartaglia