While in the process of selecting artwork for a children's room, a colleague came across some amazing pieces by Jennifer Davis, and I instantly became drawn to the delicate nature, subject matter and vivid coloring of each piece. Each object, character and symbol that is created has an invented meaning for Davis as she continues to find a balance between beautiful things and subtly enigmatic undertones within her work. The artist believes her graphite and acrylic drawing/paintings "...celebrate beautiful things as if through the eyes of a child that has reluctantly grown up a little bit." Is anyone out there not reluctant to grow up from time to time?
Make sure the check out Jennifer Davis' blog for insights from the artist and new artwork. Also noteworthy is an upcoming show at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts featuring four Minneapolis artists (including Davis) entitled,"Flourish: Jennifer Davis, Erika Olson Gross, Terrance Payne, & Joe Simmons." The show runs from October 22nd, 2010 - January 2nd, 2011. For more info., check out the MIA's site.
"My paintings are a means for me to speak boldly about the quiet things...I find that giving each one of my figures a presence and context of color and light, enhances my own sense of presence and place in the world."
-Candace Compton Pappas
Pappas' beautiful work ranges in size from 4 by 6 inches to 5 by 6 feet - incorporating plaster, clay, glues, inks and other water-based mediums, creating a textured field to work on. The paintings are often carried over onto the frames which are constructed by the artist herself. Make sure to visit her website and blog to see and learn more of this fascinating artist.
I had the chance of taking in Allen Brewer's "If not, then what?" show at the Chambers Burnet Art Gallery in Minneapolis, and the experience was amazing. It's imagery that I love: innocent at first glance - then off kilter, almost disturbing after a closer look. The show features two different series of work by Brewer: 50 carbon drawings and 25 colored pencil drawings all perfectly displayed in white second-hand frames. The show is only running through May 9th - this is a must-see!
St. Paul based photographer, Chris Faust has a way of capturing fleeting moments in time from the eternally evolving landscapes that fabricate our world.
Check out these beautiful abstract ceramic pieces from artist Christa Marie. She can create amazing custom work...who wouldn't love to have these displayed in their space?
...and a semi-related matter - The St. Paul art crawl is going on this weekend, April 23rd-25th. Brought to you by the St. Paul Art Collective, it's a great opportunity to get outside, drink up some culture, and see a huge variety of work from local artists. For more information on locations and hours, check out their website. Don't miss out!
Visual Arts Ltd is a creative art consulting firm and merchandise showroom which provides a range of services including visual planning for art and artifacts, historic research, display design, object procurement, art consulting, project budgeting, framing and installation.