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Jennifer Li: Dramatis Personae
Artworks Gallery
Aug 10-Sept 19
Reception: Aug 12
To make my unique hand-painted solar plate etchings, I combine contemporary non-toxic solar plate etching methods with laborious hand inking, wiping and hand-pulling though an old-fashioned cranked etching press. I then isolate the damp inked impression with rabbit skin glue and painstakingly paint on top of it with oils. The edition sizes are very small, and each painted etching is one-of-a kind.
Shirley Kelley – Story Blocks
Kelley is originally from the Chicago area, attended the Art Institute of Chicago, has exhibited nationally and won many awards. Having lived and exhibited from New York to Florida, Kelley now divides her time between a cabin studio in White Sulphur Springs, MT and a studio in Naples, FL.
Kelley also spent much time studying, teaching and exhibiting ceramics which had a great influence on her earlier works. Surface texture became an important part of the canvas under painting.
Kelley’s recent series, Story Blocks, was born out of having spent the most part of a summer in the confines of her log cabin studio due to a broken ankle and inclement weather.
“Most of my work had usually been on large canvases but due to my situation I started working much smaller. It seemed to satisfy my urge to get some work done.”
“The long panels seem to me much more personal and intimate at this time. I can let my mind wander and not have a preconceived idea. Sometimes I can let an ambiguous notion appear in the work, not making images too clear, but leaving it up to the viewer to be engaged in decoding the meaning of the “Story Block.”
Right:
Shirley Kelley
Lipstick for Madonna
Mixed-media on panel
Helena Woodworkers Guild
The Helena Woodworkers’ Guild was established in 2004. Our mission is to expand the knowledge, skills and abilities of our members. The guild also strives to expand the local market for custom made furniture and cabinets by promoting awareness of the value of custom woodcrafting as well as the diversity and talents of our member woodworkers. We hold monthly meetings, participate in community projects and mount annual exhibits of our members’ finest handcrafted furniture. Guild members take turns hosting our meetings at their shops. Activities include demonstrations of techniques and discussions of topics relevant to woodworking as a business or hobby. Meetings also allow time to get to know each other, network and share our skills and expertise with each other. Our members range from professional furniture makers to weekend woodworkers.
Philip Aaberg
Composer Philip Aaberg writes music that connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West. By translating Montana’s farms, ranches, and native cultures into musical concepts, he’s forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state.
Although classically trained, Philip celebrates many traditions with his compositions. He weaves strains of blues and bluegrass as well as rock and new music throughout his melodic tapestries.
John Andrew
My wood bowls are primarily made of trees native to the Helena area with accents of more exotic woods or decorative inlays, such as copper and turquoise.
The wood is usually turned two to three years before it is put in final form, and I can pretty much identify where each piece of local wood came from, down to the address and street location.
I try to keep things simple.
Renee’ Brown
My work forms a bridge between intangible concepts of joy, generosity and lusciousness, and tangible objects of daily use.
Notions of innocence expressed through jovial colors, flowers and birds reveal aspects of humanity I intend to cultivate within my own life. Evidence of my love for layering decoration and allowing the clay to express its own nature emerge through this “soulmorphic” representation, and I enjoy how they form a subtle narrative: transforming intentionally functional work into something more expansive.
I like to say: “Live right, love fearlessly, and use hand-made pottery!
Joseph R. Crowley
“Art is Life.”
Art is in every aspect of our lives, day and night, while awake or in dream. The artist recognizes the influences, inspirations, and interactions with the world around him/her and creates from it. Each creation holds the spirit of the artist. The mugs, cups and bowls I offer are not empty. They are full of inspiration, joy and dedication. I am not capable of making pots out of frustration or anger. Angry pots crack or reject glaze. A clear mind and thoughtful concentration make the best pots. I am very proud and honored to be living my life as one who takes in the world and creates from it. I invite anyone to interact with my work and enjoy its function, and I will continue creating.”
Josh DeWeese
I am interested in how pots can be used every day to bring art into our lives, enhancing our experience with food, adorning our homes, and providing a necessary ritual to nourish our soul and mind as well as our bodies. I try to make pottery that is successful in several ways: comfortable to use, enjoyable to look at, and interesting to think about.
Perhaps pottery’s greatest power lies in its association with the human body. The language of pottery is the language of the body, with necks and feet, bellies and shoulders, and lips to touch our lips. The intimate relationship that develops with use strengthens this association. A personality develops, and the pots become our friends. In this friendship they become reflections of our humanness, and help give meaning to our lives.
