Reading Pictures: The story behind the Nkisi & the promises we keep...

 In the rich tradition of art through the ages, our pieces have a language of symbolism. Like say, Medieval paintings or tapestries, our work often has representational or allegorical meaning if you know how to 'read' the storybook 'language of art.'   Here is an example:

NKISI

When Joe gave me a piece of tenderly burned, oxidized wood with careful rows of nails, it reminded me very much of a tradition in central Africa, the nkisi. Historically,  nkisi is a statue, or 'power figure' with great spiritual significance in the cultures there.

A ritualistic function of the nkisi nkondi is that a nail is driven into it when an agreement, or oath has been made.

I was inspired to add a lion, which is representative of Africa and is commonly symbolic of courage. For me, the combination of these two represents discipline, because discipline is the courageous act of keeping promises to yourself over and over again.


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Nkisi - Congo - Art Institute of Chicago

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So Many Shows...So Little Time!

 Getting ready for Art in the Barn, the Courthouse Art Center's Fly show & the NAMI show at the Dole...as a result our home is a visual explosion of sorts. I'm not exaggerating; virtually every surface is filled with paint, wood, test tubes, skulls and washers...Here's a sneak peek:


 I started a series of small 'studies' for Art in the Barn, which is a benefit/mega-art show Sept. 28 & 29. We'll be there with about 180 other artists, music & food. The event is held in a series of antique barn buildings - be sure to look for us in the "Machine Shed", which is right near the entrance.  

These are 'before' & 'after' shots of  one of the studies of a Weaverbird.


I actually hesitated to add color - I liked the simplicity of the black on wood, but now that I've gone ahead and fleshed (feathered?) it out, I'm glad I gave this little guy his full plumage.

 


 Also be sure to look for us in October's Fly show at The Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock!  Opening Reception is Saturday, Oct 12 6-9. Come and see a wide range of media and artists expressing the shows theme of flight.





  Joe has a fascination with 
washers and  always has an eye out for them all over Chicago. He enjoys finding them so much that when I ask him how is day went, if it went well he'll say "it's a 3 washer day!"

This is what happens to them..! Joe's piece "Pull Toy #4" will be in a group show at the Dole Mansion in November.  




Go to xculturearts.com to see our artwork and find out about upcoming events ...

   

The Fine Art Jenga Marathon...

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The Swing, completed

Many people who have seen our show at the Dole mansion were shocked to discover how Joe makes some of his solo pieces; it's a process that takes a lot of balance, time & patience.

For example, The Swing (shown here, both in progress & completed) was created out of one flat 8' piece of Hickory.

What I find particularly interesting about this, is that he cut the wood at no more than a 10 degree angles to create this wavy effect; to me, this shows how just being a little off course can lead you in a completely different direction.

Now, in general, I think that the artistic process any artist chooses is a reflection of his/her character. This is no exception. For each piece to be assembled into the whole, it is necessary for Joe to hold the wood together while it dries.

Hickory pieces ready for assembly

Me, I'm way too impatient for that. As he made this piece, I found myself counting the 40+ wood pieces that he planned to hold together and multiplying that by the time it took for each connection to dry. The answer? Way Too Long. For me, that is.

Joe revels in repetition and the art of carefully engineered attachments. What drives me crazy as I see him watching each piece dry in a pose that looks like freeze-frame jenga, seems to be meditative to him.

Joe, in 'action'

Want to see more?

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Second Chances Only Come Around Once...

Thanks to everyone who came out for 1st Friday! We know that Friday nights can be difficult to make for working folks & so, we present to you: 2nd Chance Saturday.

Missed out on 1st Friday last night? Good news, you'll have a second chance to see the Inside the Box show in the Dole Gallery: Join us for a relaxed, more private gathering this Saturday, April 13, 5-8 pm.

We have 57 new pieces of work on display - hope you can come check it out!
 
As we hung the show, I couldn't help but be awed by the added attraction of the historic architecture that surrounds us in this space...the floor alone is amazing.

Joe, right, explains some of the work...

If you haven't heard yet, here's the scoop on our current art exhibition:

Inside the Box - featuring our new shadowbox series & more!

Joe + kathleen isacson's collaborative 'solo' show
Join us for2nd Saturday 'opening night' on Saturday, April 13, 5-8 pm!

Where is the Dole mansion? 

 It's a historic 100+ yr old building by Crystal Lake's waterfront...

Dole Mansion/Lakeside Legacy Found.

401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 

A sneak peek at the first room of the show before opening.
Opening night 'soundtrack' below...

 Need more info?
Gallery site: lakesidelegacy.org
Artists' site: xculturearts.com

 
The show is also open for viewing m-f 9-5 until April 26, but we hope you can make it this Saturday when we're there to visit with you! 

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