We are pleased to introduce the work of Trina May Smith, a young painter working on her MFA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Having grown up out west, Trina and her family experienced first hand the effects of dying industries and the unreliability of seasonal jobs. After moving to the Midwest, Trina May Smith continues to feel empathy for the jobless workers and victims of urban decay. Her paintings are small scale: “BP 1” is just 6 x 9 inches, but are amazingly well painted capturing time, place, and conflict in today’s society. Of her trip to BP’s refinery in Whiting, IN, Trina says she was torn between the environmental issues as “smells and emissions filled the air” while at the same time, acknowledging that she needed fuel to get there and would most likely be dependent on fossil fuels for the rest of her life. “BP 1” captures the beauty of a harsh industrial environment and invites deliberation of complex contemporary realities on the part of the viewer. Please click to see more of Trina May Smith’s paintings.
Read MoreRobert Cocke – “Six West”
“Six West”, a new oil on canvas by Robert Cocke is an otherworldly landscape that chronicles his fascination with the environment. In this 36×36 inch painting, the southwestern desert seems to exist in a science fiction world. Highly detailed, and carefully painted, the landscape is filled with mounds and dotted with rocks. Whether created by man or natural elements, the artist leaves to our imagination. Curious plants seem to thrive in the harsh climate while striking cloud formations float on the horizon and above, casting shadows on this beautiful but mysterious land under the benevolent gaze of an eclipsing moon. Please click to see more paintings by Robert Cocke.
Read MoreEric Aho – “Ice House Bright Sun”
Eric Aho‘s new painting “Ice House Bright Sun” reflects his interest in the themes of weather, seasonal light, and man’s presence in the vastness of nature. The ice house depicted is on the artist’s property and has appeared in his paintings in all types of weather and at all times of the day and year. Through dynamic brushstrokes and subtle shifts of color, the artist suggests moving shadows and reflecting light, capturing the essence of a bright winter day in this 22×24 inch oil on linen painting. One of the nation’s top contemporary artists painting today, we are pleased to be in the planning stages of Eric Aho‘s sixth solo show at Tory Folliard Gallery to take place in the fall of 2012. Please click here to see more paintings by Eric Aho.
Jonathan Kramka – “The Remains Confused with the Who’s Next”
“The Remains Confused with the Who’s Next”, Jonathan Kramka‘s new light sculpture resists the physical limitations of two dimensionality. It occupies multiple spaces and suggests complexity and mystery. Ethereal effects are achieved with the manipulation of light and seemingly ubiquitous materials. Using methods that leave room for experimentation, Kramka’s work falls between painting and sculpture and can be installed in a variety of environments. Click here to see more unique light sculpture by Jonathan Kramka.
Read MoreLeo Sewell – “Apple”
“Apple”, Leo Sewell‘s new sculpture is a fascinating mix of recycled objects skillfully joined together so that it reads as cohesive pop form. Having grown up near a dump, Leo Sewell early on appreciated the value and joy that comes from collecting other peoples discarded bits and pieces and creating a unique work of art. Composed of dozens of articles including, a cake pan, part of a bell, various straps and metal plates, if one looks closely, one will also discover small items such as a guitar pick, a tiny toy train, and a greek coin. While it takes craftsmanship and patience to create a unified whole, this artist has not lost his sense of humor: a plate from Appleton Electric Co. adorns this multimedia assemblage. Measuring 18x15x15 inches, “Apple” is appropriate for table, pedestal or floor. Click to see more found object sculpture by Leo Sewell.
Read MoreMark Mulhern – “Dog Show”
Mark Mulhern currently has an exhibition of New Work in the gallery. In addition to the paintings in his Bathers series, Mulhern has taken a special interest in dogs and their owners, focusing on Dog Shows in several of the works. The oil painting pictured above is titled Dog Show and measures 60×70 inches. This subject lends itself perfectly to Mark’s interest in showing the evolution of a painting. As Mark states, “The risks, erasures, revisions, and resolutions that go into the work are layered in its strata. The end result is the sum of this history. I want my paintings to speak to this process.” New Work is Mark Mulhern‘s seventh solo show with the Tory Folliard Gallery. See Mark Mulhern’s exhibition online here.
Read MoreT.L. Solien – “After the Bath”
“After the Bath”, a new painting with collage by T.L. Solien continues the artist’s exploration of literary and metaphorical references. In a nod to Mary Cassatt, the work depicts a seemingly ordinary scene translated in Solien’s uncanny manner. The figures in this interior setting are composed of tightly arranged bold shapes and colors. Unsettling, the work invites the viewer to ponder the complicated aspects of domestic life. Is the woman regretful of the time she takes to care for her child, or is she inspired by being a mother? Clearly, art is a part of her life, but is it taking second stage? “After the Bath” is one of two new works by T.L. Solien the gallery will be exhibiting at Art Chicago, which takes place April 29th through May 2nd.
Read MoreMark Chatterley - "Rabbit Head"
Just in time for spring in the garden! Mark Chatterley‘s ceramic sculpture “Rabbit Head” embodies his love of the female form which becomes fanciful when topped with the head of a rabbit. The graceful form is at variance with the gritty, glazed surface. As Mark Chatterley puts it, his work, “combines creation and destruction, the beautiful and the malformed, with everything in flux.” Elegantly posed, “Rabbit Head” measures 34 inches tall and is 19 inches wide. Hand built, one inch at a time, she is suitable for indoors or outdoors and will add grace and appeal to any home or yard. Mark Chatterley is currently preparing for a solo exhibition at Tory Folliard Gallery scheduled for spring of 2012, but we always have a few pieces in the gallery.
Derrick Buisch – “Yellow Monster Head”
Derrick Buisch‘s Yellow Monster Head, which measures 24×24 inches is one of the ideograms from Buisch’s abstract painting language. For the past twelve years, Derrick Buisch has focused on developing a group of visual characters which he paints singly or in combination with other symbols. Tension is expressed by the abstracted lines of the head, the off balance placement, and by the combination of the paint colors and textures. Slightly unsettling, but visually engaging, Yellow Monster Head is a modern version of a primordial phantom. Click here to see more of Derrick Buisch’s ideograms. We look forward to seeing the work Derrick will be showing in our Summer in Wisconsin exhibit which takes place July 1st through September 3rd, 2011.
Mike Noland – “Under a Cicada Moon”
The cicada in Mike Noland‘s new painting “Under a Cicada Moon” does not actually vibrate, but one can sense the energy of its tymbals under the diaphanous wings. Noland uses bold color and repetitive, tight brush strokes to suggest the power of the natural world. As Mike says, “Growing up in the area known as “Tornado Alley”, gave me a healthy love and respect for the power and beauty of nature.” Michael Noland‘s paintings inform the viewer through intense patterns, controlled composition, and wondrous colors, of mother nature’s powerful essences, whether they be beautiful or dangerous. New paintings by Mike Noland will be on view at , April 29th through May 2nd. Mike Noland is also preparing for an exhibition of his work in the gallery planned for the fall of 2012. Click here to see more paintings by Mike Noland.