How are local artists inspired by the change of season, as we enter 2025? Here are some thoughts by some of our community with our 'Winter Warmup' Art Exhibit. Artists speak on their work, their inspiration, and the season as we wait for sunshine.
Rhonda Lucky: Fiber Artist
from The Reed Flute's Song
Listen to the story told by the reed,
of being separated.
Since I was cut from the reedbed,
I have made this crying sound.
Anyone apart from someone he loves understands
what I say.
Anyone pulled from a source
longs to go back.
At any gathering I am there....
-RUMI
from A Just Finishing Candle
A candle is made to become entirely flame.
In that annihilating moment
it has no shadow.
It is nothing but a tongue of light
describing a refuge...
from Enough Words?
... But that shadow has been serving you!
What hurts you, blesses you.
Darkness is your candle.
Your boundaries are your quest...
You must have shadow and light source both.
Listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.
The soul lives there in the silent breath...
--RUMI
Vanda coerulea
From sun's rise to set,
Blue silk flows from withered limbs.
Heart quickens with hope.
-- RHL
HK Miller: Painting
Winter Warmup, Poetry in Tandem with Artwork by HK Miller
Winter's course began in November,
A slight cool down at Thanksgiving,
A taste of things to come.
Yule passed and we braced for January,
Short days and shorter nights,
The moon casting shadows on crisp white.
January Thaw it's called,
Don't believe,
Don't believe.
The end of February approaches, Winter warmup you say,
Nights of fog and melting ice on the pond.
But then...
But then March!
Never trust March... Never!
Barb Kubala: Fiber Arts
The work I present in this art show is representative of the warmup for several reasons. It shows how I have spent my indoor time for the last several months. Since it is bright and colorful it is guaranteed to boost the spirits of an observer who is tired of damp, dark days.
In my work, this is the second peacock I have made. It may become a series of work for me. I have learned that many people are fascinated by these beautiful birds. I wonder if anyone will be bothered by the fact that the pink and red color scheme is not real?
Barb Kubala and Sandy Trimble on the Collaborative Winter Warmup Coat
This was included in the Winter Warmup exhibit by the curator. The bright, warm, winter wrap was selected from the current gallery holdings because it also exudes the warmth of friendship between these two artists. The coat fashioned by Kubala is accompanied by a scarf woven by Sandy Trimble. The scarf material is also included in the coat's trim.
Greg Langham: Painter
When I think of 'warming up,' my mind seems to settle on Spring and Summer. In the next instant, visions of the sea and shore abound. I am more interested in the settings or landscapes than in the architechture. The effects of wind, rain, and atmosphere are what I'm after. In "The Morning Before the Storm," these effects are apparent. The color scheme (red sky and then...), the choppy water, the bend and flex of the plants, all seek to predict the oncoming storm.
With "Bargain Hunt," (Beach Front) a smaller setting is examined. Interest is given to smaller details. Finally, the colors evoke evening and calm.
"Pacific View," a scene from the San Diego area of Southern California (Tory Pines) uses a similar color scheme. But this time evoking a certain stillness, as if frozen in time.
As an object of further interest, you may enjoy: "The Morning after the Storm" as seen on my website: www.gregalangham.com , from the collection of Nell Platt, collector extraordinare. Coming attraction: "The Night of the Storm."
Cindi Kordell: Calligrapher and Collage
The verse from the Song of Solomon really speaks to my heart and soul especcially during these current times. I chose the dense style of Textura Blackletter for the calligraphy, thus representing the darkness of winter. Elements of gold were intentionally incorporated throughout the piece to offset the darkness and represent light and hope. Warm colors were used for the collage work to symbolize the hope of lighter and brighter days soon to come.
May the spirit of Warmth, hope, and peace shine in our days ahead.
Linda Burkett: Painter
As Winter releases it's icy grip on the days churning towards Spring, hope arises from the depths of my soul. Visions of the earth awakening with blossoms delight my mind and imagination. Pulling away from the dull and dreary to sun - warmed days, the earth shakes off its yearly gloom and blesses us with color and form in bountiful majesty.
With divine orchestration, God faithfully displays His creative Hand once again. Without even a touch from man, the lily appears, grows gloriously, and lives brilliantly.
In this steadfast display, we too should learn to trust Him more deeply, live more fully, and always continue to grow - whatever may come, as we consider the lilies of the field.
Maryanne Lupinetti: Fiber Artist
"When I thought about Winter Warmup this year, I knew I wanted to represent the tiny tree buds that grow slowly through winter waiting for the spring to emerge so they can open up into leaves. Each year, I observe the tree buds of many different trees. I noticed that no matter what tree I observed, on sunny days the tiny buds look so alert. It's as if they were trying to reach higher into the sky to feel the warmth of the sun. I was certain that was the story I wanted to tell.
I chose to make a neck scarf in beautiful, deep, dark, green dupioni silk fabric to represent leaves, and I also stitched branches along with their tiny tree buds. Small beads were stitched along the branches for just a touch of sparkle or maybe rain droplets. It's lined for extra warmth and body. I also created a hand-stitched pin to represent a bird's nest for added beautiful or just in case a bird needed a place to rest for the winter. The pin is constructed of a shape cut out from wool felt. Various elements were then added, including yarn pieces, thread pieces, fabrics, lace, cheesecloth, and a layer of tulle on top where the ornate stitching was done. I incorporated beads here and there for extra effect. As a final notation, I found that as I stitched and stitched, this scarf really came alive to me, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to present it the the Artists Hand."
Sandy Trimble: Fiber Artist
To me, winter means hibernation, slowing down, finding a warm place. My favorite thing to do on a cold, wintery day is curl up under a warm blanket with a good book. And if I do have to leave the house, I never leave without a warm scarf around my neck. The two works in the show are woven using the music to 'Bye Bye Blackbird,' as part of their pattern. This is a nod to the departure of many birds for the winter and their anticipated return in the spring. Winter is about using the time to recharge in preparation for a warmer day.
Mark Altrogge: Painter
To me most of the time, birch trees are colored like winter... white with various dark shapes in the bark. Birch trees can also remind me of walking through the woods, which I prefer to do when it warms up. One of the main principles of art that birch trees display is the principle of repetition and variation. To me this winter has felt like that... Repitition of the cold and snowy weather yet variation in the temperature and lighting of each day.
My creative process in my work is that I begin with an undercoat of acrylics. At first I paint mainly the large shapes like hillsides and woods in the background. After that dries, I paint basic shapes of the birch trees in a dark color. When that dries, I begin to go over the dark paint with white and other light colors, leaving smaller darker shapes. After this dries, I will usually go over it with a light blue glaze of polymer medium. When that dries, I begin painting with quick drying oils, leaving a background to show through here and there to create more of a sense of depth.
Bonnie Chovanec: Painter
Who is the most popular harbinger of spring? The American Robin! But before she arrives, while the snowflakes are still swirling, the Winter Birds of Western PA are fascinating to watch. Whether standing out or blending in, they are unique and beautiful, just like us.
The Tufted Titmouse is small but has a mighty tweet. Clear and sweetly distinctive, his call is described as 'peter-peter-peter." He breaks the cuteness bank with large dark eyes, a fancy hairdo, and a coloring that is almost impossible to replicate. Grey? Blue? Wait, there's a hint of Lavender and Orange.
Nothing is more striking than the male Northern Cardinal! The multidimensional red, which can only be truly appreciated with the naked eye, is a wonder to behold against the snowy blackdrop of our PA winter. The Cardinal shares the same hairstyle as the Tufted Titmouse with a crest that adds to their personality and compliments their 'video game' song. They love to perch on the highest tip-top of a pine tree - they must know that they are breathtaking!
The Barred Owl may not show up in your backyard, but you might see him early morning or at dusk in a park with tall, mature trees or on a wintery hike through the woods. They are known to be curious of humans and could possibly be right under your nose without you realizing it. Their feather camouflage and noiseless flight makes them formidable predators.
All three of my art pieces uses parts of the hardened stem of a palm tree as a base for the acrylic painting. They travel from our daughter's yard in Columbus, Georgia, then are cleaned, dried, sanded, washed, and primed before being transformed into art from my mind's eye. A final coat of protective satin spray is added as the finishing touch.
You may spy a tiny ladybug or fish added in honor of our grandchildren "Lydie-Bug" and "Guppy Goose."
Get a close up look at the artwork by stopping in to the cafe! You can also get a glimpse here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P-LXot9tmaY
Thanks for stopping by!
-The Artists Hand Gallery Team
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