He was inspired to learn this particular skill by the desire to recreate the organic fractal patterns that are found in nature such as in mountain ranges, watershed systems, lightning and in the human brain’s synaptic system. This is a dangerous process to replicate so it must be stressed not to try this at home. In order to create these pieces he uses a high voltage transformer (in excess of 2,500 volts) to run an electrical current through the wood from two opposing points. As the electrical points are drawn towards each other the electrical flow explodes in every direction trying to find the least resistant path. This explosion of energy creates the very intricate, spidering tree patterns and the deep burn grooves are the primary path of energy. Once the two points of conduction meet they ignite and create large flames out of the wood. While he is able to guide the current, he cannot fully control it which makes each and every pattern unique and beautiful.
Tim Schuett, an artist originally from Ankeny but Iowa City has been his home for 15 years. He specializes in carpentry and fractal art while also being passionate about our planet. At the University of Iowa he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Sustainability. Though he aims to make an impact with his pieces, he maintains a very minimal ecological footprint and uses recycled materials in almost all of his projects. He was inspired to learn this particular skill by the desire to recreate the organic fractal patterns that are found in nature such as in mountain ranges, watershed systems, lightning and in the human brain’s synaptic system. This is a dangerous process to replicate so it must be stressed not to try this at home. In order to create these pieces he uses a high voltage transformer (in excess of 2,500 volts) to run an electrical current through the wood from two opposing points. As the electrical points are drawn towards each other the electrical flow explodes in every direction trying to find the least resistant path. This explosion of energy creates the very intricate, spidering tree patterns and the deep burn grooves are the primary path of energy. Once the two points of conduction meet they ignite and create large flames out of the wood. While he is able to guide the current, he cannot fully control it which makes each and every pattern unique and beautiful. Laura Todd, painter, says her greatest goal as an artist is to paint works of art that will bring joy and inspiration to others. Photographs are her main source of inspiration. She paints her own interpretation of the photograph by highlighting the contrast between the soft and bold and hyping up the color. Bright color is found in nearly all of her artwork because it simply makes her very happy. In the words of her college painting instructor, Ken, "If it were not for color I would be drawing instead of painting". Laura's joy is to share this happiness by taking what is already beautiful and honoring that beauty through the gift of art.
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The Iowa Watercolor Society (IWS) is happy to present the first miniature show of 2019. The show contains watercolors from various IWS members across the state. Artists are encouraged to be as creative as possible, using diverse materials and different kids of paper. More details about the Iowa Watercolor Society on their website: www.iowawatercolorsociety.org Artists with work in the show include:
Julie Nalley-Jewell a native of Iowa started painting at the age of 13 following in the footsteps of her grandmother also a painter. She remembers as a child her grandmother sketching on paper and drawing her little pictures. This affection for painting led her to paint at a young age and study art at the college level. She states she fell in love with water, nature and blending of colors early on, growing up on Lake MacBride in Iowa. Water is also her latest inspiration. She enjoys the way a wave hits rocks, the sun shines off the surface, and the refection of the trees. She finds water very magical. Julie advises her latest works are full of color mixing into one another, layers on top of each other and a desire to mystify the viewer. She states, “I think looking at the way the colors blend, the way water and paint mix, and even what colors lie beneath are intriguing. I like to let the paint and water do the work, mixing, intermingling and laying on top of each other. As nature creates beauty on the surface of water I put this onto canvas, capturing it for eternity.” Marilyn Johnson grew up in northern Iowa and graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School and Iowa Lakes Community College nursing program. She worked the ophthalmology field until retirement.
As an avid photographer and art lover she has taken classes at The Des Moines Art Center, DMACC and E-courses. In search of the perfect watercolor class she discovered an amazing new media ALCOHOL INK. The flow of the inks is a different challenge for an artist. Marilyn fell in love with the vivid colors and positive energy of Alcohol Ink and so will you! During November and early December we have two artists whose work is beautiful and contemplative. Please enjoy. A Walk Through the Garden, Jess Quinn A Walk Through the Garden is an invitation to stop and enjoy the beauty in the simple paintings of botanical without distraction. Today we have too many things to do and not enough time to do them; many people including ourselves are demanding a lot from us. We hurry from one task to the other and rush through our to-do lists in hopes that once we get everything done we will be able to finally relax. Unfortunately the next demand on us usually pops up at that time and we rarely get to that tranquil state that we are all striving for. It is like we have forgotten how to enjoy life and the little moments that make it amazing. My hope is that this invitation allows you a respite from the hustle and bustle of your life and you permit yourself to enjoy this moment. Luminous Wonder, Amy Uthus
"I draw on my love for the beauty of light interacting with porcelain and my veneration of vast landscapes to create luminous works of art. My work is ripe for wonder. Wonder provides a direct connection to our primal spirituality, which so often gets buried in our busy, minutiae-filled lives. The goal of my work is to re-awaken in viewers the inherent need we all harbor to feel part of a larger whole - and then provide sustenance for this need. Though I am willing to use many processes and media to achieve my artistic goals, I specialize in translucent porcelain. Like many others throughout history who have been seduced by porcelain's thrall, I relish the challenge of transforming clay (so often thought of as "dirt") into a material so translucent one can easily discern color through it. I have spent countless hours researching the chemical analysis of each ingredient in my clay body, developing new methods to slip cast ultra thin panels and vessel walls, and carefully documenting each kiln that is fired. I have studied the material to such an extent, and my love for it is so transparent, that one of my good friends calls me a Porcelain Junkie. I own the title proudly." – Amy Uthus Amy Uthus is an independent artist living in Knoxville, IA. She enjoys gardening and teaching ceramics in addition to working in her clay studio. She is represented by Olson-Larsen Gallery in West Des Moines. About the Artist resident James A. Osborn
I am an artist. I am also a sailor, and a motorcycle enthusiast. From a young age, I have been interested in making things with my hands. This talent helped my success working with orthotics as a business owner and corporate executive for many years. I was able to create items that helped people walk, by sculpting and molding models, then cutting, forming, and fabricating materials. I always paid attention to how things looked for the client because people expect the product to work well, but when it looks good too, that adds value. Today I use those same skills to create paintings and sculptures. My goal is to bring forth a pleasing and positive feeling in the viewer, as well as an added value to those who purchase my work. My work can be found in corporate and private collections across North America and Europe. I am inspired by the 1960s and 70s, sailors, motorcycles and my family. I currently live in Des Moines, Iowa, after spending 20 years in Nashville Tennessee and Austin Texas. I began painting using oils on canvas, with brush or knife, many years ago while studying with a professional artist. I prefer minimalist, modern, abstract and expressionist styles. My art is rooted in nature but has little direct correlation with reality. My main influences include Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, Willem de Kooning, Clyfford Still, Franz Kline, and Andy Warhol. “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if its good or bad. Whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” Andy Warhol To learn more about James A. Osborn and view his portfolio, visit his website. We had two artist's work in the gallery August 15-September 30. Kindra Noel had several architectural paintings of Des Moines landmarks in the front. Then Justin Young had a prolific collection of small watercolors, pet portraits and whimsical sculptures.
See Noel's work and order prints at KindraNoel.com Participating Illustrators: Rahele Jomepour Bell Stephanie Bral Wanda Brown Candace Camling Joe Hox Stephanie Lurk David Malcolm Nic McDougal Claudia McGehee Jane Metcalf Judith Hans Price Jennifer Black Reinhardt Dorothia Rohner Jason Schneider Claire Sedovic Click their names for links to their website portfolios, the following slideshow is just a random sampling of photos from our gallery exhibit. Pastel & Charcoal |
Kara dunbar | Recognizing that ceramic vessels have a rich history rooted in both utilitarian objects and the decorative arts, I aim to create installations that challenge the static nature of ceramic vessels and invite playful rearrangement. By using a combination of freehanded design work, together with mass production methods, my practice reflects the struggle between the fascination for the handmade and the appeal of the mass-produced. |
Emily Verdoorn | Emily Verdoorn has lived most of her life in Des Moines, Iowa. For as long as she can remember, she has enjoyed drawing and making things. At first, it was simply unselfconscious enjoyment that encouraged her to make. Gradually she discovered drawing as a means to more deeply engage with the world around her. For Emily, drawing forms a vital relationship with the world of her everyday experience. Her drawings develop in response to time spent observing places and things – their habits, personality, rituals, and the people that frequent them. Emily loves discovering the mundane glory in the commonplace. |
Shows
Here is a more comprehensive look at the art, programs and the artists showing at the UPLAG.
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