Entries Tagged 'Lester Pitz' ↓

Artworks

The direction from which it is viewed

When viewing this months 2nd Saturday showing by Parkside Senior students Kelly Witte and Rebecca Yelle at Artworks it would be well to keep this phrase in mind. I found that a straight on full frontal view of the absurdly outrageous flamboyance of Kelly’s subject matter worked best for me. You will have a better understanding of Kelly’s art if you will take two moments to read her apologia as you enter her show space. And please read what Rebecca has to say about her presentations. I was quite taken by the degree to which she has honed her art talent. I loved the ceramics and three dimensional paper presentations. This artist has mastered several disciplines in the broad field of “art”. I did find that I needed the prism, I obtained by reading her apologia, to gain a better understanding of her flat work: prints and such. A more oblique “direction worked best for me in viewing these selections.
All in all this is one of the better shows I have seen in a long time. And, by all means, pick up one of Kelly’s “Dinowhors” or “Slutasauresses” while you have the chance.

The Nook
The crowd here at the Nook always seems to be more like a family gathering for fellowship than just a bunch of art lovers fostering their favorite pastime. Artist Dean Talwwater has mounted a very nice show here. Very nice indeed. His sort of realistic but obscured style fits here nicely. It could be the pictures on the ceiling. The music was good and Rick had the kitchen humming taking care of this “family”. When you go to the nook you might try mentioning my name and see if there is any complementary lemonaid still to be had.

Lemon Street
Mary Neely, Tom Budzinski and Richard Keller are the points of focus for the Lemon Street offering to this months 2nd Saturday art goers. I was happy to be among them. I had another very nice chat with Maryllyn Sterling. What a charming lady. Sorry, back to the art. Mary’s photographs are just breathtaking as well as very well thought out. I wanted to take all of them home with me. Tom is quite a potter. He uses a gas fired kiln that gives him some options and latitudes not to had with an electric kiln. His work is beautiful. Richard is a master artist who indulges his flights of fancy. Fore some unknown reason I was more drawn to his sea creatures. Another friendly crowd was on hand here to enjoy these offerings.

Lester Pitz

Spirit

Where the mind is clear,
Bright stars illume the night, and
Give substance to shadow.
But self-doubt is an enveloping/inhibiting
Cloud of distraction.
Must we not disperse the cloud
With knowledge and rational thought?
A clever mind leads to inspiration,
And inspiration to fulfillment.
For fulfillment is the reward
Inspiration is the path,
Knowledge is the key, and
Thought is the door,
To exceed the door is the goal.
For there we find the dweller within, and
Are joined with our parts.

Second Saturday 3-13-10
Many places, Kenosha
By Lester Pitz

If there was a lack of spirit in Kenosha’s art world for the Haiti benefit last Saturday it certainly wasn’t evident for this month’s round of gallery openings. Kenosha’s art denizens (hereafter KADs) were out
in full spirit, in spite of some rainy November—um, ah—March weather.
A very spirited bunch was on hand at The Nook. This group of KADs, almost all of whom are known to this reviewer, are much like a spiritual family. I was very pleased to see one of them in particular. I have always had a connection with her on a higher level. Hugs to you, Ashley. The opening’s artist, Kyle Servais, was a great host and played the “didge” for us. I wasn’t drinking, but somehow I really enjoyed looking at the ceiling. In addition to the various openings Scoops and Franks Diner were open to give sustenance to the bunch of us who were out taking in the sights.

It was nice to see a good crowd at the Pollard. It was Nancy’s 85th birthday and she had cake for everyone. Grandson Ross Pollard put in a nice appearance with his illustrations and paintings. I voted for the barn picture; excellent detail in this work. I have to wait for the end of the show to find out whose work it is. There was good spiritual entertainment at Down the Rabbit Hole. And another nice bunch of KADss. (see above). Chet at Artworks had a closing reception for the Mother Goosed show/auction. Due to some spirited bidding in the closing moments, I will not have the cover art by Diane LeVesque to give to my grandchildren. Sad for me, but good for art in Kenosha. Maryllyn Sterling could not have been a better hostess for the Lemon Street opening, featuring works by Suellyn Scoon, Amy Maloney and herself. Suellyn seems to isolate her subjects and give them pensive looks. Amy’s rosaries are spectacular, and Marilyn’s paintings are just plain fun and scream at one to
“TOUCH ME”. A delightful crowd at Lemon Street, and those who there at the end of the evening got to take home some great food. Thank you, Marilyn.

The only one who knows for sure,
This ounce of words is just a token.
Is he who has a tongue to tell,
But must remain unspoken.
(Moondog)

by Lester Pitz

The powers that be at Carthage College should well be primping the feather in their hat. That was earned by having the foresight to bring to Kenosha the remarkable series of photographs currently on display in the H.F. Johnson Gallery.

SACRED WATERS
India’s Great Kumbha Mela Pilgrimage

These few words title this showing depicting a journey of millions of people in a sacred quest. This writer has not sufficient vocabulary to do justice to a description these photographs. So I will simply ask our readers to test the artistic veracity of photographer Jean-Marc Giboux. As he puts us in this great adventure. To archive a full understanding of just what you are viewing please take a moment or 2 to digest the accompanying verbiage.

And while you are there you will want to see an exhibit in the space next door by artist Anna Szymczak. Anna has titled her show “heat”.

H.F.Johnson Art Gallery at Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140

Sacred Waters: India’s Great Kumbha Mela Pilgrimage
Featuring pictures by Chicago-based photojournalist Jean-Marc Giboux
Feb. 9-March 27, 2010