Self Taught Women

Group Exhibit

Augsut 5th - September 30th 2011 John F. Lott Gallery
Gallery

ERIKA POCHYBOVA JOHNSON
www.ebova.com

Erika’s work utilizes an elaborate painting technique and metaphoric imagery to comment on everyday life. This unique style blends contemporary aesthetics with European folk art. Erika’s process is not predetermined but is improvised and developed intuitively as she works. Visionary images are created by collapsing the three-dimensional realm into a two-dimensional veil of color shapes and dots that send the eye in pursuit of the enigmatic. Erika’s inspiration comes from her desire to contribute to the beauty of this world. She is inspired by everyday life and with her work she tries to compensate for the overwhelming negativity projected by the news media. Erika likes to portray characters, symbols, and natural phenomena that coexist in a world of peace, harmony, and mutual consolation. Erika says, “I try to remind my viewers of the wonder of childhood when encountering something new and beautiful in nature.” Wayne Breyner, in the Austin Chronicle Arts Review writes, “The artist captures creatures of the wild – a toucan, a green sea turtle, a jellyfish, each to a single board – in the midst of environments of Morrisian complexity, all rendered in such polychrome pointillism that it could make you weep for the colorblind.” Erika has won awards in national competitions and has been published in several national publications, including the December issue of ArtNews Magazine.

RENEE STEGER SIMPSON
http://www.reneestegersimpson.com/

I was raised with an artistic influence from my grandfather who was a prolific painter. From early childhood I was permitted to play in his studio. I also spent a great deal of time watching and absorbing which has been a continuous source of inspiration in my life as well as my work. Travel has also been very transforming – with a focus on northern New Mexico –and several commissioned trips to Italy - France and Spain where the saints came to life and the impact of simplicity which has forever impacted my work as an artist. With my expressions of life through color and shape I hope to release emotion and add a quality to the spirited side of life that often escapes us! My work evolves from various painting mediums to altered art whatever necessary to express the subject in the way I see it – my portfolio includes the saints - the landscape – symbolism – my take on people which started with the snooty women series in 1992 and includes my latest series painted from impromptu moments - “the impromptu series” also I love painting flowers – “one should always have flowers” – abstract and the passion for found art!

CHARISE ADAMS
www.ediblemetal.com

I have been working with metal for over 22 years. I love working with metal because while it can be very strong and capable of spanning long distances it can also be very pliable. I tend to work with thin steel strips or sheet metal and then add some other materials such as glass, copper or clay to give the work a softer more whimsical feel. My use of these varied materials can also facilitate and support creative relationships with other artists. Working another artist on a piece can be challenging but the reward is a piece that is relational and capable of reaching more people. Someone asked me once, "How do you come up with these ideas". Until they asked the question, I had never thought about it. I have finally come to realize that my artwork doesn't come from me. When I work on a piece, I see it in my head before I ever begin. The image comes to me without much thought. I have never studied artwork so I know that this is truly a gift. God has given me every art project I have ever worked on and in turn allowed me to support myself and my family doing what I love to do. I believe that most people like my work because it comes from a feminine perspective even though welding and metalwork is often considered “a man’s work”. I love my work because I have seen where it comes from. Erika’s work utilizes an elaborate painting technique and metaphoric imagery to comment on everyday life. This unique style blends contemporary aesthetics with European folk art. Erika’s process is not predetermined but is improvised and developed intuitively as she works. Visionary images are created by collapsing the three-dimensional realm into a two-dimensional veil of color shapes and dots that send the eye in pursuit of the enigmatic. Erika’s inspiration comes from her desire to contribute to the beauty of this world. She is inspired by everyday life and with her work she tries to compensate for the overwhelming negativity projected by the news media. Erika likes to portray characters, symbols, and natural phenomena that coexist in a world of peace, harmony, and mutual consolation. Erika says, “I try to remind my viewers of the wonder of childhood when encountering something new and beautiful in nature.” Wayne Breyner, in the Austin Chronicle Arts Review writes, “The artist captures creatures of the wild – a toucan, a green sea turtle, a jellyfish, each to a single board – in the midst of environments of Morrisian complexity, all rendered in such polychrome pointillism that it could make you weep for the colorblind.” Erika has won awards in national competitions and has been published in several national publications, including the December issue of ArtNews Magazine. RENEE STEGER SIMPSON I was raised with an artistic influence from my grandfather who was a prolific painter. From early childhood I was permitted to play in his studio. I also spent a great deal of time watching and absorbing which has been a continuous source of inspiration in my life as well as my work. Travel has also been very transforming – with a focus on northern New Mexico –and several commissioned trips to Italy - France and Spain where the saints came to life and the impact of simplicity which has forever impacted my work as an artist. With my expressions of life through color and shape I hope to release emotion and add a quality to the spirited side of life that often escapes us! My work evolves from various painting mediums to altered art whatever necessary to express the subject in the way I see it – my portfolio includes the saints - the landscape – symbolism – my take on people which started with the snooty women series in 1992 and includes my latest series painted from impromptu moments - “the impromptu series” also I love painting flowers – “one should always have flowers” – abstract and the passion for found art!