| Jan Bush, Bruce Gray, Anthony Hansen, Jeffrey
Manpearl, Robert Moore, and Kari Von Wening transform scrap metal
and steel into works of art in the exhibition INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
on view at The Folk Tree from April 21 - May 19. Pieces are welded,
cut, painted, and polished, and some incorporate found objects and
stained glass. All participating artists share a fascination with
the tactile and indestructible nature of their material. The public
is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, April 21, from 2 - 6 P.M. Kari Von Wening says, "My romance with metal has its genesis in Intaglio printmaking. I was more drawn to the physicality of the zinc plates than I was to the prints they created... The limitations of the plates led me to search for other types of metal that would provide me with greater flexibility. Scrap metal was the answer, offering me creative choices in surface texture, color, and form." Von Wening is represented in the show by a series of metal "canvases" and a few of her three dimensional works, including a "puffy" heart, license plate moth, and bustier. Jan Bush, who often collaborates with Von Wening, has a background in photography and fine art. Over the last five years, he has enjoyed the physical demands of his larger work in metal. Several pieces from his instrument series are on view - ukuleles, guitars, and violins - as well as small metal "paintings." As with Von Wening, these works incorporate imagery created with layers of inks and acrylic enamels. The stresses associated with being a float designer for the Rose Parade convinced Robert Moore years ago to become a full-time sculptor. What carried over from his former position was his love of movement. This show includes a few of his kinetic pieces, in which he transforms heavy, aged, metal discards into delicately balanced sculptural dances. Also on view are his primitive "cubist" figures, assembled from pieces of scrap metal. The found object sculpture of Bruce Gray is usually greatly exaggerated in scale. In this show, he displays several giant insects created from random industrial parts. His work has appeared on countless television shows, including Six Feet Under and Seinfeld, as well as in movies such as Austin Powers, Meet the Fockers, and Batman Forever. Jeffrey Manpearl has been cutting steel for over twenty years. He attended Southern California Institute of Architecture, but rather than design habitable buildings, he creates architectural "ferroglyphs." These are plasma-cut metal picture towers with inspirational sayings. The series on view focuses on the rhythms of city life. The hearts included by Anthony Hansen are a recurring theme for the artist, because they "represent a level of connection that transcends differences and brings us all together." The artist continues, "I collect the rusted piece of tin, the faded car hood, the twisted piece of wire, the beach-worn bit of glass, and try to give them importance... I have always loved print and type, so I often try to incorporate letters and numbers into the pieces..." Von Wening observes, "The history of found metal is revealed in its torn disintegrating edges, pitted surfaces, natural patinas, and play of the elements." As the exhibition demonstrates, it is these qualities of metal that provide participating artists with a continuing process of discovery and creative inspiration. The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line's Del Mar station, and just south of Old Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at 626/793-4828. |
|
|
