The Lori Warner Studio/Gallery will feature an exclusive exhibit entitled “N E S T – an evocative study”. The exhibit will be featured from June 10 – July 10, 2011. There will be artwork on view and for sale ranging from small porcelain bowls and sculpture, to large woven prints.
N E S T as defined is a structure or place made or chosen for sheltering. This exhibit explores the idea of nest in three media in a collaborative spirit amongst three prominent Connecticut artists – Lori Warner, Dina Varano and Pat Smith. The three artists worked closely together to develop and expand this idea with weekly studio visits over several months where they shared ideas, images, readings and critiqued nascent pieces, materials and techniques.
“The concept of nest has been a recurring theme for me.” said Lori Warner. Lori’s interpretation of the N E S T theme is visually sparse yet detailed, with a complex series of lines in encaustic paintings and printmaking using a monochromatic palette. “In the past, I’ve created individual pieces represented simply as a series of lines that make a nest like form. I’ve always wanted to expand upon the idea. It is a beautiful subject that meaningfully crosses over to different media.” Lori’s work suggests an underlying tone of the tender strength that is apparent when considering the simple form, yet complex structure of a nest.
From a distance nests can look haphazard, but at close examination one can see the deliberate structure. When Dina Varano creates her art for this collection, she considers the timely process of placing each twig, vine, or delicate grass. “I create a mantra during the process,” says Dina, “and in the end, those delicate lines build a strong structure – an ordered chaos that has purpose and grace.”
The collection that Dina is working on is a study of these delicate lines in the form of table-top sculpture. She works in metal and creates wire studies with these lines, in essence, taking apart the nest and transforming the metal to be like lines found in nature.
“This was my first opportunity to work collaboratively with other artists.” said Pat Smith. “To me, N E S T is essentially the concept of home and sanctuary. In one series I have combined pure white porcelain with delicate silver metal thread to create woven constructions. In another series I have fashioned some inter-nesting forms, sometimes containing or “protecting” other forms”
Pat’s pieces reflect recurring themes in her work over the years. Themes of opposites: light and shadow, fragility and strength, inside and outside. “Interplay of materials is very important to me,” said Pat, “as is a passage of air and light through my work.”
Every bird has a unique and beautiful way that it painstakingly collects the perfect materials for its nest, meticulously builds its home and protects its young. Given that each artist has children and that each is in a different stage of motherhood, the concept of N E S T is a theme to which they can all relate on different levels. They have passionately crafted the concept of N E S T to turn their personal meanings into tangible art, resulting in this interesting and unexpected exhibit.
The Lori Warner Studio/Gallery is a unique source for artwork and objects that make a lasting impression. Artwork featured in the gallery includes monotype prints, encaustic paintings, stoneware sculpture, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and custom letterpress notes. The gallery carries many exclusive pieces and regularly features guest artists that are pioneering creativity in their chosen medium. The gallery is located at 21 Main Street in Chester, Connecticut. (860) 322-4265. www.loriwarner.com.
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