The Hum of the Human Engine that Keeps BWAC Ticking

This is my love letter to BWAC. I left BWAC Saturday afternoon awestruck again by the dedication of so many people who keep the organization not just running but thriving. The sheer size of the gallery and the number of exhibits on view simultaneously is quite amazing. But let me start at the beginning. Three years ago I met Alicia Degener soon after moving to Brooklyn from Virginia. She introduced me to BWAC and encouraged me to participate. I jumped in.

As a new member I am still learning the ropes and making connections with other artists. As a member of the Board of Directors I have gotten acquainted with my fellow board members. I recently reached out to Renee Radenberg and Sandy Forrest and had lovely visits with both. As a result of our time together, Sandy was kind enough to offer to come pick me up in Bay Ridge and help me get artwork to BWAC for both the Makers Market and the members show, Portals.

Benefits of the BWAC Experience: interacting with kind, talented artists who go out of their way to be supportive

 

Ann G Corbett, Gardner's Eden, acrylic and marker on canvas. Juried exhibit: Elements.

When I arrived at BWAC on Saturday, I brought in my work for the Market to set up my table and then head upstairs to hang 4 collages in the member's exhibit, Portals. While I was doing those two things, Terry Urban and Sandy Forrest were in the main gallery downstairs accepting work for Wide Open 12, the juried exhibit they are co-curating. Sandy has helped me appreciate the amount of time and dedication curators put into a show. Attention to detail and communication skills are essential, then there’s all the running around in the gallery itself hanging artwork, etc. Tamavis, Arden and Renee Radenberg (co-curator of Elements) were also on the first floor on Saturday getting The Elements show down, packing up the shipped artwork, and having the artists pick up so Wide Open can be placed on the walls. These artists are all making amazing contributions to the organization. Read on, there are many others who keep BWAC humming.

To be clear, all exhibiting members work but some much more than others.

Benefits of the BWAC Experience: the juried shows attract national and international artists and help support the gallery with entry fees. In addition they get the word out to artists and collectors about what we do at BWAC and attract new members. All of this elevates our status as member/exhibiting artists.

 

My work in the Makers Market at BWAC. Collages and coloring books.

I really appreciate the opportunity BWAC provides me (and all members) to share my work in the gallery, the Market and on Artsy. I was pleased that one of my collages in the Ukraine benefit show sold on Artsy. I have a tendency to focus on making not selling my work. BWAC makes it easier to me to share and potentially sell my work in the members show with no additional fees.

The members' exhibits would not be possible without the contribution of innumerable volunteer hours by members that make it all work. A special shout out to Joe Banish, Faith, Arden and others working on Saturday whose names I regrettably don’t know. I have never been to BWAC when Jessica Schulman wasn’t at a computer keeping the data stream flowing and setting up volunteer schedules.  Not to forget our admin, Pat Dignan. A very special thanks to all of them and the other unnamed worker bees.

Benefits of the BWAC Experience: share and potentially sell my artwork instead of having it pile up in my studio!

 

Cynthia Ruse

After 3 hours of set up and hanging on Saturday, I was ready to make a break for it. Frankly, I was tired and ready to get outside. However, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see other members' work. I wandered around a little bit on my way out of the gallery to head home. Then I saw Cynthia Ruse’s work as she was hanging it in the members show. I stopped dead in my tracks. 

 

Cynthia Ruse, Matchbooks, ink, pencil, collage and flame

I introduced myself and learned a little bit more about her and her work. Incredibly she paints on matchbooks, not exclusively of course. I saw the work and didn’t even see the matches until I was told what the pieces were painted on. After that I couldn't not see the matches. We had a delightful, short conversation and her work opened up whole new ways of seeing, thinking and working.

Benefits of the BWAC Experience: meet new artists whose work expands my vision

 BWAC is truly artists helping artists. If you aren’t a member, why not? Join us. We have members all over the country.

Join us on Saturday, June 18th from 1 - 6pm for the opening of our new exhibitions and start reaping the benefits of BWAC. This is what you’ll see:

• Wide Open 12: a national juried exhibition
• They/He/She: LGBTQ+ fundraising exhibition coinciding with Pride Month
• Portals, BWAC member exhibition
• Dreams Beyond Reason: a solo exhibition by Emily Legleitner
ª Good Neighbors Park Slope: an exhibition by members of an aging in place community
 

 Have a good idea for a blog post? Let me know. Kristin Reiber Harris, krharris46@gmail.com

BWAC is Back

BWAC burst into spring with three blockbuster shows now on view Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm - 6pm through June 5th. We had a good crowd celebrating the opening of our 2022 season and appreciating the amazingly diverse and exceptional collection of artworks on exhibit.

Elements Manju Shandler, Tapestry, tapestry

 

Elements

Elements is a national juried show focusing on a contemporary interpretation of the five elements, considered the building blocks of life. There are 122 of pieces in the exhibit from artists all over the country. Elements is also available on our Artsy site.

 

Sky Earth Sea, Susan Handwerker, Orange Turtle, ceramic

Sky Earth Sea

Aligned with Elements, the BWAC members show on the second floor of the gallery is Sky Earth Sea. The member shows provide numerous opportunities during the season for member artists to exhibit their work.

 

Art and Artists for Ukraine, Jeffrey Haddorff, Listen to My Eyes, clay and steel

Art and Artists for Ukraine

With matching funds provided by Gap Inc, Art and Artists for Ukraine is a fundraiser for Ukranian refugees. Half of the proceeds will go to the USA for UNHCR fund established by the United Nations to help refugees of the war in Ukraine. The Gap’s generous contribution doubles the assistance provided to families in need. See the exhibition and make purchases on the BWAC Artsy site.

My Favorites

As I walked through the gallery on Saturday, I was impressed with the diversity of the work represented. There is something for everyone…you must see it for yourself.

Here are a few other standouts for me.

Elements, Terrie Powers, Earth Exposure, painting on unstretched canvas

 

I am a rock hound and love this depiction with its scale and palette. The image renders an almost light and airy quality to these grounding objects.

Elements, Ann G Corbett, Gardener's Eden, acrylic and marker on canvas

 

What a perfect depiction of spring: the exuberance of new growth and that wonderful pale green we associate with the season.

 

Sky, Earth, Sea, Broderick Price, Yankee Doodle, archival giclee

 

I had the opportunity to talk to Broderick and spend some time observing this work. I am drawn in and find new vistas to explore every time I look at it.

 

 

Sky, Earth, Sea, John Jerard

What great whimsy, although I am sure this is based on a real creature. The 3D work in these three exhibits adds so much to the experience. For me the work really came alive.

Makers Market

Don't forget the artwork available in our store as you enter the gallery. Sandy Forrest has some new ceramic boxes and this jar, almost good enough to eat.

 

 

Makers Market, Sandy Forrest, ceramic

Have you seen the shows? 

What were your favorites? What caught your eye?

I want to entice you to get down to the gallery before June 5th or actually get down numerous times and bring your friends. BWAC is Back!

Please share this post with your friends and family. BWAC is all about artists helping each other and sharing our work.

 

Get a Jump on Spring with The Elements!

 BWAC is excited to open the Spring season with the juried show The Elements. Don’t delay, entry deadline is March 13.

Link to the prospectus for The Elements.

Submit your entries here.

 

BWAC is pleased to have Curatorial Fellow Scout Hutchinson of the Whitney Museum of American Art as the juror for this exhibition.

The theme of this juried show is the five elements. Many cultures and traditions have wanted to simplify the workings of the universe to five components/building blocks.  The different philosophies have their own unique lists but with much overlapping. This exhibit defines the five elements as wind, fire, earth, sky and air. 

This is the BWAC challenge: visualize what this ancient tradition means in our modern world. What can you add to this age old dialogue?

Prizes

What’s in it for you? First, second and third Best of Show winners will be featured on BWAC’s Artsy page. Every accepted entry will be on exhibit at the BWAC gallery space in Red Hook, Brooklyn from April 30th to June 5th, 2022 and on sale to gallery visitors. 

BWAC's Artsy gallery 

The prospectus for the show provides all the details about the submission process, please read it carefully.  Here are a few highlights. 

Submission is through SmarterEntry with online payment starting the process. The fee for three images is $35 and $5 for each additional image. There is a discount for BWAC members, be sure to check the BWAC newsletter for details. This show is open to all residents of the US and territories who are 18 years or older. 

Submitted images need to be JPG, TIF, or PNG files with the longest side 1,280 pixels or less, up to 2MB each. The image entry number is to be included in the filename when submitted.

This is a wonderful opportunity for BWAC members and artists all over the country to exhibit their work at our fabulous space in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Be sure to share this information with friends.

Link to the prospectus for The Elements.

Submit your entries here.

BWAC Ends the 2021 Season with Blockbuster Exhibits

BrooklynSeoul shines as part of a trio of exceptional exhibitions that opened at BWAC on November 13, running through December 12. Don’t miss any of these exciting exhibits; BWAC Fall Member Show, Brooklyn Seoul and the Holiday Market. 

BrooklynSeoul was co-curated by BWAC member Geuryung Lee and her brother, Hojin Lee and features their work and art from a selection of Korean and Korean American artists. I had the delightful experience at the opening of interviewing four of the exhibiting artists. This provided the opportunity to engage with the artwork while I could ask each artist questions about their process and technique.  

                                                      Aaron Chung

Dear Mother 
Acrylic on Cut Canvas and Mesh
99" X 48" X 8"
2021

Aaron Chung’s contribution to the exhibition was my first destination.  I had noticed his work on the BWAC promo for the show and was immediately motivated to see more. Aaron’s work on display are large multi-layer hanging scrolls in a subdued palette featuring botanical subject matter. Aaron is the only one of the four artists I spoke to who was born in the Unites States. He talked about growing up in San Francisco to parents who owned a dry cleaning business. When speaking of the significance of his ethnic background, he remembered he interacted with few Koreans as a child. Aaron acknowledged working hard to learn about his Korean heritage including a Fulbright Fellowship in Korea. 

                                                

                                                                 Detail Stream of Thought

                                                             Acrylic on Cut Canvas and Mesh
                                                                            104" X 48" X 8"

                                                                                    2020      
    

When Aaron talked about his concept development, I appreciated the depth and complexity of his thinking. He is referencing flowers, composition and materials of Asian and specifically Korean art and culture while reflecting his contemporary sensibilities. The pieces hang as scrolls in two layers so that cast shadow of the cut canvas is an important component of the work. Enamored by the imagery and scale, I am also intrigued by his technical process. He is drawing botanical imagery, cutting it out of canvas and gluing it on mesh. This scroll hangs in front of another painting. A detail above shows how Aaron incorporates tickets from his parents dry cleaning business in his art...a kind of reference to home.  My favorite is Dear Mother, dedicated to his mother and including flowers associated with mothers in Korean culture. The large botanical imagery of his scrolls captured my heart and spoke to me directly. The pieces are elegantly imposing yet delicate.

http://aaronchungart.com

Remembrance
Acrylic on Cut Canvas and Mesh
104" X 48" X 8"
2020

Jung Eun Park’s work includes a table with a piece she is working on and the tools she is frequently using, adding a unique dimenions to her installation.  My conversation with Jung Eun focused on her separation from her mother in Korea and the frustration of meaningful communication from such a distance. A recurring image in her work is an icon of a house and vegetation. She explains it this way, “Since I moved to New York from Korea and being separated from my family in a long-distance, I’ve been obsessed about fear of unconnected relationship and uncertainty of where I belong. In my work, I investigate the meaning of home by observing my relationship with people, objects, and environments.”

Jung Eun Park, view of exhibit

Grass is still growing to protect my home, 2021

Pencil, thread, ink, cut-and-pasted paper on coffee dyed Korean mulberry paper

14.5 x 14 inches

I found her most compelling work on the table. It’s the back of a letter to her mother that she has embroidered. It is unreadable to the viewer and speaks to her frustration. As she explains, “In a series of text-embroidered drawings, I use text as imagery of communication difficulty, showing a backside of embroidered text. This was started from the work, “Letter to Mother, 2009”. I embroidered my handwritten letter with red thread and showed the backside of the letter so that viewers including my mother cannot read. The stitched text has been developed as a drawing element combined with a shape of a house to evoke a silence in a relationship." There is a quiet consistency to her work that is comforting while inviting investigation.

http://www.jungeunpark.com

As a star gazer and lover of the color blue, Mars Heejung Kim’s work was a knock out for me. The Eclipse series she is exhibiting references her love of the night sky and her desire to be an astronaut as a child growing up in Korea. These paintings resemble mandalas as a symbolic representation of the universe in Buddhism philosophy. On her website she explains “I had the opportunity of studying Tibetan Mandala paintings and I was fascinated by the patterns and symbols found in them.  In my drawings, the concept of Karma plays an important role. It appears as the line that constantly meets and separates throughout the entire picture plane. That line represents the path of my life.” The intensity of the color in these watercolor images is heightned by overpainted white lines that shimmer like the night sky. 

Eclipse 1, 2019, watercolor on paper, 20 x 16 inches

She spoke of dreaming about stars dancing and these express that joyous idea perfectly.

https://heejungkim.weebly.com

Eclipse 2, 2019, watercolor on paper, 20 x 16 inches

Ji Yong Kim’s playful nature radiates from his work. Truly a multifaceted artist, his work in the exhibit includes mixed media pieces, 3D wall sculpture and 3D animation. The work that captured my attention I knew referenced Buddhist mandalas but with great humor and unique materials. At the center of the large piece is a penis and breasts. Forever Young is in effect a paper collage, but in the most complex sense. Ji has created the paper textures and added glitter as the image is glued and built. The end result is a substantial piece that to me almost felt like leather. We talked about the construction of Tibetan mandalas, which I was fortunate enough to witness at the Freer Gallery in Washington, DC and how the glitter did references the sand used in that process.

Forever Young

What appealed the most to me about mandala piece are the botanical images in the four large outer edges. We had fun joking about how his process involved making things as complicated as possible to create a nuanced texture and meaning.

https://www.jiyongkim.com

Detail, Forever Young

I can’t emphasize enough how impressed I am with the range of offerings at BWAC as the 2021 season comes to an end. Do yourself a huge favor and don’t miss out on these shows and the holiday market. In the future try to come to the openings if you can, talking to the artists is a golden opportuity to expand your understanding of the creative process as it is reflected in the variation of every artists work. It certainly was for me.

COMING SOON: I will interview curator Geuryung Lee and find out about her motivation and process of co-curating this exhibition with her brother, Hojin Lee. I am particularly interested in exploring the idea of the impact of ethnicity and culture on an artist's work.

ChaShaMa Open Studios...Meet the BWAC Artists in Residence

 As a newbie to the multiverse that is Brooklyn, Open Studios are a great way to connect with artists. You have the opportunity to meet artists and see both their work and their working environment. So when BWAC co-president Alicia Degener suggested I visit the ChaShaMa Open Studio event at her studio complex in Sunset Park, I was pleased I could arrange my schedule to do it. My visit will be reported in two posts. The first about BWAC members with studios at this facility and the second about other artists I met on this adventure.

It turned out to be a pleasant 35 minute walk from my apartment. It is located in the Brooklyn Army Terminal which is not a warm and fuzzy place. It’s very large and a bit intimidating…even figuring out how to get in. Fortunately the wise ChaShaMa folks knew I was coming and put out a few signs at strategic locations. 

                     Maurya Brennan, Special Event & Cultivation Director for ChaShaMa

When I finally found the studios, with some help from other pilgrims, I was greeted by Maurya Brennan, Special Events & Cultivation Director for ChaShaMa. I was fascinated to learn ChaShaMa’s origin story. Founded by Anita Durst in 1995, it was dedicated to her mentor who was a filmmaker. In Farsi, ChaShaMa means “to have vision”.  Maurya informs me the ChaShaMa is a complex of over 50 studio facilities and galleries all over NYC. Lots of information on their website. https://chashama.org

There are 96 studios just in this complex at the Army Terminal. I stopped by Alicia Degener’s studio to check in. She has a great space with the coveted windows. I saw her tile prep process set up and a collection of paintings on the wall outside her studio space. She wasn’t there when I first arrived so this was a self-guided tour. I really enjoyed seeing the paintings and drawings on the wall outside her studio. I most frequently see her work on tiles and it's wonderful to see the originals full scale. You can see more of her work on her Etsy site. Or follow her on Instagram @adegener

Alicia Degener, work on paper ont the wall outside her studio

When I did connect with Alicia, she directed me to two fellow BWAC members who have studios at ChaShaMa.  My first stop was with Jonathan P Fischer. We have all seen his work because he has frequently provided graphic design services for BWAC.

                           Jonathan P Fischer, Ombra, 2020, paper collage, 62" x 39"

As a designer/collage artist  I was especially interested to see his work and learn about his process. As you might imagine, his studio was full of magazines and other images from various sources with samples of his work hanging from the wall.

Jonathan P Fischer in his studio

The components of his work I found the most interesting were from movie billboards and posters.  He referenced his days in Rome and finding movie posters he incorporated in his work. We talked a little bit about how copyright issues impact/or don’t impact on his work and collage in general. We had a very pleasant visit. Learn more about his work on Artsy.

                             

Geuryung Lee in her studio

Geuryung Lee was my second stop. She is a very active BWAC member currently curating an upcoming exhibit. As described on the BWAC website:  Brooklyn Seoul presents a fresh variety of art with an emphasis on the world as we know it now from a distinctly Korean point of view. Emerging and mid-career (and under-represented) artists are highly encouraged to apply.

Anticipated Opening is November 13, 2021. All disciplines are welcome. Application fee: $35 (U.S.)Enter at Smarter Entry

  Geuryung Lee, The Rain Coat, mixed media on canvas

This large painting welcomed me into her space. I was immediately drawn to a series of large lithographs Geuryung had on the wall of her studio. They consisted of black brush strokes and one color creating a bold, fluid statment, strong and fluid simultaneously.

                   
Geuryung Lee, the Gratitude series, lithographs

                               

Learn more about her work on her website and Instagram @geuryunglee. I am looking forward to the opening of Brooklyn Seoul that will celebrate art from Korean artists, national artists and Asian culture. See you there. 

I was sorry to miss connecting with BWAC artists also in residence at ChaShaMa Stephanie Norberg and James Rose. 

Stay turned for my next installment about the other artists I met at the ChaShaMa Open Studios.

This blog is produced and written by BWAC board member Kristin Reiber Harris.                You can contact me at krharris46ATgmail.com.

Meet BWAC Artist: Brooke Lambert

 

Brooke Lambert, Blossoms, 8"x10", collograph and gauche

I recently met Brooke because her wonderful prints are on the panel next to mine in the Hello, Brooklyn show now hanging at BWAC. I was immediately attracted to her palette and the joyful nature of her work. As a fellow printmaker, I appreciate her dedication to the process and the unique results it produces.

1. Why do you make art?

I make art to express and communicate my feelings about my surroundings

in nature and to share beauty. I believe it’s important to share beauty in the

world and be a source of positivity in people’s living and working

environments. Art for me is about taking something that’s important to me

and making it visible and more beautiful to other people. I’ve always

thought that the best songs are personal to the person who wrote them but

relatable to anyone who listens to them. My goal for my art is similar: to

make something with deep meaning for myself but also something that

translates to the viewer.

2. What tools/materials do you find essential in your studio?

    My works are primarily collagraphs because I’m drawn to the sculptural

qualities and rich range of color I can achieve in this way of working. To

build a collagraph plate, I first take a piece of matboard and cut it down to

my desired print size. I cover the plate with materials I’ve collected,

including string, netting, and pieces of fabric.

After I arrange my materials on the plate, I use a staple gun to attach

them to the plate while using a brush to cover them with gesso, creating a

sculptural, low-relief surface. I take that plate to my printmaking studio

and cover it with ink using a large brush. When it is completely covered

with ink, I use balled-up tarleton to wipe the ink off most of the plate, so it

sticks only in the crevices in my design.

    I put my plate on my printing press and cover it with wet 100 percent

cotton rag paper. I cover that with newsprint, then run it through the press

to make a print. The enormous pressure of the press drum and press

blanket push materials on my plate into the cotton rag paper to create an

embossed print.

    I take my print and go back to my home studio, where I paint with

gouache to add luminosity and color to my pieces. The results are original

painted collagraph prints.

Storytelling with Art

                                      Trajan on the Roman Mammisi at Dendera, Egypt  

                                                            Photo:Olaf Tausch

I recently attended a virtual storytelling conference, Better" | A STORY 2021 Intensive hosted by Story Gatherings. Better was the emphasis; telling stories about the better world we want to live in. Storytelling and art for a better world, what a great idea.

Artists' Vision: Two Gallery Shows in Brooklyn

 

Amy Weil, Burnt Offerings           Photo:440 Gallery

I have recently seen two local Brooklyn gallery shows of note. My gallery visits included stimulating conversations with three artists. One of the reasons I love talking to artists is we see possibilities.  We believe in our vision and we want to share it.

Stand4 is a Bay Ridge gallery run by Jeannine Bardo. I met Jeannine soon after I moved to Brooklyn by following a series of crumbs that led me to her. A bonus was that her gallery is close by. Stand4 always has a very ambitious agenda that pushes my boundaries. The current show is no exception.  

Artists Mira Dayal, Marina Kassianidou and curator John Ros     

Intermission museum art/archive: volume I, on view at Stand4 from September 10 — October 23, 2021 is a robust show that takes a certain amount of unpacking. Twenty-two artists have been paired to create the 11 teams included in this exhibit. I will merely scratch the surface here and invite you to come to Stand4 and immerse yourself in this exhibit. I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my horizons and see the world from a different perspective.

Meet BWAC Artist: Gene Dunn

Gene contacted Joe Banish of the Communication Committee about his intervew in Portray magazine. He wanted to know if we could run it on the blog. Joe passed the information on to me. I appreciated the heads up and contacted Gene to see if he would like to participate in my series of artist interviews. The link to the Portray article is at the end of this post with other links to his work and social media. 

As we are rolling out the blog, I am particularly interested in producing series of posts that are similar in style and easily accessible for the reader. I think it adds to the conversation in a short interview to see the artists in context to each other because they are answering the same questions. Do you agree? 

Meet Gene Dunn:

pastel and charcoal on paper, 11x14

Why do you make Art? 

 

I’m not so sure if I’m making something, or if something is making me. That being said I’m fascinated by aiming to be present to some of the more sublime moments I’m experiencing from the subject and expressing it, or get as close as I can to expressing it. It’s a good place for me to put some of my more intense feelings.