For the past 12 years I've been part of an art group which meets monthly at one of our studios. During this time we have gotten to know each other and to understand the evolution of each others work. We have learned to talk about our own work and to encourage other work.
Janet Van Fleet does some amazing work and is herself an amazing person. She has strong personality and energy, and a grand creative drive with a political bend. Her pieces might seem whimsical at first, but there is a deep story and message lying below. These are older assemblages as her new work is packed to go with her to Nagoya, Japan where she travels with 3 other Vermonters on Jan 22 for 3 weeks. For more info check out the Nagoya blog
This oil painting on linen is by Cheryl Betz...meditative, visually vast, yet organic. One of the group liken it to old masters in its quality.
Alex Bottinelli studies one of her small paintings as we discuss how best to present them. Liz Nelson, whose works hangs gracefully in the Governor's office is just recovering from a rotator cuff operation. She finally had the use of her right arm and displayed 2 new works she had so joyfully painted just yesterday in excitement to have something to bring to the group showing.
As we talked of our work and our year's beginning, our goals for the future, I kept being drawn to the personification at the window. She would capture my attention again and again until I turned my camera on her and attempted the difficult shot of form against the white light. More of Janet's work can be seen at her site...is it janetvanfleet.com?
6 comments:
definitely more then an art group - the oil painting just knocked me out!
I enjoyed seeing this wonderful work. What a great group you all have...
I envy you and those who take part in this group as I have been wanting to bring together a group of artists for gathering and sharing precious moments together in conversation on that which is dear to ones heart.
Please do not take the envy as something negative, rather that I believe with my continued persistence it will come about. In the meantime I wish you and your friends all the very best,
Egmont
Thanks Jeane, Leslie and Egmont for stopping in to visit with my art group. It is indeed fortunate to share art with its makers on a regular basis. We have all grown together.
12 years is amazing Maggie! What a wonderful ongoing and rich conversation.
Quite something.. can you recall the way the group has evolved over the time?
Sophie
Hi Sophie, the group was in progress before I joined and my first year was challenging, learning how to fit in. Our work is so different. Learning how to see the individual work, how to make responses which are expanding rather than belittling, how to talk about what one is seeing. It has a whole process. We've arranged several group shows and look forward to making the next one happen.
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