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Clothing Chronicles: Biography in Very Mixed Media
Recent mixed media pieces by Bonnie Meltzer
Beet Gallery
NW 18 and Lovejoy
Portland, Oregon
Now through June 27, 2009
Last day informal artist’s talk Saturday, June 27 at 3:00pm
Below, Packed Clothes, by Bonnie Meltzer.
In this new body of work, Bonnie Meltzer ponders our connections to clothes in a series of mixed media constructions. Wood cut-outs embellished with found objects, crocheted wire and text are in the shape of garments — a brownie uniform, a prom dress, a band uniform. Another part of this series about clothes takes a new form for the artist: actual articles of clothing — ties, underwear, uniforms, ballet shoes — become part of paintings on canvas. Although some of the pieces use way more paint than she normally does and that eight of the works are on canvas they are still sculptural. The clothing, often rumpled, and found objects add a sculptural quality.
Our memories are jogged by old garments. Conversely, thoughts of the past often lead us to think about what people wore. Personal stories are told with clothes but they are entwined with the era in which we live. In our mind’s eye clothing becomes a visual shorthand to a particular era evoking all the stories — the personal and the values, virtues, customs and even politics of that time period.
Garments came from her own collection but they were offered from friends and family as well. Other Portland Open Studios artists found, lent and gave her clothes to use for this project. Conversations with them brought ideas and other perspectives. She asked Portland Open Studios artist Sabina Haque, “What did you bring from Pakistan when you moved here?” “Everything”, which is evident if you see Sabina’s paintings filled with portraits in traditional dress. In Packed Clothes Meltzer thought about bringing clothes with you when you emigrate and the buying of exotic garments on a trip. Each is filled with emotional baggage.
On the last day of the exhibition she will give a gallery talk. She will weave the stories that inspired these particular works into tales of costume history. And there will be a chance for you to tell your clothes stories.
Read more about this exhibit online at Boom magazine.
For more information about Beet Gallery, see http://www.beetgallery.com.
To learn more about Bonnie Meltzer and her work, see her website at http://www.bonniemeltzer.com.
Making Connections through Portland Open Studios: Marcy Baker and Linda Womack Collaborative Workshop
Above, a collaborative piece between Marcy Baker and Linda Womack, using the techniques they will be teaching in this two-session workshop.
The seed for Take 2: Monotype & Encaustic was planted when Linda Womack visited Marcy Baker’s studio during Portland Open Studios in October 2008. Linda, an encaustic painter, and Marcy, a monotype printmaker, discovered a mutual love for teaching and interest in combining techniques. It turns out the two processes work beautifully together, and several Take 2: Monotype & Encaustic collaborative workshops are being offered this summer. Both artists will also be participating in Portland Open Studios in October.
Details on the workshops:
Take 2: Monotype & Encaustic
June Workshop
Session 1 with Marcy Baker
Thursday, June 18, 1pm – 4pm or 6pm – 9pm
Session 2 with Linda Womack
Thursday, June 25, 1pm – 4pm
July Workshop
Session 1 with Marcy Baker
Sunday, July 12, 9am – 12pm or 2pm – 5pm
Session 2 with Linda Womack
Sunday, July 19, 2pm – 5pm
August Workshop
Session 1 with Marcy Baker
Thursday, August 13, 1pm – 4pm or 6pm – 9pm
Session 2 with Linda Womack
Thursday, August 20, 6pm – 9pm
Learn how to combine two very different techniques, monotype printmaking and encaustic wax painting, to create unique pieces of art. In this collaborative class you’ll first work with printmaker Marcy Baker to create one-of-a-kind monotypes. Inks are applied to a Plexiglas plate, then transferred to paper with a press. Explore the use of stencils & other tools to build layers of ink on the plate, creating rich imagery & texture. The next session will be with Linda Womack, where you will apply vividly colored wax to your monotypes, allowing you to add pattern and texture to the surface using stencils and embossing techniques. You can also collage with wax instead of glue to incorporate papers, fibers and dried plants to your finished painting. Students will leave class with 2 finished projects. No previous experience is necessary in either technique, just an open mind and a desire to experiment!
Both instructors’ studios are located in southeast Portland. Space is limited to six students with two sessions, three students each at Marcy’s studio and everyone working together in one session at Linda’s studio.
For more information, view images, and register for workshops, visit:
Linda Womack Workshops: http://www.lindawomack.com/books//workshops/t2-monotypes.html
Marcy Baker Workshops: http://www.marcybaker.com/workshops.html
