Two veteran Lopez artists, multi-media artist Richard Singer and potter Jeff Hanks, will be featured in a joint six-week show of both new and retrospective paintings, art boxes and pottery at Lopez Library. The opening, from 3:30 to 5:30 on Friday, February 29th will feature brief talks about the work and a reception with refreshments and goodies in the Library meeting room.
Singer’s show is titled “Tripping Out: Maps, Memories and Miracles without GPS.” The 3:30 talk is “Finding Our Way” plus other subjects which attendees express interest in. Jeff Hanks will also speak on creating wood-fired ceramic art.
Art viewers will see many changes in the style of the art pieces from the 70’s to the present. Singer commented, “I try to include some prize-winners and pieces that have been particularly favored. I also try to avoid boring people with pieces than aren’t accessible. And I want some humor in there, too!”
The work will reflect more than 85 years of combined art creation by the two artists. Singer’s work reflects a long-standing interest in and love of maps – both internal and external – as well as, in his many years of travel, taking time to stop and sketch anything that catches his eye. These many travel sites and cultures have led to a pursuit of new visions in his art, such as the use of Kanji writing from Japan and ancient written languages. The current show also draws on his influential recent trip – this time to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific – with re-creation of mysterious “stick maps” used by ancient Polynesian mariners.
Jeff Hanks’ wood-fired ceramic art results from a traditional way of firing used before the onset of electric kilns. It introduces some interesting surprises in the pottery as the pots go through a less-controlled heat process, producing more unusual effects on the glazes. Hanks started ceramic arts when he was a teenager in the early ‘70s, so he is a master at getting the shapes, colors and patterns he imagines at his advanced level of creative skill. His ceramics will be clearly seen in the glass case near the library entrance.
“It’s great to show at the library,” said Singer. “I can include some extra big pieces and the people traffic is fantastic – folks from all walks of life. I think everyone can find something stimulating and fun here. And Jeff can show his vulnerable pieces in the viewable glass cabinets at the entrance. Parents don’t need to be concerned about little ones juggling pots.”
The library art show will be open during all the library’s normal hours. It is free to all.
Meg Ryan coordinated and assisted the artists for the show and reception, an enormous help for the participants and library.
Both Richard and Jeff’s art can be seen at Lopez’s artist co-op gallery, Chimera Gallery.
