TAWA Artists Take A Nice Gallery Walk
By Robert Girandola

A hazy, hot Saturday afternoon in Cadwalader Park was the site of the TAWA Salon 2007 gallery walk. With a ‘certified sign language interpreter' Rayna Notta on hand to help communicate to the hearing impaired, artists Andrew Werth, Michele Soslau, Julian Kernes, Robert Girandola, Anne Ditmars and Bob Lowe strolled through the museum to discuss their pieces in this months show. It was very interesting to here the thoughts and inspirations – what led each artist to this point in their journey.

Andrew Werth spoke about the ‘Embodiment' philosophy of mind and his interest in cognitive science as inspirational in his work. ‘Inherency of Meaning' is a beautiful small acrylic on paper painting. The ‘background' is informed by his study of color theory with subtle shadings and patterns, sometimes suggesting the human figure, sometimes more organic. The foreground is carefully constructed maze-like patterns running across the entire surface. ‘Douglas Hofstadter's Godel, Escher, Bach: The Eternal Golden Braid, inspired the title ‘Inherency of Meaning', said Andrew. ‘I used to be in software engineering and then technology management but found I wasn't doing the fun, creative work any more and so decided to make a change where creativity could again be the focus,' he said. These paintings are part of a larger series which Andrew finds a very ‘meditative' process.

Andrew Werth discussing one of his works while other artists look on – Salon 2007 Gallery Walk

Michele Soslau treated us to insight on ‘What Now,'a large oil on canvas which, compared to Andrew's paintings, was much more organic and free flowing. Wisps of white smoke streams from left to right at the top of this canvas, the by product of the wiping flames just below, and further below that, the bottom three quarters of the canvas are figurative sweeps suggesting a crowd of people, reminiscent of many Munch like figures, and shadows. This is Michele's exploration of thought, her reaction to the events of September 11. Michele also spoke on the broader struggle of being an artist, learning to be an artist – at the Academy where she studied – and then being an artist all over again. ‘I started out as an artist with my own voice, and then learned this very precise way of painting, and then had to find my own voice again.' Michele shared. ‘It's so important to try and find and become the artist you are, different from the ones who inspire you.' Michele went on to convey how she deeply admires Cecilia Beau and find many parallels with her, but searches to move beyond the inspiration of spirit.

Michelle Soslau discussing ‘What Now' with other TAWA artists – Salon 2007 Gallery Walk

Julian Kernes discussed two works, ‘Currents' and ‘Deco Compass', both collage like paintings. ‘Currents' has a free form, flowing under-painting combined with a well organized, mirror painting on the surface. ‘I am inspired by texture and pattern as found in nature,' says Julian. Artists present discussed the similarities and differences among the different works found at Salon. Bob Lowe commented on how the free flowing form and then the rigid pattern found in Julian's work somewhat echoed the work of Andrew Werth. In ‘Deco Compass' by Julian, we find a playful use of marker tacks and shoe laces. ‘I thought over-all the design reminded me of Art Deco, and the placement of the plastic tacks and shoe laces, with its angular movement made the whole piece feel like a compass – that's how I got the name ‘Deco Compass'. With a subtle palette and a freedom to move from gestural marks to structured line, Julian creates an interesting dialogue with nature and our attempt to make sense of it.

Julian Kernes discussing ‘Currents' now on view at the Ellarslie Mansion – Salon 2007

As for myself, I submitted two works in process, a portrait of my son Harry and my daughter Meg. I like to work in a wide variety of styles and with many different materials – sheet rock, newsprint, archival linen, oil paint. I try to let the thought dictate the medium and not the other way around. Michelle Soslau was brought up Gerhard Richter and the way he did not limit himself to one ‘style.' An interesting discussion ensued regarding the gallery system and its need to market work in one specific way – how this may really influence an artist to try and stay working one particular way and potentially limit their full range of expression. For ‘Harry' and ‘Meg' I am working in oil on an archival maple panel. I started with a charcoal under-drawing, which is clearly seen in the portrait of Meg and then moved on to the oil under-painting (monochromatic) as seen with the portrait of Harry. In the near future (when I get the works back), I will continue to the full color version using both alla prima and where suitable, glazes.

Robert Girandola discussing ‘Harry' and ‘Meg' – currently on view – Salon 2007

We then took a short walk, just about ten feet, over to see Anne Ditmars photographic submissions ‘Autumn Leaves' and ‘Calla'. In a digital age, where ‘photoshopping' is a common verb, it might be very surprising to most that neither one of these exquisite photos had one bit of manipulation. Anne graciously shared a story of how photography found its way into her life as a way to deal with the anguish of an uncle dying of cancer. ‘I would take my camera and go into nature and reflect for hours on end, studying different plant life and waiting for the perfect shot.' The beautiful compositions and exquisite color give no hint that Anne has no formal training in art or photography.

Anne Ditmars discussing her process as a photographer – Salon 2007

We finished our gallery tour with Bob Lowe in a discussion of his two works ‘Cold Soil Barn' and ‘Prallsville Mills Revisited.' He shared with us how he has been at this thing called art for the past six years now, with no formal training either. His daughter was studying art and she had noticed some things he had done and said ‘Dad, you know, you're really good – you should do art.' ‘Cold Soil Barn' is a beautiful sepia painted scene of a barn and ‘Prallsville Mills Revisited' is a brilliantly colorful painting in reds and tans. Just coincidentally, on our walk, and just as we were in the gallery where Bob's painting currently hangs, we ran into Bob's daughter and her friend Eric Kennedy. Even more coincidentally, Eric's painting ‘Untitled' (a mixed media collage) hung right next to Bob's painting. Eric's painting is very atmospheric, colorful, collage which is very cloudlike – also with vibrant colors. While hanging the show, both Matt Lucash and I thought they looked great together and really complimented and related to one another, little did we know the relationship of the two artists! Serendipity.

Bob Lowe discussing ‘Prallsville Mills Revisited' – TAWA Salon Show – 2007

The last day to view the Salon Show 2007 will be Sunday, July 29th, 2007. Following that, TAWA's Ignite Show 2007, currated by Matt Lucash, will be hanging with an opening scheduled for Saturday August 11. Watch the mail for more details. Also, don't forget, if you haven't already, please contact TAWA to confirm participation in the TAWA Paint Out – a space needs to be reserved now for the October 2007 Paint Out. As can be seen from our little gallery walk – magical things happen when artists get together.

Our certified Sign Language Interpreter, Rayna F. Notta, may be contacted at Rayna@tmail.com