Exploration

The Waverly Street Gallery artists step into new territories in this midsummer show, fine-tuning and altering their usual palettes, subject matter, dimensions, media and forms. As Henri Matisse said, “An artist is an explorer. He has to begin by self-discovery and by observation of his own procedures.”

In this spirit, a photographer, known for color-saturated prints of tropical vistas, is showing images of the American flag taken in the cooler climes of Maine. Painters venture into unfamiliar areas: one, hitherto focused upon representational work in oils, is using transparent acrylics to develop abstract visions of the natural world; another has inserted functioning clocks into the picture plane; and a third shows raku and stoneware figures of mother goddesses in lieu of her canvases. Meanwhile, ceramists move from vessels to sculpture and wall pieces; a sculptor exhibits his paintings; and a jeweller uses the inspiration of Roman rituals and Tibetan flags to create assemblages.

Exploration indeed! As this sizzling summer show makes apparent, Waverly Street Gallery members have embarked in search of brave new worlds.