“Through The Envelope,” and into our hearts. Thoughts by Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.

In preparation for their upcoming show, we asked John and Paul to provide a sneak preview of an image or two and craft some thoughts on the theme, “Through The Envelope.”

This special once a year show is not to be missed!  Call the gallery (1-866-549-6250) to obtain your invitation.  Plan now to attend ...   

“Through The Envelope”
Artist Reception for Paul Alan Bennett & John Simpkins
High Desert Gallery – Sisters Oregon
August 11, 2007

A sneak preview and some thoughts ...

Paul Alan Bennett

"Through the envelope" can mean so many things- endless things.  It can mean a veil or curtain that hides things but those things can still be sensed or shadows seen.  It could mean the envelope of the present through which the past peeks out now and then- when history comes to light unexpectedly.  It can mean the envelope of skin or fur or feathers or scales that the spirit dances within.  Likewise, the envelope of youth or old age.  We are all on a moving train passing "through the envelope" of time.  Or it can mean a letter, a stamp, stationary, one's handwriting, how we feel when we recognize someone else's handwriting on a letter addressed to us.  Or it can be a bill, a check, a credit card application with our typed name peeking out "through the envelope."  It can be a mood that we are passing through- anger, hurt, sadness, feeling deeply touched, longing, elation, pride, love, grief...

Or it can simply be a poetic sounding phrase that feels good on the tongue.

Paul Alan Bennett – June 2007

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John Simpkins

Paul Alan Bennett and I began pondering the possibilities of our next show in January of this year.  We spent many an hour sitting at The Navigator or Sisters Coffee Company, sipping lattes or tea and encouraging our imaginations to create a title for our show this August.  Eventually, I do not recall precisely how it happened, we decided upon the title, "THROUGH THE ENVELOPE".  I likened it to the ability of seeing into another person's persona.....in this case, taking a peek into the inner workings of our personalities.

THROUGH THE ENVELOPE encouraged my creative muse to visit often.  I began imagining new forms in ceramic to decorate, and even found a most unusual wooden form to paint while trapped by a blizzard in Laramie, Wyoming!  Though thought to be born with two left feet, this coming show has encouraged me to dance freely!  The show in August will be diverse in content and subject with an overall quality of playfulness and wonderment.

I am currently working on 12 pieces for the show.  Some paintings are the result of dreams recalled, some are based upon sketches done in Tibet, others express my sense of rhythm and balance on selected forms, all reflect my response to the dance of life....... there are images of cats and poodles, monks and Buddhas, mermaids and anteaters, and even a couple of self-portraits.........please come and see "through my envelope" and into my heart!

Warmest regards,
John Simpkins
June 2007

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Please plan on joining us for a wonderful evening of lively conversation, great art, refreshments and live music!  High Desert Gallery is honored to host an artist in attendance reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

To receive updates on new work, art speak thoughts by both artists, show progress and sneak previews please subscribe to our weblog at: High Desert Gallery Weblog.

Check back for more show and artist information.  If you haven’t already done so – Mark your calendar, make your hotel reservations and plan on attending this is a not-to-be missed gallery event.  To receive a mailed invitation please call the gallery and we’ll collect (but not share) your postal mailing address.  Our toll-free phone is 1-866-549-6250 – Option 3 for the Sister Gallery and Option 4 to leave a message.  We hope to see you on Saturday, August 11 for “Through The Envelope” an Artist Reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.

For additional information about the artists and the gallery please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call 541-388-8964. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art gallery with retail locations in Bend (Opening Fall of 2008), Redmond and Sisters Oregon specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing.  High Desert Gallery's online sales gallery can be found at www.highdesertgallery.biz . 

Original artwork by listed artist(s).  All rights reserved and copyright 2007.  Use of image is restricted and prohibited without prior written permisson.    High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon content copyright 2007.  The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.