High Desert Gallery's mission is to present the Art and Soul of Central Oregon. When we explore the everyday environment through the prism of the contemporary artists who live here, we are transformed, enriched in our experience and viewpoint. We support the appreciation and collecting of fine art that connects community, opens new avenues of understanding, and heals the spirit.
High Desert Gallery is honored and pleased to present a new original painting by nationally known artist, Grace Bishko, in our new gallery location at the Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota at Lava, downtown Bend. Grace's work presents questions through a mixture of fable and displacement, exploring our human relationships with the other creatures sharing the environment.
“The Intrepid Elk” is an original oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches.
“This painting belongs to
the ongoing group of my works that illustrate the displacement of
wildlife. It’s the first time, though, that I’ve used the elk
image. So far, the raven, wolf and man - 'The Ancient Trilogy' -
have been the subjects of the 'displacement' series. Including
the elk, opens up the story. It adds the presence of food for man,
wolf, raven and others. Wolf will follow the elk herds, and
eventually choose the weakest to bring down. Usually it’s a sick
animal, or one that is very old. Man will hunt for meat also. Both of
them will leave certain parts of the animal for carrion eaters, like
ravens, coyotes and foxes.
The characters in this
narrative painting are in a confusing environment. Trees are growing
inside, the wolf is both inside and outside. The raven is waiting
patiently in the tree. Their behavior is lodged in their brain and
automatic, regardless of the change in their environment. However,
the human has changed himself into a coyote. He wears a coyote mask,
and has clothed himself in red. As human beings we can change our
costume, and our thought process, and become something we wish for. I
respect my human world. However, I also have respect for all animals
in this world for what they are, and I want them to survive.” Grace
Bishko, September 30, 2009
To inquire about "The Intrepid Elk" please call 866-549-6250 or contact us online at Contact High Desert Gallery.
About Grace Bishko: Grace lives in Central Oregon, hikes the trails, and paints her memories of what she has seen. A serious and honest painter, she paints from her heart and of her memories and experiences. Her imagery contains an ever so slight surreal edge to grab and retain the viewer's attention, while at the same time satisfying their deep emotions and enjoyment. High Desert Gallery is truly honored to represent Grace Bishko. In the 1970's she decided to stop painting directly from "life," and to develop a vocabulary that would allow her to paint through her personal feelings. Through education, and experimentation, her creative endeavors evolved in many stages. The results of this adventure are embedded in the artwork she is involved in today. Now, Grace is honored that her paintings are appreciated and understood across a wide multicultural expanse. Winning all possible awards at the Cleveland Institute of Art, she went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers, The State University, Mason Gross School of the Arts. After receiving her M.F.A. degree, Grace taught life drawing at Rutgers, design at University of the Arts, and lithography at Moore College of Art. Since then, she has focused on her own art, exhibiting yearly in solo and group exhibitions. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Grace Bishko exclusively in Central Oregon.
About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon, Redmond and Sisters Oregon and one High Desert Frameworks! located in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250.
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