Central Oregon and Sisters area art lovers will have plenty to look at during the My
Own Two Hands Art Stroll, Friday Night, April 17th, from 4:30 to 7pm. This year's theme is "Something Wild," featuring beautiful donated work to benefit the art and music programs in the Sisters Oregon School District, through the Sisters Folk Festival and the Americana Project. To bid on any of the works please contact the Sisters Folk Festival . Good Luck and happy bidding!
High Desert Gallery in Sisters is honored to be exhibiting the donated work by Paul Alan Bennett, Kathy Deggendorfer, J Chester (Skip) Armstrong, John
Simpkins, Kimry Jelen and Cristina Acosta specifically during the Art Stroll. We thought we would share with you the artists' thoughts and the inspiration behind this year's donated work. Join us on Friday, April 17th (4:30-7pm) during the art stroll for great art, refreshments and live music by Doug and Katie Cavanaugh.
Wild Thing - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Paul Alan Bennett
The current recession has, at times, made me feel timid and tenuous about money matters and future possibilities. The world had become a scary place like the forests of old where monsters once were thought to lurk. Feeling such timidity affected my productivity. I had no ideas and was hesitant to even start. After two months of feeling like this I knew it was time for a change. I needed to find a place that gave me strength. Such a place happened when I started reworking an older painting of a boy leaping into the water. I changed the water to the forest- that leap into the unknown. The figure is strong and in action, leaping/diving into the branches of the tree. The dark parts of the painting deal with that unknown element and the red color of the branches could be seen as blood vessels. The forest/recession in still a monster in the psyche needing to be confronted. The strength in the painting comes in two forms: The action of the figure confronting the unknown is one. Also, the fact that I was doing this painting with the intent of giving it away. There is strength to be found in giving. The fears of the current recession cannot affect such an act negatively. After I finished this painting I found my mind to be full of new painting ideas. What a transformation from how I had been feeling just a few weeks before. I had found my place of strength. Paul Alan Bennett April 2009
About Paul Alan Bennett: Award winning professional artist, educator, and art advocate, Paul Alan Bennett has garnered national attention. Paul's imagery is passionately detailed and manifests a unique perspective and style resulting in colorful, vivid imagery sought after and collected nationally. Honors graduate of Maryland Institute of Art and Master of Arts from The University of La Verne (Athens Greece), Paul has excelled in the field of watercolor and most recently in the release of a select group of Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Prints and worked closely with Pendleton Woolen Mills to release limited edition tapestry blankets. Paul's work has been reproduced for two Sisters Folk Festival Posters and the 2008 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster. His style and perspective originate from memories, life experiences and travels that sparks many of the themes found in this Sisters artist's work. Paul Alan Bennett's artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.
Walkin' On The Wild Side - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Kathy Deggendorfer
"Walkin' On The Wild Side". Everybody in Sisters loves their dog.... some folks like them so much they take them to day care-- puppy play dates! So in celebration-- K and T are doin' the year of the Dog!! Tonye and I have had such fun working on our collaborative show for this July --Going To The Dogs-- it was a natural to do this piece for My Own Two Hands.... Something Wild! We were out for one of our "cobweb clearing" walks one day this winter and happened upon one of the folks from Central Bark (our local doggie day care) taking their charges out for their daily "constitutional". If it had been ME in charge- it would have been "Chaos on a String" or worse. I love dogs, but they don't seem to have too much respect for me. Not so with this pro dog walker..... it was clear which end of the leash was in charge. So three cheers for dogs and dog walkers! It's a "Walk on The Wild Side" every day at Central Bark. --- notice how the leash from the painting syncs with the leash on the quilt! Awwww. now that's dang cute! Come to the Auction and support art, music and creativity in Sisters.... Kathy Deggendorfer April 2009
About Kathy Deggendorfer: Kathy Deggendorfer lives on a cattle and hay ranch just outside of Sisters, Oregon. Inspired by the color, pattern and texture of her surroundings, she creates vibrant and colorful watercolor paintings. Whimsical images of flowers and ranch life fill the paintings with color and life. "Folks tell me they just feel happy when they look at my work-- that makes me happy." Raised in Portland, Oregon, in a clothing manufacturing family, she says ,"Sewing skills skipped a generation with me... but I love fabric. I like to call my creations 'Painters Quilts.' I can prowl around the rounders full of prints at the Stitchin' Post with the best of 'em... I just put my fabrics in with a paintbrush." Kathy's collaborative work with master quilter, Tonye Belinda Phillips, is another fun combination of painted image and textile interpretation. Kathy is currently working on a project about Oregon Specialty Farming and sustainable farm practices. This project takes her out into the fields of Oregon farms to paint and learn about what makes Oregon agricultural practices and people unique. Trips to the cattle ranches of Eastern Oregon and vineyards of the Willamette Valley provide her with plenty of rich and colorful images. Kathy's work is collected throughout the Pacific Northwest and reaches out to all corners of the United States. Kathy was selected to create the official Oregon 2008 ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. Represented by High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, she has pieces in the permanent collection at Redmond Airport, 2007 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Poster Artist, she wrote and illustrated a children's book for St. Charles Medical Center, and her work has been translated into clothing and fabric for Columbia Sportswear. In 2005, Kathy was awarded 'Citizen of the Year' in Sisters Oregon for her contributions to the community and the arts. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kathy Deggendorfer exclusively in Central Oregon.
Soul Catcher - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Kimry Jelen
Soul Catcher, is a portrait inspired by the romantic era from the mid 1800's with the dark shadowy background and dramatic highlights. While painting, I imagined all the special horses I have met with those big liquid eyes and that wonderful silky coat that swept me off my feet and carried me on their backs. Some horses are able to look deep into your soul - they know everything about you and accept you anyway. It is a humbling experience that touches your heart. Kimry Jelen, April 2009
About Kimry Jelen: Central Oregon is home for professional horse trainer and artist, Kimry Jelen. She demonstrates an intimate understanding of her subjects. Her contemporary style flows freely from abstract to representational. She uses playful perspectives and surprising colors to express passion in her art. "My art is an opportunity to share with others what nature shares with me. Every creation is a celebration of life, whether an aspen grove, the power of horses, or an animal's sense of humor! I receive so much joy from interpreting my love of nature with paint, brush and palette knife."
Kimry's art is also influenced by the places she has lived and traveled. She worked for ranches in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and New Mexico. She's walked with primates on safari in Africa and rode horses in the classical arenas of Portugal and Spain. Inspiration from these places can be seen in her use of space, unique texture and remarkable color combinations. This native Oregonian's work has found its way into private collections across the United States and the continents she's visited. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kimry Jelen exclusively in Central Oregon.
Something Wild Outside My Window - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: Cristina Acosta
This painting expresses the contentment, curiosity and happiness I feel watching the birds. The Ponderosa pine, manzanita and bitterbrush garden around my art studio offer shelter and food to the native and migrating birds in Central Oregon. I put several birdfeeders outside my studio windows so that I can watch the birds as I paint. Last summer a lost racing pigeon stayed for a couple of weeks, getting fat and rested before flying off to join a wild flock that roost near the river.
Some birds arrive to the feeders in flocks, others visit singly or in pairs. I imagine their flights over the mountains and through severe storms before they find a haven and a snack in my garden, tucked into the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains. Cristina Acosta
About Cristina Acosta: Cristina's career has included: A two-year stint as a billboard mural and lettering artist. Five years teaching college art classes. Nine years as an artisan tile designer & production artist for her nationally distributed signature line of ceramic tile during the 1990’s, life long love of the arts and more. Her artistry is featured in a variety of books and magazines, including her successful art book, Paint Happy! (North Light Books, ©2002,2004). She illustrated the children’s book, When Woman Became the Sea (Beyond Words Pub., ©1998) and contributed to many other books and periodicals including Artist Magazine, Pure Inspiration, Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Latina magazine, Latina Style, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Day home design publications. Cristina continually paints and writes from her studio at her home in the rain-shadow of the Cascade Mountains. She creates three distinct series of paintings: Paint Happy series, Hispanic Heritage series (Madonnas) and her oils including her Animal Spirit series. Despite the different styles, her work is typified by her lush use of color, dynamic design and the presence of joy. Museums, galleries and collectors nationwide collect and exhibit her work. Cristina's work is represented by and available for sale through High Desert Gallery's Fine Art Gallery in Central Oregon.
Speak Your Mind - My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: John Simpkins
“Speak Your Mind” (the painting)
is the result of a stop-motion animation project used in a
documentary film, "Speak Your Mind" entered in the "Doc
Challenge 2009.” The painting includes an original hand-painted
wooden liner created by me especially. The panel (artwork) is the
final painting in a series of approximately 200 painted images in the
animated film, and all the other paintings are underneath this one!
So the winning bid/buyer is getting 201 paintings in one! “Speak
Your Mind,” includes a copy of the documentary film created for the
“Doc Challenge 2009.”
About John Simpkins: Renowned painter, John
Simpkins’ work draws upon Americana, folk and medieval art, myth and
mysticism, and is avidly collected by dedicated patrons throughout
North America. Nationally published artist, gallery owner, and
supporter of the arts, John has received national recognition. Born in
Napa Valley, California, he studied at UC Davis and privately with Earl
Thollander and Gordon Brusstar. His work has been reproduced in limited
edition prints and distributed nationally. Since 1976, John has had
many one-man and group shows in California and Oregon. John lives in
Central Oregon with his standard poodle companion, Phoebe, atop a rocky
plateau five miles south of Sisters. His travels include much of the
continental United States, Mexico, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and
most recently Nepal and Tibet. John paints intuitively, encouraging his
emotional voice to speak: Simpkins says, "I paint with my heart." He
enjoys painting, tending his orchid collection, and designing
interiors.
My Own Two Hands Artist Thoughts: J Chester Armstrong
We all wait with anticipation to see
what magic Skip will bring to us this year. The piece was not
complete at press time, and will be revealed at the art stroll.
Skip's support is greatly appreciated!
About J Chester Armstrong: A self taught artist, Skip achieved national and international reputation through gallery representation in major art cities including Carmel, Laguna Beach, Palm Desert, Santa Fe, Taos, Aspen and others. He has been sculpting professionally since 1972 and his work is sought after by private and corporate collectors worldwide. "My art depicts and expresses the world of nature - primitive, immediate and direct; the screams of eagles soaring on the wind; the stealth of big cats hunting; coyotes howling at the moon rise; the pound of horses on the run; otters playing water tag ... these things move me; this and me are one - brothers of the life force. To find this is my joy, to express it, my passion," states Armstrong. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent J Chester Armstrong in Central Oregon.
My Own Two Hands Art Stroll activities at High Desert Gallery of Sisters Oregon
Artists
of My Own Two Hands -- Original Paintings & and more!April
1 - April 30, 2009 Artist
Reception - Friday April 17, 2009 4:30-7PM.
Meet the Artists, Enjoy Refreshments and Live Music by Doug and
Katie CavanaughHigh Desert Gallery281
W Cascade Avenue at OakSisters, Oregon 97759541-388-8964
/ 866-549-6250Open Daily: F/S/S/M 10am to 5pm, T/W/H 10am-2:30pm
(Winter Hours)www.highdesertgallery.com
