College
of the Redwoods Art Gallery
Past Exhibitions
CR ALUMNI GROUP EXHIBITION
Mixed media - “Divergence”
November 3 to December 11, 2003
Reception: Tuesday, Novemeber 11, 2003 4 to 6 p.m.
Curator: Ginny Gromer
College of the Redwoods is currently presenting a group exhbition
of paintings, prints, photographs, and ceramics by CR alumni.
Participating artists are: Justin Mitman, Ginny Gromer, Tabitha
Pearson, Jenifer Mattox, Jody Schwab, and Amos Martinez.
The printmakers of the group, Tabitha Pearson and Jenifer Mattox,
use differing techniques in their work. In her current Thinking
Series Mattox “…is inspired by an internal landscape
of layered symbols over a seated figure.” She employs a
combination of printmaking methods, including multiple monoprints
and lithography, to build layers of her prints. Pearson will
be exhibiting composites of engravings and digital photographs. “I
have recently discovered digital media and I am currently combining
digital photo collages with scanned etchings of various viruses.
The digital photographs used in my current work deal mostly with
everyday items that people don’t give much thought, like
sidewalks and dumpsters, and organic substances, like human hair,
skin, lichens, and fallen leaves”, she explains.
The ceramists, Ginny Gromer and Justin Mittman, bith favor low-fire
methods in their work because it allows the possibility of trompe
l’oeil effects. Mittman’s very tall stacks of “rocks” will
be shown with a backdrop of photographs taken of the pieces in
various locations. He says, “My current work deals with
the concepts of balance and contradiction. Through this process
I feel I am able to subtly comment about the world I live in.” Working
in a much smaller scale appeals to Gromer, she observes, “Clay
nearly always does what I ask it, it responds well to my predilection
for textures, colors, and shapes. Perhaps my favorite quality
of the medium is how it allows me to mimic wood, stone, fruit
and a myriad of small objects. As a result, my affection for
the absurd is able to take on a form that could not otherwise
be shared with the viewer. Amusing phrases or word combinations
often inspire my work.”
Abstract paintings by Jody Schwab will be display. She uses
multiple layers of a transparent acrylic medium and paint to
create her work. Schwab states, “I am interested in the
line as a mark which gives a visual representation to abstract
ideas and thoughts. The lines ni my current work chart and mark
choices, ideas, and memories that have fallen tot he wayside.
In this way they are a record of unexplored potentiality.”
Amos Martinez will show a selection of his recent work, including
paintings and photographs.
