by
Elizabeth Monks Hack
What an artistic blast the Cypress Gallery has in store for you this month! Our annual fall show is a community-wide display of art by local creatives. For the second year in a row it has become a concept show entitled “Square Perspectives.” It seems intended to prove that our artists are anything but. Square, that is.
The challenge presented in the “call for artists” prospectus was that each piece entered must be, and may not exceed, the dimensions of 12 by 12 inches exactly. Frames were okay, but no glass. It seems that giving a group of independent artists a restriction is tantamount to a call to arms; a cause to unleash one’s creative weapons. Each work of art in this show of 59 pieces is a creative wonder, and some wildly so.
This cub reporter has been in galleries all over our nation and many great capitals of the world, and I have never seen a crocheted painting. I was delighted to discover this art form right here in Lompoc. Thank you, Jennifer Racusin, for “The Frog Prince,” a yarn and felt extravaganza that is 12 x 12 x (at least) 4”!
Another piece that projects from the wall is the clever “I Lost a Spelling Bee in 1st Grade,” by Aaron Crocker. It is Lego wonder that spirals into itself with words for you to interpret. Jose Bustos experiments with three-dimensional space in the opposite direction. Using his signature style in “Playful Spirit,” a skull emerges from within a guitar shape, and it’s smiling.
Steve Scolari’s “Dream Big” fits the 12 x 12” requirement with two 2 x 6” boards joined together, embellished with objects meaningful to the artist. Placed on the rough-hewn wood are his own hand-tied green, red and pink fishing lures. Another expression of personal identity is an intriguing oil pastel by Soffia DeLuna. Entitled “Self Portrait,” the artist’s features appear on a pie, which is one of the objects in a table top still life.
Some artists chose the show’s three piece limit as an opportunity to explore a single subject inspiring to them. Master draftsman Thomas Hacker uses three different media and drawing styles to depict the ethereal statues of angel heads near St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. In an opposing vein, Lee Hill’s three colorful paintings “Send in the Clowns’ are of merry circus performers bumping along the road in a truck. Both series seem so appropriate for today.
The subject matter familiar to some of our gallery artists seemed to be intensified and transformed by the strict square space. Vicki Andersen’s “Matilija Poppies” and Elizabeth Alvarez’s pooch “Cooper” are dynamic, almost interactive, paintings.
This is just a taste of not-to-be imagined works of art, imagined for you, by our exceptional local artists. A reception for the public will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Our gallery has so much to offer in the way of art classes, gift items, and inspirational artworks. Come join us!
The Cypress Gallery is a 501c(3) non-profit organization operated by the members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association, committed to supporting and expanding access to the arts in Lompoc and the Santa Ynez Valley. Open Thursday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 737-1129 lompocart.org @cypressgallerylompoc