by
Elizabeth Monks Hack
It’s May! The lusty month. We are in the fullness of spring, with its myriad colors, fragrances and sense of jubilation. The Cypress Gallery has works of art to equal this joyful state of mind. Our featured artist, Chris Jeszeck, continues to thrill us with lavish abundance in her show “Pouring My Heart Out,” on display through May 26.
Jeszeck has explored the technique of “fluid art,” the strategic pouring of acrylic paint onto canvas, for several years. The paint is combined with incompatible media to create surprising and often astounding effects. Mastering this method of abstract painting, Jeszeck went on to add “embellishments” to the works, by painting realistic additions in her compositions. The piece “Take Me to Your Leader” is a marvelous example of this. In it a large, somewhat frightening, “steampunk ladybug” confronts small realistically painted ladybugs amidst a background of fluid art greenery. Did I mention Jeszeck is delightfully witty?
Ever creative and ever restless, the artist has gone on to pursue and explore the medium of oil paint and colored pencil, in a variety of styles. You will find realistic works which contain a subtle use of the fluid art technique, and works that recall the old masters, especially in the form of still life. Look to works such as “The Mane Event” to see a barely perceptible use of fluid art, and her “Intrigued,” an exquisite foray into verisimilitude. Both of these pieces, of a horse and a kitten respectively, portray these animals with movement and feeling.
The world of Chris Jeszeck is an explosion of the senses, representing the plant and animal kingdom, from octopi to pink flamingos to beautiful women, alongside the power of abstract beauty. Several products embellished with her designs are also available for sale. “Pouring My Heart Out” is truly a sense-surround art experience.
In the main galleries, works of color and style flower from the walls. C. Wood has earned the April “People’s Choice” award for her large format painting “Sunflower,” which is an explosion of floral life on canvas. Next to it, in pitch perfect harmonious contrast, is the green and violet gusto of “Artichoke.” Another work featuring sunflowers is the acrylic and resin piece by Mitra Cline, “Sunflower Nap.” Two human beings with sunflower skin float in a starlit abstract space.
Lee Hill’s “Bus Stop” bursts from the wall with form and color. Its subject, of people crowded together at a bus stop in Mexico, leaves an indelible impression on the viewer. Also of note are the thrilling mosaic pieces by Karen Franscioni, of dragonflies, hearts and more.
The Cypress Gallery has been an active participant in Lompoc’s First Thursdays Art Walk. Many have enjoyed our “make and take” activities, along with the night-time gallery experience. Our Art Academy offers classes, and we maintain an art education grant program. The Cypress Gallery also functions as a gift shop, where you are able to purchase not only museum-quality works of art, but also museum quality handmade gifts. Don’t miss out on this local treasure trove of art. And please bring the children!