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"Under Construction"
2007 JWS “LESS IS MORE" SHOW
Congratulations to all who entered the “Less is More” show, it is a wonderfully eclectic show and demonstrates the broad and exciting spectrum of quality work produced by members of JWS. The show ran from the opening on September 10th through October 11th at the Jewish Community Alliance, 8505 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL . A number of paintings were sold.
Special thanks to those who worked so diligently to put this show together – Terese Muller - Chair, Rita Blum, Jim and Mimi Pearce, Joan Carver, Denise Boyer, Francesca Tabor-Miolla and an extra special thanks to Verna Urbanski and Laurel Crump for making such a lovely table (with beautiful flowers) for our reception. Tony Wood was an exceptional judge giving each piece time and thought and ultimately presenting us with and interesting blend of winning artists. He joined us at the reception and was gracious in critiquing artists work.
The following are the AWARDS FOR THE 2007 JWS “LESS IS MORE” Exhibition (Click on image to enlarge)
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Gold - Best in Show Robin Evans “Beach Walk” |
Sold
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Silver Award Andrea Laxton “Interior #2” |
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Bronze Award Rosanne Herud "Window" |
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Judges Statement: Tony Wood (www.twoodstudios.com) First, I would like to say that I wish I could have given everyone an award but that would dilute the process and purpose of having a judge. I saw some fantastic works and could say something good about every piece. The Watercolor Society must be proud to have so many talented and creative artists and it was my pleasure to be part of it. It was great to see so many portraits and figures in the show, as well. I would like to talk a little about my process and comment on some of the paintings I saw today.
Judging and juroring a show is a bit like having a little devil on your shoulder that is constantly poking your ear and appealing to the wild-eyed artist in you that loves the bold, experimental, creative and fun things that happen when you create art and also a bit like having a little angel on the other shoulder appealing to the more reserved art educator side of you. Well I like to start with the devil, looking for works that move me, emotionally. Works that makes me look back, stay longer, feel something, risk-takers that push the boundaries of the media and/or composition. Then the angel speaks and I begin looking for things like craftsmanship, control and mastery of the media and composition. Here are some select works with commentary.
Robin Evans’ “Beach Walk” was masterfully executed, loose, fluid and striking, the ideal watercolor. In contrast, Andrea Laxton’s “Interior #2” was hard-edged and about control, clean in execution but stunningly beautiful in its simplicity and not what I would typically expect from the medium. Roseanne’s painting was charming and instantly spoke to me due to my love of portraiture. Ms. Muller’s “The Pontivechio” carried me right back to Florence. The earthy colors and soft, watery edges created the dream-like state that keeps me going back to Italy over and over again. Toni Charneco’s work sang cubism and horror vacui, and was inviting yet bold. Joan Carver’s small gems were runny veils of color and transparent glazes, very experimental, while Katherine Milkey’s fluid, loose color and playful inked lines made the devil on my shoulder poked me and laugh with delight. I liked Bonny Yales use of sgraffito and how it appeared she applies paint with reckless abandon. I also loved Jody Abssy’s portrait of “Artist in Towel.” It was well drawn and the narrative was enchanting. It looked like a fresco but alas it was a watercolor and the angel whispered in my ear, the art educator says that watercolor should be vibrant glazes, rich and charged.
Please take my selections and comments as intended, lovingly and constructive. If you did not receive recognition and feel you should have, blame me. We are fragile, delicate souls that must endure rejection and are at the mercy of the Judges and Jurors, (I have been where you are many times,) but take solace in the idea that there is no better vocation or evocation on this earth than to be an artist. Whether devil or angel, you cannot hide from your own desire to create, for you do not pick art, art picks you. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful show.
Tony Wood, BFA Artist and Art Educator