Ode to the Fish

'Good Schooling' 17x17" oil pastel, charcoal;  Kathleen Faulkner

The Edison Eye Presents

FRIENDS OF FISH II

75 artists capture the spirit of fish,

it's relationship to humanity 

and the environment

April 18 - May 3

Opening reception:  April 18th 5 - 9 p.m.

The Eye is located at 5800 Cains Court, Edison, WA

A benefit show for the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group

http://www.skagitfisheries.org

Dance

'drift, flit, quiver, shiver'  9x9" oil pastel;  Kathleen Faulkner

The Edison Eye proudly presents

'DANCE'

July 19 - August 3, 2014

Opening Reception July 19, 5pm - 8pm

Gallery hours:  friday through sunday

noon - 5pm  

or by appointment:  360-766-6276

edisoneye@wavecable.com

100 works of art by 100 artists

Come share with us the exhilaration and joy of dance.

What IS on top?

'Memory'  oil pastel;  Kathleen Faulkner

This is the piece I started as a demonstration during the MoNA Auction Preview Party.  I didn't get very far with it that night so finished it at home.  From this,  two others were later done as part of the series, 'Seasonal Pattern'.  

Below are the three together.  I'm putting one of them in the Edison Eye Show coming up  in July: 

'The Permanence of Pattern: What is on Top?'

July 21st through August 5th, 2012

Opening July 21st, 5-10pm

Edison Eye Gallery

Edison, WA

'Heading West' oil pastel;
Kathleen Faulkner

'Looking East' oil pastel;
Kathleen Faulkner

'Memory' oil pastel;  Kathleen Faulkner

Ready, set

'False Pass II' oil and soft pastel, charcoal, medium;
Kathleen Faulkner

The weather is changing.  I'm back to sweaters again.  

Last night was an opening at the Edison Eye,  the last of the year.   As usual, a fun time was had by all with good art, good conversation and perfectly cooked salmon.  I came home inspired and ready to start a new series.

There's a chill in the air today.  With sweater in hand, I'm on my way down Whidbey to see what I can see and, we'll see where it goes.  

Gallery Row

looking west toward the islands;
Kathleen Faulkner

While traveling to Edison I took note of the flooded fields.  It had been raining heavily for days.
Other places might envy us for being blessed with an abundance of water, a resource that is becoming like gold, but we were sick of it.

Abundance is usually a good thing.  When it has been raining so much, it's hard to see it that way.

Shortly then,  I arrived in Edison and started thinking about the abundance this town has:  five venues for art in this block long town.. and an artist behind just about every tree, rock, building.

Edison Eye Gallery

The Edison Eye Gallery is the Grampa of them all, the Elder, the Big kid.  Dana has been running this gallery for many years.. lots of history.. many stories.. absolute magic and, speaking of:

The first show of the year, 'Friends of the Fish' will open April 16th with over 60 artists participating.  This is in conjunction with the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is going to be Special.. 

Brick Gallery

The Brick Gallery, a new addition to Edison, is located across the street from the Eye.  Small yet satisfying, this month's show consists of Photographs by John Sedgwick and Jason Wardenburg; Multi media collages by Elise Lazzari; Felt hats and scarves by July Andre; Jewelry, pottery and dolls by Sue Andre; Pottery by Chris Wardenburg-Skinner. Hours: 12:00-5:00, Saturdays and Sundays.

Shop Curator

Next stop is Shop Curator, a real treat for those looking for something 'different'.  David has a knack for finding rare NW art and curiosities.  He also shows his own inspired work.  Although finding him open can sometimes be a challenge, it is worth the effort. 

Smith & Vallee Gallery

Across the street is Smith & Vallee.  This month's show is 'Re-Art'.  There are over 20 artists participating with art made from salvage.  This show is in conjunction with Re-Store . It's a fun show that's worth a visit. The gallery (and what a beautiful gallery) is open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00-5:00.  

The last stop is the newest: Three Ravens , located two doors down from Smith & Valley and showing a selection of international artists.  We welcome this new addition and look forward to many more openings in the future.. 

Some might say that poor little Edison is getting too much attention and it's worrisome.  I say, the more the merrier.  We artists need all the help we can get and more galleries help that happen.   Fortunately for Edison, there is no room for new housing growth.. that should ease some angst.

Slough looking west from behind the Edison Eye;
Kathleen Faulkner

Here's wishing All the artists and All the galleries much success.
Cheers!

Something's fishy

"Smelt" oil pastel, ink; 17x17" Kathleen Faulkner

The Edison Eye Gallery, in conjunction with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, presents 

'Friends of the Fish'.  

The show runs from April 16th through May 1st with the usual 

wonderful opening on April 16th, 6 till 10pm.  

I heard from a very reliable source that this show is going to be Good!  60 artists are participating and Dana is in a very good mood.  

'Edison Eye' photo; Kathleen Faulkner

'Life is short, the Art long'

Somewhere between LaConner and Stanwood; Kathleen Faulkner

I started with a plan.  I would visit LaConner first, head over to Camano Island and then, finish the day in Edison.  An afternoon and evening of adventure and visual enjoyment.

As I walked toward the gallery I knew this show would be good.  Looking around at all the images I was reminded of the recipe for a good exhibit:  that the whole equals more than the sum of it's parts.  This small gallery filled with black and white photographs of the art history of the Magic Skagit: very Large and very Powerful.. 

Truly a sight to behold.

As I left I knew I would be back to look again.

Camano Island is long and narrow.  The next gallery I was headed to is at the south end of that island.  I had never been before.  It was a beautiful drive, a Beautiful gallery and a beautiful show.  I felt honored to be a part of this group, showing in this fabulous gallery. 

Wondering around in the sculpture garden, impressed to death, I decided to name the place, "Artland in the Woods". 

It is good to find some magic.

The last call was in Edison.  I love that town.  I always look forward to spending time there.  

The opening was packed, the artwork stunning, the conversation stimulating.   

An unknown,  a 'phantom' as Dana calls him..  a one man show of outrageously good work.  I imagine he won't be unknown for long.. 

It was a good plan.  It worked quite well.  It was one of the best 'art for your soul' days I've had for a long, long time.

Somewhere near Edison; Kathleen Faulkner

Give a little bit

"Craft Island" oil and regular pastel, charcoal, gesso,  9x9" Kathleen Faulkner

There are two schools of thought in the art world:  keep your secrets and make it all a mystery or give it  away,  share.   

One day I was visiting Dana at the Edison Eye and Joel Brock stopped in.  His studio is in back and he invited me over.  "I want to show you something."  He said.  Little did I know that what he was about to share with me might just change my way of thinking about my materials.
He proceeded to demonstrate his technique, and then sent me home with supplies for practice.  He told me to come back when I had some pieces to show him in this new technique.  I haven't shown him yet.. but it's in the plan.

It's hard to feel generous during these uncertain times.  Who knows what's to happen.  You can't eat art. We're all just trying to stay alive and survival is a powerful force.  I think, though, that giving really does come back and, although that's not the point, it's a nice bonus.  

Thank you, Joel, for your generosity.