Gallery 070
Cathy Sarkowsky is committed to experimenting with color — something one can see in her new, lush abstract series of ink paintings featured at Gallery 070 in April.
She will be at an artist’s reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4.
Sarkowsky created much of this work in her summer studio on Vashon. The paintings explore the tension between control and abandon in the artistic process.
Sarkowsky created the paintings using multiple layers of ink, rendering very colorful surfaces. She employed a variety of techniques to create depth, light, intrigue and illusion. Images were laid down, covered, perhaps barely revealed, suggesting what might have been.
Sarkowsky, represented by Featherston Gallery and Seattle Art Museum Rental/Sales Gallery, finds inspiration in the beauty found in the imperfect.
Gallery 070 is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday or by appointment. For more information, call 463-9280.
— J.A. Reidel
Two Wall Gallery
For the month of April, the Two Wall Gallery will display works in encaustic by five Island artists: Jon Rader Jarvis, Jack Strubbe, Judith Ames King, Janice Kooch Campbell and George Wright.
Painting in hot wax takes a special motivation, those who use this medium say, and each artist has his or her own reasons for approaching the medium.
Jarvis says he is interested in color for its own sake. His appreciation for Jasper Johns’ work allows him to use devices such as stars, circles or squares in his work, what he calls “psychic symbols.”
King was looking for a medium that would dry quickly. She took a two-day workshop at Pratt in Seattle and was won over by the process. Inspired by lamplight, she layers 16 coats of wax on her board before beginning to work.
Campbell layers 16 coats of wax as well. She was inspired by Islander GiGi Saunders. With a background in illustration, Campbell says that using wax has given her a much greater freedom of expression.
Strubbe says he came to encaustic because he likes the surface textures, which are similar to ceramic glazing, in which he has a long history.
Wright says she enjoys the challenge, the intense color and the ability to draw on the surface of the painting to make small intimate statements.
