Lorraine Sack, "Impressions"

Above is a painting titled "Impressions" by artist Lorraine Sack. This piece is from a series of still life oil paintings that Sack has been working on for the past few years. The image is 16 x 20 inches and produced in oil on canvas. Sack's website explains her process...

The creative process of still life is much like theatre to me. It is taking a blank space and changing it into something specific to be viewed.

The process of setting the stage for the painting is intuitive. I try out the space itself with objects, natural light, and color as characters each playing a part. Usually the object I chose for the focus is one I admire for the presence it holds. I look at the abstract patterns while arranging and rearranging the secondary objects, the light, and the background around the focus until I see the right ensemble.

Then I start the painting process. First, I establish the abstract patterns with a solid foundation of paint on canvas. Next, I slowly layer veils of color with my brush to weave the space into objects and develop their character. Finally, I know the still life is finished when all the parts play their role working together as a unified voice to create the space I intended.

Lorraine Sack's "Impressions" will be available at the upcoming benefit for Heartland Alliance as well as the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Gallery 180 will host a catered reception for the Preview Exhibition on January 22 from 5:30-7:30. This event is free to the public and all of the work will be available for purchase with all proceeds going directly to Heartland Alliance. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago's Loop. I hope to see you there!

Additional work by Lorraine Sack can be seen on her web site: lorrainestudios.com

Paula Kloczkowski Luberda's "Walking Man"

As I’ve mentioned in a recent post, Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will host this year’s “The Art of Human Rights” preview exhibition to benefit Heartland Alliance. The proceeds from this—and the main event—will help Heartland Alliance's HIV/AIDS programs and services, which include: primary care, referrals, assistance with transportation and lab costs, housing, alternative therapies such as chiropractic treatment and massage therapy, HIV prevention education, and oral health care.

The preview exhibition, which will open at Gallery 180 with a reception on January 22nd, is a collection of some of the pieces that have been donated by Artists from around the country to support Heartland Alliance in their effort. One of the contributing area artists is Paula Kloczkowski Luberda. I first met this highly creative concept-driven artist when she was being represented by Kavi Gupta’s Vedanta Gallery in the mid 90’s. Since then, I’ve watched her explore a variety of ideas with a range of media... all seeming to focus on the human condition. Her work has been presented around the country in numerous group and solo exhibitions, and two of her paintings have been acquired for the permanent collection of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago.


The above image is a sculptural piece by Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, titled “walking Man” [2005]. The sculpture—reminiscent of Giacometti’s “Man crossing a square on a sunny morning” [1948-9]—has been donated by Kloczkowski Luberda and selected for inclusion in the benefit Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180. The piece is composed of found wood and wire—and if memory serves me—stands about 36” tall. For information on other available works by Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, contact her at plk2531n@wideopenwest.com

To view some of the other pieces which will be available at the main event, check out this Flickr link. Take a look... there are some wonderful pieces.

As a reminder, save the dates for both events: Opening Reception for the Preview Exhibition: Friday January 22nd - Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago 5:30-7:30 ...and The Main Event, The Art of Human Rights: February 19th. More information to come!

Nancy Rosen… “Save me from myself”

One of the most prolific artists that I know is sending out a humorous plea for help in clearing out her studio. Nancy Rosen’s sometimes tawdry figurative depictions, capture the introspection as well as the intimacy of tender human encounters. Rosen’s painted and drawn figures tend to evoke a strange curiosity … an interest in the concealed thoughts behind each distorted face. The images are intriguing.

Rosen will be holding an open studio event Sunday and Monday, December 13th and 14th, 10-5 and 10-8 respectively. Her studio is located at 7004 California in Chicago. You can see additional work on her web site: nrosen.com or contact her directly at me@nrosen.com. Plan to experience the work in person... it's truly wonderful!

Image: Nancy Rosen #12106, 20x30

"Snapshots" ...Surrounded by art

Last night, I went downtown to a book release celebration. The book, titled “snapshots”, is the work of my friend, Jan Baiden. The book is comprised of a series of wonderfully written short stories—with beautiful imagery—exploring insights and observations of select encounters of her life. And it’s not the typical life. The book begins with a series of accounts from a period of time, while living in Iran.

I spent a couple of hours—on this rainy morning in Chicago—lost in the first sixty pages of Jan’s book… reading each segment and then gazing at the accompanying photographs. The stories not only transport the reader to another place in time, but they invoke a moment of reflection of one’s own life. It’s a wonderful read… I look forward to exploring the coming pages.

You may ask, “What does this have to do with fine art in Chicago?” The answer is twofold. ...As we walked into the party last evening, I was reminded of the wonderful collection of art, which adorns the walls of the Jan’s home. Her husband, Shelly Kirshner, is a serious collector with major pieces by—among others—Ed Paschke, Robert Lostutter, and William Conger. I found myself so drawn to the collection of modern masters, that it was difficult to focus on causal conversation. The collection is stunning.

And as for the book... If you're interested in acquiring "snapshots"—and meeting Ms Baiden in person—a public book signing party is being planned. It should take place this summer at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The event will be held in conjunction with a national juried exhibition titled “Narrative… the art of story telling”. I will elaborate on both events in future posts.

Images from Kirshner's collection were not available, so as a reference, I'm presenting a Lostutter piece from my own collection.
Image: Robert Lostutter, “Lepanthes Velifera”, 1998.
10-color lithograph. Edition of 50. Image: 6" x 7-1/2". Sheet: 14" x 15-1/2".
See Printworks Gallery for details.

The Start of Something Wonderful...

This image was captured, last Friday evening, as the reception for the Michael Jankowski exhibition at Gallery 180 got underway. The show, titled "Hidden Relics", is a wonderful exploration of past memories created with subtle high-key paintings and energetic charcoal drawings. If you haven't had an opportunity to view the exhibition, make the effort. "Hidden Relics" continues through January 15th. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash, at the corner of Lake and Wabash, in Chicago's Loop. All of the work in this exhibition is available for purchase.

Jankowski's Sanctuary

I awoke early on Monday morning to complete the installation of the Michael Jankowski exhibition at Gallery 180. As I finished hanging the last painting on the freshly painted accent wall, it became obvious that the gallery had become a bit of a sanctuary. The art and the architectural elements of the space—stone floors, walls of glass and meditative wall color—calm the inhabitants from the city’s chaos, literally just a few steps away. The quiet imagery of the paintings are contrasted with subtle but energetic line work of the accompanying drawings. The pieces work together to create a wonderful meditative environment. The space becomes a place to loose ones self in a memory triggered by the loosely implied renderings of an attic filled with symbolism.

The exhibition, "Hidden Relics" is now open to the public. A catered reception, in honor of the artist, is scheduled for this Friday from 5:30-7:30. The exhibition is free to the public and all work is available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago's Loop.

Image: Michael Jankowski at Gallery 180, as he previews the exhibition.

Michael Jankowski... "Hidden Relics"

I spent a few hours yesterday painting some accent walls in Gallery 180, in preparation for the installation of the subtly-dramatic “Hidden Relics” exhibition. The exhibition of fifteen paintings and drawings—created by Chicago Artist, Michael Jankowski—opens this week with a catered reception on Friday November 20th from 5:30-7:30. The imagery focuses on the significant objects in our lives, which evoke memories of the past. For those interested in a preview, the installation of the show should be complete by Monday afternoon. All work is available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, is located at 180 North Wabash—the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop.