March Issue 2002
Gallery 80808 Hosts Works by Eight Columbia, SC, Area Artists
Some 25 years ago, six Columbia, SC, area artists
began meeting monthly to support each other in their artistic
endeavors. They discussed art in general and in relation to their
own work. They critiqued each other's work. They painted together
and visited regional museums and art exhibits. In 1984, they presented
their first group exhibit in Columbia followed by shows at the
Fine Arts Center in Camden, SC, Sumter Gallery of Art in Sumter,
SC, and Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
In 1998 they had a show at Gallery 80808 in the Vista Studios
in Columbia. The exhibit was so well received they presented another
exhibition in 2000. The tradition continues when they open their
third exhibit at Gallery 80808 on Mar. 7. The exhibit will continue
through Mar. 21, 2002.
Five members of the original group still participate as well as
three other artists who have joined over the years. All eight
are professional, award winning, regional painters working in
various media and styles. The artists are Angela Bradburn, Margaret
Carter, Laura Dickson, Claire Farrell, Frances Nelson, Anna Kay
Singley, Laura Spong, and Bev T. Williams.
Our surroundings are an ever changing source of inspiration for Angela Bradburn's realistic oil paintings and watercolors. While manipulating shapes within the rectangle she uses unique colors that are layered and mixed to create nuances and special moods. With these new works, Bradburn has chosen to simplify the landscape and paint objects in nature in a close format.
Margaret Carter, a well-known portrait artist works primarily in watercolor. Her portraits of children and adults employ a soft palette of color. Carter has a unique ability to capture the likeness of her sitter. Her impressionistic landscapes in oil pastel reflect her accomplishments in this medium. Recently she has developed a wider range of interests and explorations, painting in a more abstract manner.
Laura Dickson's work consists mostly of landscapes and people. "I really like different subjects, especially animals. Landscapes offer limitless freedom of expression in mood and use of materials; while people are more challenging in interpreting personal individuality."
The work that Claire Farrell brings to this
exhibit includes oil landscapes of the Lowcountry. These paintings
are often set in early morning or evening in order to take advantage
of the unique coloration of that time of day.
Frances Nelson also works primarily in oil and is a skilled portrait
artist. Her work is not limited to portraits, however, but includes
landscapes with an unusual point of view and still lifes. Everyday
life inspires the work of Nelson. She chooses subjects for her
painting from what she sees around her. Her work reflects her
intuitive reaction to the subject and retains a spontaneity and
individualism.
Anna Kay Singley is a plein aire painter with a unique point of view. Her goal is to "capture the essence of the landscape and hopefully the mood is expressed as well." "I am very excited about locations that are new to me," says Singley. Her watercolors and mixed media works on paper are bright and bold in color. While these paintings are inspired by the land and animals that surround her at her home in rural Prosperity, SC, they often veer off into flights of fancy and unique abstraction.
Large non-objective oil paintings are the means of expression for Laura Spong. "I paint because it is the most comfortable way that I have found to gain some understanding of myself and the world. My work is about finding my voice," says Spong. Her works, strong in color and design, exhibit an understanding of the fundamentals of painting. Look at her work and you will find layers of paint, hidden marks, unique colors and visual surprises.
The water media paintings of Bev T. Williams reflect her environmental concerns. "My imagination has always been running ahead of my process of making art. I examine, digest, and interpret my ideas about the diverse forms of our earth and its atmosphere and beyond," says Williams. She enjoys experimenting with layers of color. Her use of line and lifting techniques make her work technically interesting and compliment their visual beauty.
These award-winning artists pool their talents to bring you a wide variety of artwork: realistic, impressionistic, abstract and nonobjective styles in oil, watercolor, oil pastel, pastel, monotype, and mixed media. It is an exhibition with something for art-lovers with every taste. Don't miss it!
During this exhibit, Gallery 80808 will be open Mon.-Fri., from 10am-6pm and Sat., from 10am-2pm.
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings or call the gallery at 803/252-6134.
Mailing Address: Carolina Arts, P.O. Drawer
427, Bonneau, SC 29431
Telephone, Answering Machine and FAX: 843/825-3408
E-Mail: carolinart@aol.com
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