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June Issue 2003
Church Street Inn Gallery in Charleston, SC, Features Works by Ruth Cox
The Church Street Inn Gallery in Charleston, SC, will host Southern Spring, an exhibit of new palette knife paintings by Lowcountry artist Ruth Cox which will be on view through June 30, 2003. The gallery is also pleased to announce the completion of her mural in the lobby of the Church Street Inn.
Cox's "plein aire" work is characterized by an emphasis on light. In her still life paintings, portraits and landscapes, she is interested not so much in the objects or places themselves as in the way the light plays around them. At times, the sunlight seems to dance through her landscapes. Using the palette knife, Cox creates a flow of texture which draws the viewer into the painting, while atmospheric perspective, reminiscent of the Hudson Valley masters, creates a sense of depth. Her compositions convey a sense of serenity but are charged with the energy of her lively colors.
Cox's choice of knife versus brush is an environmental decision as much as an artistic one, especially since most of her work is done in gardens or other natural settings. Unlike brushes, a knife can be cleaned with just a paper towel, avoiding paint thinners, mediums and other materials which may harm wildlife or pollute the water system.
The mural in the Church Street Inn, entitled, Beyond the Courtyard, was commissioned to celebrate the first anniversary of the hotel's new ownership. It is the most recent public work in a mural painting career that began a decade ago. Cox's monumental creations may also be seen in the H. Dale Williams Building of the Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, The Hampton Inn at Broadway on the Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC) and other public and private locations throughout the south. She also produced backdrops and scenery for major theatrical productions such as Snoopy's Magic on Ice and the All-American Music Show.
Cox is a native of Horry County, SC, and grew up in Surfside and Myrtle Beach. She has been painting all her life. She received her BA in Art Education from the University of South Carolina and taught school in Horry County for several years.
For more information, check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call 843/579-9725 or on-line at (www.churchstreetinngallery.com).
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