Sunday, March 21, 2010

Studio Visits

This month I've been visiting sculptor's studios for our May show titled.."Art In Place". I've been taking one day each week to drive to their homes and studios. I feel that by doing this I can share their workings with clients and give glimpses of the personal side of each of these artists. I'm the lucky one.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure to visit Bill Blix from Eugene, Oregon. His studio/home is on the outskirts of downtown Eugene, tucked away amongst trees and beautiful natural habitat....also close to the amazing Eugene City Bakery I might add!



We walked outside and were greeted by the many grand sculptures that rimmed the property.


The front gate had stacked rock construction which was a collaboration between Bill and his friend sculptor Tom Marandi.


Just the detail from Bill's pieces stopped me in my tracks. Bill and his wife charmed us for the afternoon with their warm hospitality.

Next.....

For my last studio visit, my husband and I drove outside of Portland to Troutdale to meet Bud Egger. I know this sounds corny...but I now have met a "Gentle Giant".


While following him to his studio I was taken back...this man made incredible sculptures, he pounded bronze, he chipped away at stone, his favorite tool was a grinder and he looked as though he could move a mountain.... but he was soft spoken and contemplative. As I followed him I had a thought....If a small bird were to drop from the sky, he would gently pick it up in his large hands, carefully move it around for a quick anatomy study and then gently set it free. Corny but true.



And then there were the tools You've got to love the hand wrapped fettling knife and the table with the years of cutting and hammering. I loved this!


What a great day..did I mention just how lucky I AM to meet these wonderful people? Yes, this is going to be a great show.


As we were preparing to leave, Bud shared a joke...."What's the difference between a pizza and a sculptor? A pizza can feed a family of four."
We all laughed but then sighed...a joke that really held some truth.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

What's for dinner?


I've never professed to being a good cook but I do like to try things. I picked up a sweater from goodwill, cut it to pieces, boiled it, sewed it back together to make a scarf and am now felting designs onto it.
I loved this picture showing a "sweater stew".

Monday, March 15, 2010

Preview our book!

Blurb has updated a "preview" of my book by just clicking below on the front cover. You can preview the first 15 pages while visiting the blog. Pretty cool.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Visiting Studios

We are presently working on our "beyond the gallery door" show that will take place in May 2010.
The title of this show is "Art in Place" and will feature sculptors from the Northwest. (Did I mention "The best sculptors?). I love meeting artists.
For this show, I am gathering images of the studios and the artists and will try to put together a personal glimpse of how each each artist works to carry out their ideas. Lucky me.

My week has been busy with my first visit to Andries Fourie from Willamette University. Hands and wheels


Next was a trip to McMinnville where I met up with Stu Jacobson.


I took a short break and drove to Sheridan to visit Marilyn Higginson. She's someone who can paint beautiful landscapes, throw pots and also build amazing sculptures. Such a talented lady.

Upon leaving her studio we encountered some friends.

Jill Torberson was our next stop.


While in Portland I just had to visit my "little friend". Gramps.
Did I mention that I REALLY want a fuzzy little dog?

Today was the best.
Visiting the studio of Robert Hess. He is one of Oregon's treasures. Lucky us.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Buildings with REAL artwork!

I recently attended the open house (or building) for Chemeketa Community College Center For Business & Industry.


It does happen...Chemeketa Community College purchased artwork for their new Business and Industry Center. They knew how important it was to support artists and have REAL art in this magnificent piece of architecture. Four of our gallery artists have work displayed; Sue-Del McCulloch, Robert Schlegel, Shari Lord and Maria Simon. The selection committee came to Gallery 2 and invested many hours debating about what to choose. I couldn't be more pleased to see the results of the selection.

Robert Schlegel's painting shows off industry while Sue-Del and Maria's pieces nod to our beautiful Willamette Valley.


This board room is in the center of the building on the second floor. There is glass on one wall so that when passing down the hall you can see the artwork that is hanging inside.
Sigh, there is an "Art God".

Buildings with REAL artwork!

About Mary Lou Zeek

My photo
We represent Northwest artists working in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, works on paper, ceramics, jewelry and mixed media. Our second gallery features exhibitions on a monthly basis, as well as selected group shows and special exhibitions. To arrange an appointment, please call 503-581-3229 or email; mzeek@comcast.net During our years of operating, we have successfully encouraged the broadening and blossoming of the Salem art scene. We are dedicated to serving our clients as well as our artists. The relationships that we cultivate with our clients and our artists have been and will continue to be long and rewarding. We encourage you to take the time to be acquainted with us and take the time to appreciate the art we enjoy so much.