Ryan Sponsler
A small collection of works by new artist member Ryan Sponsler (http://www.ryansponsler.com/).
Ryan was juried in painting and typically uses acrylic, latex paint, tape, nails, wire, screws, raw canvas, and refurbished wood on his pieces. The majority of his works are abstract in nature but within some of the abstracts you can find representational references. Many of his paintings also celebrate the figure. Ryan recieved his Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Illinois at Springfield.
Far Left: "Circadian Rhythm", Middle: "Blackout", Far Right: "Suspension"
Ryan's work is characterized by bold colors, broken frames, geometrical shapes, abstract and fluid forms, drops, and spills, and is masculine in nature.
Ryan also has prints of some of his work available. Far Left: "Rod", Far Right: "Regret"
If you are interested in Ryan's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Teri Zucksworth
Teri Zucksworth (www.artbytaz.com/) is juried in oil painting. She uses oil paint, upholstery, and fabric flowers on canvas. Her pieces come ready framed, and she also makes popular crotched hats complete with pins and flowers. Far Left: SOLD, Middle: "Camille", Top Right: "Frankies Night Out," Bottom Right: "Sunset".
Teri has an affinity for the feminine. She is interested in the female figure and face, as well as floral details. She is a self taught artist, recognizable in the genuine and sincere detail of her work. The eyes of the women in her paintings seem to pop out of the piece and look right at you. The hair flows luxuriously and a celebration of glamour is evident in each work. The pieces can also be seen as a commentary on the state of the woman, both past and present.
If you are interested in Teri's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Pam Allen
Pam Allen was juried in jewelry. Her pieces are one of a kind testaments to her level of artistry and craftsmanship. She casts the fine silver, gold, brass and copper pieces herself, painstakingly carving and creating each mold. Her work is detailed and intensive, goes above and beyond design and assemblage.
A closer view of her sterling silver and gold rings. High quality artisan items sure to become a family heirloom for years.
Here Pam creatively cast an actual Barbie shoe!
Sterling silver and onyx pendant on a uniquely formed neck ring.
If you are interested in Pam's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Mary Frances Spears
Mary Frances Spears was juried in photography, but it is easy to see how her work veers into mixed media as she pushes the medium of photography. Her work shows well collectively and strongly fills the space in which it is exhibited while at the same time appearing clean and simplistic. Each piece and the collection as a whole is rich with meaning and concept. Pieces on Left, Clockwise from Top Left: "Vista", "The River", "Path", "Wood Pile". Center lighted piece: "Burnt Through", Pieces on Right, Clockwise from Top Left ending with Center Piece: "Sheltered #1", "Sheltered #2", "Sheltered #3", "Witness," "Lumination".
These photographs were taken after a forest fire in Idaho, US. Though beautiful, they capture the destruction that is possible through natural causes. The viewer may read a larger contextual or metaphorical meaning into the images. Light is shed on "Burnt Through" literally and figuratively, from behind and from the viewer's persepective both physically and psychologically. "Burnt Through" is a digital Fujitran print on plastic, backlit by flourescent lighting wood box.
This is a close up of "Sheltered #3." When the viewer looks closely at the five framed photographs on the right, they will find a facially irrecognizable man huddled in or standing amongst the charred remains of the forest. Not only is the figure amongst the scape fun to find, but it also brings about larger implications. The photographer may be addressing such issues as ecology, nature preservation, animal protection, emotional or mental wastelands, war, life changes, etc., etc. The thought process is best explored by each individual viewer, and easily brings about topics for discussion. This collection is available for a packaged sale.
If you are interested in Mary's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Mary Tumulty
Mary Tumulty (http://www.marytumulty.com/) was juried in Mixed Media and loves to explore the world of dark fantasy. She uses acrylic paint, thread, canvas, wood, and various other materials to achieve her desired effect... which can range from photography to typewriter tape or from fruit to menstral blood. Her beautiful indifference communicates to and resonates with many viewers, and her affinity for eyes keeps the viewer in eye contact with her creations.
Though many find themselves uncomfortable at first glance, a smile spreads over their face as they begin to understand or ponder the intentions and personality of the artist. These unique pieces can create a new world in your home or business - one suprisingly filled with characters, humor, inside jokes, and a light darkness. They incorporate fine detail, natural strokes, and simple, soothing backgrounds.
Top Right: "Cinderella", Top Left: "Booger", Small pieces top shelf left: "Song Skill", "Max Cancer", Top Shelf medium piece: "Pepper". Second Shelf Down left to right: "Love Weeds #3, #2, and #1." Third Shelf Down: "Victor", "Edward". Bottom Shelf: "Love Weeds #4".
If you are interested in Mary's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Kerry Rolewicz
A patron favorite, Kerry Rolewicz (http://www.kerryrolewicz.com/) was juried in oil pastel. Kerry earned her BFA from Creighton University and today she has a studio in Lincoln, IL. After focusing on large oil paintings and sculpture throughout her undergrad studies, Kerry began creating smaller pieces you see here using pencil and oil pastel. The pieces break the figure and the background and border on cubism. She frames the pieces herself using old antique wood from other antique frames and antique furniture. Each of the pieces are preserved behind glass and are especially pleasing to the eye. The eye travels over the various inconsistencies to what we would naturally expect to see, and these unexpected transitions play with our imagination and understanding of the world around us.
Left: "Flags", Right: "Trike"
Left: "Pink Dress & Horse", Right: "Sunset"
Left: "Moving the Moon", Right: "Juggle, too"
Small prints of Kerry's work, each signed. Perfect for those little places in your home!
Larger mounted prints of Kerry's work.
If you are interested in Kerry's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Carol Brown
Carol Brown juried into the Prairie Art Alliance in sculpture. She started doing art in the 80's, taking mutliple classes in any medium she could find, but she focuses on sculpture and - judging by pictures -one can definitely see this is her strong suit. Her sculptures are created from clay, mostly based on wood (some on marble), and then finished with glazes or acrylic paint. She hails from Taylorville, IL and also has paintings and sketches available. Above: "Journey Scultpure".
These smaller scultpures are more raw in appearance due to glazing that exposes the color and consistency of the clay. Once again they are distinguished by Carol's signature faces of emotion and abstractual formations similar to folds of skin. Her work clearly comments on or questions the nature of human relationships. Left: "Faces", Right "Bound"
Carol also offers various matted drawings which give the patron another medium through which they can discover the artist's influences and thought processes.
If you are interested in Carol's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
Dennis Morris
Dennis Morris is already a current member of the Prairie Art Alliance juried in paper (pulp paper making), but has recently been exploring acrylic paint. The beauty of his muted color palletes, which mostly consist of various whites, translates into this medium well. Dennis has always been a lover of texture, and he will use various materials (i.e. bubble wrap), brush strokes and layers to achieve his desired level of texture. Many of Dennis's works provoke a spiritual response and after closer inspection, the viewer will discover a biblical influence to his simple, abstractual pieces. Above: "Genesis 1:16"
In the "whited out" front window of the Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II you can see another of Dennis's featured paintings. This mostly white piece is titled "Presence". Read Dennis's description: "A favorite praise song begins 'He dances over me, though I am unaware' and this art work is a celebration of God's presence. The work began as a color field covered by grid like forms of whites and off whites. Over this image I superimposed the English word God translated into a variety of languages. The image was rotated as I painted until there is no up or down. He (God) is dancing about the surface, and viewers are not aware of His presence."
If you are interested in Dennis's work please contact the Prairie Art Alliance at galleryii@att.net.
That wraps up the New Artist Member Exhibit of 2012!
We look forward to our new artist applicants. Submissions for the Spring 2012 jury are due by mail or at either gallery location by 5pm, April 20th. Visit http://www.prairieart.org/ to download your application today.
