"HERE AND THERE"
Art exhibition featuring visual
artist Marwen El Hicheri.
Opening reception First Friday, May 4, 2012 from 6PM to 9 PM.
The exhibit will also be open 3-7 PM each Wednesday and by appointment through May 30.
"Peace and Tranquility” opens with a reception
6-9 PM on Friday, April 6 at Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus Street, Raleigh . It features
the work of artist Shelley DeBlase. The exhibit will also be open 3-7 PM each Wednesday and by appointment through April 30. artvision@bellsouth.net / phone 919-571-3605
Since the late 1990s, Shelley's work
has evolved from simple drawing to bold paintings that make a statement. The majority of her work comes
from the beauty in nature that we all seek for tranquility. She tries to imagine, in times of stress,
where she would like to be at that point in time and those images become her inspiration.
She finds bright bold colors to be the center piece of her work.
Other times, muted colors and texture play a role. Together, these techniques create a feeling of
depth. She would like the viewer to feel the warmth and tranquility she feels when she creates
these pieces.
She likes that flowers
have personality. Sometimes they seem to her like they are trying to say something about themselves
so she attempts to translate this in her depiction of them.
In some of her work, she likes to give an aura of starkness. Trees are very old and wise creatures
and she thinks they deserve an image of mystery. Like florals, they have their own distinct personality.
She feels her body of work reflects what she holds dear in this life, beauty and
nature. She also feels that we all need to work together to preserve what is beautiful in nature to pass
on to the next generations.
SCULPTING A WALL SCULPTURE
To advance skills in rendering human anatomy, nude models are used for figurative sculpture sessions.
Participants will complete a bas-relief type sculpture that can be hung on the wall. Participants have the option of
attending Wednesday and Thursday nights (6:30-9:30 PM), March 28 & 29 to sculpt
a male model or Saturday (10 AM-4 PM with lunch break 12:30-1:30 PM),
March 31 to sculpt a female model. In the time provided participants should be able to complete
a bas-relief sculpture of either the entire front or entire back view of the model (one sculpture to hang on the wall) or
both a bas-relief torso (no head, arms, or legs) of the front and also of the back (two pieces to hang on the wall).
The fee to participate is $67. Water base clay will be available for sale for $13 per
25 lb. bag. Model, sculpture stand, studio facility, and bisque firing of finished sculpture are
provided at no additional cost. These sessions are limited to 8 participants and those wishing to attend must reserve
a space in advance. Those indicating a desire to attend will be notified if there is a space for them or if they are
on the "wait list". The sessions will be held at Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus Street
in downtown Raleigh. Additional questions and/or to reserve a spot in the session: email artvision@bellsouth.net.
SCULPTING A PORTRAIT IN CLAY:
Gail Lawson
(www.gaillawson.com), an accomplished clay artist, will provide basic instruction on using photos and working with a live model to complete
a realistic clay portrait of the human head. From building an armature to applying finishing touches, sculpting techniques will
be emphasized in a step-by-step process to complete an anatomically correct portrait and lifelike representation of the human
head. An African-American male model will pose for 4 sessions and there will be 4 sessions working from photos of the
model for a total of 8 sessions. The eight sessions are 6:30-9:30 PM on Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday,
April 12; morning session 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and afternoon session 1:30-4:00 PM on Saturday, April 14;
6:30-9:30 PM on Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19; morning session 10:00-12:30 PM and afternoon
session 1:30-4:00 PM on Saturday, April 21. The fee is $220 for the eight-session
workshop (payment can be by cash or check/money order made out to James Fatata, sorry no credit cards). The fee
covers the use of sculpting stand, portrait armature, model fee, studio facility, and bisque firing of the finished portrait.
Water-base clay will be available for purchase at the first session for $13 per twenty-five pounds bag.
The workshop is limited to eight participants and will be held at Litmus Gallery & Studios at 312
W. Cabarrus Street in downtown Raleigh. Refunds will not be given for missed sessions. Additional
questions or to register for the workshop: artvision@bellsouth.net / 919-571-3605
FEATURED ARTIST OPPORTUNITY
Litmus
Gallery & Studios selects one artist each month to feature in its gallery. Artists interested in being
featured should email artvision@bellsouth.net expressing their interest, best phone contact number, and five (5) attached photos of their work labeled with
the name of the work, size, price and medium. All works of art entered must be for sale. Works
must be original and committed to the show for the entire exhibition period. Litmus Gallery & Studios
reserves the right to refuse any work that is not properly presented, requires special installation, or is deemed inappropriate
by the Litmus Gallery selection committee.
Presentation Specifications: All 2D work must be completely prepared for hanging
with wire. Wire must not be frayed and must support the weight of the piece. No “saw
tooth” hangers may be used. Maximum framed size cannot exceed 50” in any direction.
2D and 3D art cannot exceed 50 pounds.
Liability: Works
are exhibited at the risk of the artist. Although the utmost care will be taken in handling all art work,
Litmus Gallery & Studios will not be responsible for damage or loss from any cause. Submitting a work
of art shall imply an agreement on the part of the artist to the conditions set forth here.
Sales: Sales will be encouraged. Litmus
Gallery & Studios will retain a commission of 30 % on all sales. The artist is committed to the sale
price placed on the art at the time of delivery.
Delivery of Art: All art must be hand-delivered to Litmus Gallery one
week prior to the month that the art is to be displayed. Special arrangements for delivery at a different
time may be possible by calling (919) 571-3605 or emailing artvision@bellsouth.net.
Removal: Unless sold, all artwork must remain on view until the close of the exhibition. Unsold works should
be picked up between 4-7 PM the last Thursday of the month it is being exhibited or by special arrangement.
Selection: Artists selected for featuring at Litmus Gallery will be emailed the “Featured
Artist Form” which must be printed, completed and mailed to: Litmus Gallery & Studios, 312 W. Cabarrus St., Raleigh,
NC, 27601. Once the “Featured Artist Form” is received notification will be sent to the artist
as to the month their art will be featured.
Studio Spaces:
$70 - $290
Call 919-571-3605 or email artvision@bellsouth.net to check on availability.
COMMISSIONING A TORSO SCULPTURE
DESCRIPTION OF TORSO SCULPTURE:
The clay torso sculpture created is a representation of the trunk of the body. In
addition, it includes a small part of the neck but not the head, a portion of the arms above the elbow, and the legs above
the knees. A client can be sculpted in either a standing, seated, or reclining pose. If
a standing pose is selected, the completed sculpture will be approximately 12 inches in height -- ideal for displaying on
a coffee or end table, bookshelf, or pedestal.
PROCESS:
It
normally takes two 3-hour sessions, scheduled on different days, to complete the sculpture. Occasionally,
depending on the complexity of the pose, an additional session may be required. During each 3-hour session
the client will pose nude for 20 minute time intervals separated by 5-minute breaks. Upon completion, the
sculpture will be air-dried for several weeks and then bisque fired. Once fired, a clear acrylic matte
finish will be applied to seal the surface. Felt will be placed on the base of the sculpture.
If a client is not available to pose in person, a torso sculpture can be completed using just photos.
SCHEDULE:
Sculpting sessions are normally conducted
during afternoons or evenings, Sunday through Thursday. However, sessions can be scheduled at other times
to fit a client’s schedule.
LOCATION:
Sculpting sessions will be held in the
artist’s studio located at 312 West Cabarrus Street in downtown Raleigh. Litmus Art Gallery and several
other studios are located in the same building.
COST:
The
cost of a commissioned clay torso sculpture as described is $375.00, which is due at the completion of the sculpture.
If the completed sculpture does not meet the client’s expectations or for any other reasons the client does not
wish to proceed with the purchase, the client may decline the purchase without additional financial obligation.
If the purchase is declined the completed sculpture will become the property of the sculptor. Clients
will not receive any payment for the time spent posing for the sculpture.
*Information and prices on additional sculptural options
are available upon request.
SCULPTOR:
James (Jim) Fatata is an accomplished artist
who specializes in figurative sculpture. His works have been juried into numerous art shows and exhibitions.
You can see examples of his work by visiting Litmus Art Gallery and his studio at 312 W. Cabarrus St. in Raleigh, NC
or by viewing his work on the web at www.litmusgallery.com or www.tristatesculptors.org.
