Vox Sacramento officially opens "Signatures" on January 12, 2013 with a show consisting of a collection of artists' work that they feel represents them and their style. Eric Sweiven,Vox Sacramento director, states that a signature is a snapshot of an artist's personality and the selected pieces are intended to demonstrate how each artist uses their medium. While every creator may change their style, mood, and theme from time to time or for every new piece, there is typically a general approach that identifies the artist and their work.
Sweiven explains that the artists might consider if they typically work small or large, more dark or light, curved or angled and that one's passion can offer a great deal of insight into their character and innermost thoughts. The "Signature" contributing artists include Jared Konopitski, Gabriel Sanford, Bobbi Mercouri, Susan Raines, TJ Lev, and Meagan Moore with work in acrylic, photo-digital art, ink, drawing, mixed media and more.
Because a signature can be an "image, expression, or emotion the artisan wants to reveal" the artists' choices can act as a "calling card or trademark" and become a "means by which the world sees" them. Among the artists presenting their "calling card" images, Vox welcomes an established photographer and retired graphic designer and video editor for her first showing of paintings.
Bobbi Mercouri reveals she "clicked with photography when she was about five years old" and went on to study art in Columbus, Georgia. Over sixty years later, she has put aside her fears and hectic schedule to dare to do what she dreamed and paint. Bobbi will be showing six pieces with five original abstract acrylic paintings on canvas, and one is an enhanced chromagraphic (archival) print on canvas. Bobbie says "I turned 71 in July and I can't believe I'm actually doing it, finally." "My goal has always been to share the feeling I get from a place, texture or color." You can get a peek into Bobbi's world at Vox during Second Saturday from 5-9 p.m. or during regular gallery hours.
Locally acclaimed Sacramento artist Jared Konopitski has chosen the hummingbird as his key symbol to act as his calling card. Jared's work is popular among collectors and art enthusiasts who embrace a sense of humor, the bizarre, and a forward thinking mentality. He is known for his various creatures and surreal statements of art so this choice might initially surprise his fans. However, Jared states "I have used the hummingbird to represent my 'signature.' A bird so small, yet unique from all the rest, it demands attention. My pieces are just a glimpse into the surreal adventures of this little bird." A peek into Konopitski's land of the bizarre and beautiful can also be had at Vox this January.
Another artist who will present his signature is the ever charming Gabriel Sanford whose mild mannered demeanor defies his creation of quirky, wicked works often depicting the very sick Jim Mouse. Sanford typically works in ink and draws hours upon hours filling pages with patterns. While Jim Mouse is a bit sickly and what Gabe describes as a "mess" his collection of palm designs are intricate and inspiringly beautiful. A Sanford signature is perhaps two-sided and welcomes those with a sense of humor, dark humor perhaps, as well as more conservative minds.
Photo-digital artist Susan Raines will also share her signature works at Vox. Her work typically involves layered photographs and unique digital editing. Many of her current pieces are derived from elements of nature where landscapes, trees, and plants might be combined with other imagery to create an entirely new world. You can read more about Raines' work at the Examiner article covering her recent "Metamorphosis" solo show at the Roseville Civic Center here. Raines', much like Mercouri, was a late bloomer in her pursuit of exhibiting art after a lifetime of various creative endeavors from writing to photography and jewelry making. Her next upcoming solo show in 2013 will be at Revolution Wines in March and April.
You can enjoy the signature selections of these and the other participating artists at Vox Sacramento. Second Saturday welcomes all visitors and offers a chance to meet the artists and chat with fellow artists and art lovers. Second Saturday runs from 5-9 p.m. and Vox is located at 1818 11st Street, Sacramento. Daily gallery hours are shifting and it is recommended visitors tune into the Vox Facebook page to confirm open hours. TJ Lev's studio will also be open during 2nd Saturday and offers additional art viewing and purchasing pleasures. You can see some of TJ's work at her website here.
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