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New work by Laurieanne Wysocki, July 7th to August 1st.

Artists use abstraction to push beyond the recognizable world and ornamentation to decorate it. Laurieanne’s recent work explores the relationship between the two concepts in vibrantly colored and highly textured paintings. Identifiable forms and motifs are blended with spontaneous gestural work bringing the two pursuits into a delightful harmony.

Of her work, Laurieanne says: “The eye will automatically seek out familiar forms so I begin by imprinting combinations of patterns into plaster with wood blocks and highlighting details with contrasting colors. I add in interlacing flowers, trailing vines, and spiraling geometric shapes to make the composition rhythmical rather than random. Then I intentionally disrupt the subtle functions of the forms by the addition of more texture or by the removal of some of the plaster with a hand sander. It’s a very process-driven, transformative style. The challenge is to not go too far in one direction and destroy what may have taken months to build up. It’s a fine line and not without risk but if the painting begins to look too predictable I remove what I call the obviousness of it. I’m inspired by the frescoes of antiquity and interested in what remains – the parts that have stood the test of time, whether hidden by nature or intentionally covered up, and are revealed centuries later. The destruction and persistence of the piece is my take on an ancient process.”

About Laurieanne Wysocki:
Laurieanne is a painter and mixed media artist. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts she studied at the Arts Student League in New York City and had her first solo show in 1990. She has traveled the world, both independently and for the last 20 years as a tour director for Road Scholar educational programs and to date has visited more than 80 countries. Her cultural impressions are often reflected in her colorful and intricate paintings.

Laurieanne’s exhibit of paintings and metal assemblage works, “Pentimento”, was shown in the gallery in 2016.

Banner image: detail of Marrakesh, mixed media on canvas, 24 x 48″

Mixed Media Collage by Amherst artist Nan Salky, March 5th to 28th. Extended to May 2nd

Nan finds inspiration and materials for her art in her wanderings through antique stores brimming with vintage ephemera. She is drawn to certain faces and expressions, finding humor and playfulness in the process of transformation. In her studio, formal portraits are collaged and embellished with exotic birds, flowers and impossible combinations of detail. This process helps revive and recast the images into a more personal and fanciful vision. Her pieces are completed with repurposed antique frames that help hold their place in the past.

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 5th, 5-8pm, during Amherst Arts Night Plus

About Nan Salky:
Nan grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She received her BA in Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books from The University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Antioch New England. She has worked for more than thirty years as a psychotherapist, and has reared two daughters. She lives in Amherst with her husband, Tom Murphy, who supports and assists in her artistic endeavors. Her art work has been exhibited locally since 2010. 

Nan’s exhibit of assemblage works, “I Heard the Shadows Calling”, was shown in the gallery in 2014.

Futuristic drawings by Holyoke artist Christina Gusek, January 22nd – February 29th.

Christina’s work has been described as psychedelic cyberpunk. Her vibrant futuristic drawings are inspired by recent advancements in science and technology and imagine the possible consequences these developments may have on nature and humanity. She illustrates fantastical aspects of possible and unknown futures, evoking dialogues involving theories of humanity evolving beyond current physical and mental limitations toward an ultimate goal of immortality. Her work ultimately poses the question: what effects will future technologies have on humans and our planet?

The future is uncertain but her hope is that major global issues we face today — such as climate change, terminal illness, life expectancy, and war — will ultimately be remediated or fully resolved via emerging technologies so succeeding generations will prosper in a new and better world.

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 6th, 5-8pm, during Amherst Arts Night Plus

About Christina Gusek:
Christina has exhibited her work locally, nationally, and internationally for more than 16 years. She works primarily with pen, ink, and marker, sometimes combined with acrylics and colored pencil. She is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College and Westwood College in Atlanta, and holds degrees in Graphic Design and Visual Communications/Art. She lives in Holyoke with her partner, artist Adam Mulcahy.

Want to get lucky on Valentines Day? Enter for a chance to win a framed futuristic 8×10 portrait by Christina of your most beloved person or pet (or yourself)! We will choose a name at random on Valentines Day! Come by the shop and fill out a free ticket until Feb 13th for a chance to win ❤️

We’ll choose a ticket at random on February 14th. Winner must submit a photo and the drawing will be competed within 4-6 weeks of receipt of the photo. We will choose the perfect frame to complement your portrait.

How old were you when you created your first artwork?
According to my mother, as soon as I could pick up a crayon. As a child, I was never really one for words, so I found comfort in expressing myself through pictures.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Around 5 or 6 years old in kindergarten. I would spend all my time in the art & craft section of the classroom. I was always getting in trouble for not participating in any of the other activities. I was young, but I think it was then that I discovered that art was my passion.

What inspires you?
Long hikes in nature. I am also inspired by anything related to future technologies and science.

What is your creative process like? How do you work?
Most of the time I do not have any idea as to what I will be creating and the work just seems to happen naturally. I tend to work on pieces sporadically and never for lengths of time longer than 3 or 4 hours. I prefer to walk away from pieces to mull over ideas and go back to them when the time is right. It helps that my studio is in my home because I am a multitasker, and tend to work on art while doing something else at the same time. (Usually cooking since I love to cook too!)

Any advice to young or emerging artists?
Believe in yourself, stay positive, and never let anyone distract you from following your dreams.

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