New Artwork at Pogacha Restaurants Pops out of Its Frames to Greet Viewers
Submitted by: Flash Media Services
2011-09-01 00:14:39
Issaquah, WA (OPENPRESS) September 1, 2011 -- Elaborate two-dimensional collages and three-dimensional assemblages filled with color and found objects grace Pogacha of Issaquah as part of a two-person show titled "Collage & Assemblage: textures, shapes & edges."
The show features handmade wooden boxes filled with found objects created by Poulsbo artist A.K. Anderson and delicately cut and crafted two-dimensional paper collages mastered by Port Townsend artist Harold Nelson. Together they offer a feast for the eyes in a restaurant known for offering a feast for the taste buds.
The show will run through Oct. 15, 2011, at Pogacha of Issaquah, 120 NW Gilman Blvd. It will move to Pogacha of Bellevue, 119 106th Ave NE, on Oct. 16, and will run through Dec. 10, 2011.
"The assemblage boxes I have been creating since 1996 are inspired by my attraction to found objects and enjoyment in the contrast of mixed textures," said Anderson, who explains that assemblage began as an experimental medium for Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Jean Dubuffet and became an acknowledged medium by the 1950s with modern artists George Braque, Kurt Schwitters, Man Ray, Robert Rauschenberg and Joseph Cornell.
Her works include unique themes built around rough wooden hearts, vintage toys and seascapes, among others. "I have discovered that the very choice of the objects assembled often trigger a distant memory, the way a song can define a specific time in your life," said Anderson, who began her assemblage art while attending the Burnley School of Professional Art (now The Art Institute of Seattle). "Themes are revealed by various moments as I move through my everyday activities, as well as travel, a mood, a miracle, an impression, someone's implied dream, a lyric, a memory, an object."
While Anderson's work jumps out of its boxes and begs to be touched, Nelson's work beckons the viewer from close up and far away. His brightly colored collages are made from multiple layers of magazine cutouts, designed to look good from near and far. "The whole goal is to have things that work at both distances," said Nelson, who worked at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., before retiring to Port Townsend to pursue his artwork. "In my studio I step back 20 feet away from it when I'm working on it because I want it to look cool at a distance too."
Nelson has been interested in artwork all his life and dabbled in photography. While living in Washington, D.C. he spent lots of time "haunting" the art museums and absorbing the various art styles. About 10 years ago he met Maryland collage artist George Sakkal, who taught him the layering technique. "Some places you'll have 10 layers of paper and you'll paste over things," said Nelson, who spends 40 to 50 hours making each piece. "It's like a painter trying to find the right mix, right texture. I'm visually curious about what things are going to look like. I love color and I love to put things together."
For more information about the exhibit and Pogacha Restaurants, call 425-392-5550 or visit the web site at www.pogacha.com
About the Artists:
A.K. Anderson, of Poulsbo, attended the Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle and has shown her work in various juried shows and galleries throughout the Northwest. She is a signature member of the National Collage Society and has won numerous awards for her artwork. Her work can be seen at www.nationalcollage.com.
Harold Nelson, of Port Townsend, worked 32 years as a government civil servant, the last 17 in Washington, D.C. He retired to Port Townsend with his wife and now spends his time working on his collages. He has entered and won awards at many juried art shows. His work can be viewed at www.hnelsonart.com.
