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above: very cool postcard design by Liz Remmel of Immix Studios
As the first of seven exhibits scheduled for Summit Artspace in 2008, From Camera to Canvas, with its diverse grouping of media, style and subject matter, is the perfect precursor to a visually varied and interesting year of art. Roger Durbin, writing for the West Side Leader, described From Camera to Canvas as “one of the finest exhibits that has been assembled at the gallery since it opened a few years ago.”
As the title implies, the show focuses on work where an image (often, but not always, a photograph) serves as inspiration and starting point. Along the way the specifics may be enhanced, obscured or completely discarded, depending upon the artist’s vision, media and approach.
The three artists represented are Jerry Domokur, digital media, Mike Gable, mixed media painting, and Donna Webb, ceramics. In the Akron Beacon Journal art review, Dorothy Shinn wrote of the influence of digital photography on each artist’s process. Jerry’s use of digital media is the most straightforward, manipulating images into finished pieces that are simply “stunners.” She described Mike’s paintings as “lyrically abstract” and Donna’s tiles as “beautifully wrought.” After conversing at length with the artists, Dorothy was able to impart a great deal of insight into each artist’s ideas and processes in her review, which is well worth the read before or after viewing the work.
Left to right: Ohio State Fair by Jerry Domokur, Untitled by Mike Gable and Art World from the Talk Turkey series by Donna Webb; Photos courtesy of Summit Artspace
While each piece of work is engaging on its own, the combined works are equally enticing. The somewhat unlikely grouping of art is harmonious. It is difficult to quantify the feel of a gallery exhibit, although it is evident upon entering the space- this show exudes lots of positive vibes!
From Camera to Canvas :: January 25 to March 1, 2008
Summit Artspace :: 140 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio
Thursday, Friday and Saturday :: Noon to 5
The notecards with the pen and ink streetscape caught my eye- the illustrations depicted a familiar row of buildings from the neighborhood. The drawings were handsome, the lines confident and expressive. As it turned out, the set of cards I purchased nearly twenty years ago was my first encounter with the artist Claire Cressler. Many years later a friend introduced me to a gentleman who lived nearby, an artist by trade and avocation, a prolific painter named Claire.
The community had an opportunity to view work by Claire in Akron: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a group exhibit in 2005 at Summit Artspace , which featured a selection of his urban landscapes. Paintings from that show were later installed in the Akron-Summit County Public Library as a part of their permanent collection.
On January 8, 2008, Claire died. He lived nearly a century and documented much of it in his drawings and paintings. Art was his passion, second only to his love for his late wife, Gloria.
I came across a few remaining notecards the other day. Some of the pictured buildings have changed; some are gone. These cards will remain unused- small pieces of local history, treasured now as mementos of an artist I’m happy to have known.
Claire’s artwork on exhibit announcement
Claire (left) with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic
(Summit Artspace photo)
