Artists are Unmuted at Hillsborough Gallery of Arts

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. - EntSun -- Artist Marcy Lansman paints landscapes using a palette knife and heavy-body acrylic paints. "My technique is to put down an underpainting of random bright colors and to superimpose on that background a scene from the outdoors that is roughly based on a photograph – though the result often bears little resemblance to the photo." While it's impossible to control a knife as precisely as a brush, it's easier to create random organic shapes. Random speckles of color from the underpainting show through in the finished product making it more interesting and pleasing. "That interaction between random and controlled elements is central to my art."

"When our exhibit title was suggested many months ago," says painter Ellie Reinhold, "I remember responding that I felt more muted than unmuted these days. Death, destruction and isolation seem to rule the world!" Reinhold wondered if she could find a path relating to it in her paintings. "Luckily, the theme eventually wormed its way into the work. While I have a penchant for spare winter tree forms that pull many of my paintings into a melancholy space, Unmuted has pushed me out into the summer sun. At least a little bit."

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"After a year of being aware if one was 'on mute' or not, it is wonderful to communicate directly once more." Sculptor Lynn Wartski likes her sculptures to speak for themselves with bright colors, interesting titles, and details that jump out on close inspection.

This year she's created anthropomorphic figures that speak directly to viewers. "I find that I enjoy the challenge of imbuing these art dolls with human characteristics as minimally as possible. One often encounters an animal or object merely dressed in clothing. Alternatively, I try to draw out an expression, posture, or single element in the figure to tell its story."

"Each of my figures is needle felted wool over wire and quilt batting.  I create most of the accompanying elements for each piece, like an elephant's trike, rhinoceros's mask and staff, or an owl's medicine bag. Glass and crystal beads, embroidery, and faux leather are just a few of the materials I incorporate that transform these needle felted dolls into mixed media sculptures."

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Unmuted will be open both in the gallery and online at HillsboroughGallery.com from September 24 – October 24.

The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned by 21 artists, exhibiting contemporary fine art & craft. 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. More information, including current hours, can be found on the HGA website: http://www.HillsboroughGallery.com

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Orange County Arts Commission (funding from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.) We also thank Orange County Emergency Small Business Funding Program.