Harry Kollatz contributed to this exhibition by helping us put together an introduction for Paper View(s).
Gregg Carbo, Don Crow and Amie Oliver maintain their practice as "makers" regardless of where they are working or whatever else is going on in their lives.
This exhibition reveals ideas in progress, in process and in between. It's a little like looking backward and forward between their various solo exhibitions. No manifestos here- but a glimpse into the process of making and thinking about where their work is going and why.
All three artists use paper as part of their creative process regardless of the materials used in the completion of a work. Don's collage "pictures" likely grew from his habit of making small
postcard-sized pieces that were the seed of Crow's larger oil paintings. Gregg's work, whether on or off paper or utilizing other materials synthesizes an austere beauty with the an unlikely response to found objects, textures and surfaces that is often worked out on paper prior.
Amie finds her inspiration from timeless icons of art history that she visits in museums then takes into her studio as welcomed friends. They create a resonance in her life that is always open to new materials, periods or styles. She may work on linen, styrofoam or panel, but paper is always part of her process of discovery.
Amie arrived in Richmond a few days prior to Paper View(s) scheduled opening and remarked: "Everyone associated with this exhibition did a beautiful job. I think the resulting show is an interesting exploration of how we three approach the materiality of paper and even though I have known Gregg and Don's work for more years than I am willing to put in print, I am still discovering similarities and differences in our approach that I did not know before. I guess that's what keeps me interested."
The artists would like to thank Plant Zero and its staff for their effort in creating a beautiful installation in the face of Tropical Depression Ernesto. Gregg Carbo, Tom Adair and Mil Norman-Risch created a beautiful, balanced installation while Amie and Don were far
away dealing with the world's new security measures and investigating the safest way to get between here and there with art in hand.
Labels: art and inspiration, drawing, gallery, great conversations, ham, painting