Category Archives: First Friday

Gravy

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

On First Friday this month, I was excited to finally visit Gravy Studio, located in Fishtown, which serves as a space that promotes local photographers and their work.  As a photographer with a particular fondness for the darkroom, I was especially interested in attending the opening reception for Northeast Kingdom by Andrew Frost.  Not only does this body of work contain black and white images captured on film, but I felt compelled to learn more about the mystery surrounding his project.

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

Artist Statement:

“These photographs were made in the Northeast area of the state of Vermont, an area known as the Northeast Kingdom. It’s where my family has lived for more than 200 years. My father joined the Navy when he was a teenager as a way to get out of the rural area, and growing up we never went back, though I always imagined what it was like. Over the past several years, I’ve been traveling there, exploring my past, and making photographs.”

Andrew Frost has been making large format photographs within and surrounding the small town of Groton, Vermont, where his relatives have lived for more that two hundred years. In the late 1970’s, his father left and joined the Navy as a teenager. As Andrew was growing up, his family moved constantly, and he had never personally experienced his heritage in Vermont. He always imagined “a magical place, with mountains, rivers, and lakes, and a land of tree houses and caves — the kind of place where kids were free to ride their bikes to the village store.”

Northeast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy StudioNortheast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

Finally in 2010, he visited his roots for the first time and began photographing the world he had often envisioned. Because of his nomadic upbringing, the Northeast Kingdom held a mythical sense of history for Frost as he had been enamored by the stories of his father’s youth.  On his initial visit to Vermont, he had instantly felt a deep connection and a sense of belonging.  For the next 3 years, Frost had made frequent trips to the area, and brought his 8 x 10 view camera to record and discover his origins on a journey of self-exploration.

Northeast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy StudioNortheast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

Documenting with a view camera was a slow and gradual process, which complimented the way of life in rural Vermont. Some of his subjects are relatives, others are strangers. Frost’s images are beautiful and expressively rich in their black and white tonality. Several of the captures could easily be mistaken as having been made in the distant past – including an image containing elements of a wall photo of a vintage car combined with an antiquated radio, to a photograph of a soldier leaving for boot camp. Before I knew any of the backstory regarding this project, I asked Andrew about the timeline and for details as for when these particular images were captured (as I initially thought that these could have been enlargements made from old negatives).

Northeast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

Andrew Frost explained:

“I don’t know for certain what type of car is in the photo, and as far as I know it’s a clock radio – it’s at my grandmother’s house, and she’s had it for a very long time. The photograph of the soldier, Jeremy, was made the day he left for boot camp. It was the 4th of July in 2011. He’s my aunt’s husband’s sister’s son, and in that area there aren’t a lot of career options. Your choices are mostly limited to farming, ministry, or the military, and he chose to enlist when he finished high school.”

Northeast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew FrostGravy Studio

This poignant collection of work initially evokes feelings of melancholy, isolation, sterility, and stagnation in a pastoral land where time appears to be standing still. Yet these observations will eventually transition the viewer towards feelings of hope, beauty, tenderness, and human connection. The exhalation and inner peace that has resulted in this journey of self-realization and reflection are undoubtedly witnessed when viewing Northeast Kingdom.

Northeast Kingdon, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast KingdomAndrew Frost at Gravy Studio is on display through December 31st. Gravy Studio & Gallery, 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (267) 825-7071, gravy-studio.com, gravy.photo@gmail.com

Andrew Frost was born in Yokosuka, Japan. He has an MFA from Syracuse University, and currently lives in Northern New Jersey where he makes books for Conveyor Arts.

Gravy Studio & Gallery is a collaborative photography workspace and gallery located near the Frankford Arts Corridor.  Serving as a multifunctional space that promotes the work of local photographers, opening receptions are held on the First Friday of every month.

http://www.andrewpfrost.com

http://conveyorarts.org

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

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Wonders

SMALL WONDERS 2014, Arch Enemies Arts

ARCH ENEMY ARTS PRESENTS: SMALL WONDERS 2014, 3RD ANNUAL AFFORDABLE ART SHOW

ARCH ENEMY ARTS is excited to announce the opening of the third installment of our annual affordable art show, Small Wonders.

SMALL WONDERS 2014, Arch Enemy ArtsMatto, Rabbit SoldierARCH ENEMY ARTS PRESENTS: SMALL WONDERS 2014 AEA’S 3RD ANNUAL AFFORDABLE ART

Featuring almost 50 artists from across the globe and over 100 pieces of original artwork, Small Wonders 2014 includes not only Philly and AEA staples like Paul Romano, Maria Teicher, Air Rat, & Caitlin McCormack, but also 34 artists showing at ARCH ENEMY ARTS for the very first time.

Small Wonders 2014, Arch Enemy ArtsJulie Filipenko, Hold My Hand, ARCH ENEMY ARTS PRESENTS: SMALL WONDERS 2014
AEA’S 3RD ANNUAL AFFORDABLE ART
 

As with both previous installments, all the work will be sized below 12″, and priced at $250 or less. Small Wonders is our only cash-and-carry show of the year, so everyone can walk out of the opening with art in their hands. It’s way cooler than standing in line at 4:00am for a discount flat screen on BlackFriday.

Small Wonders 2014, Arch Enemy ArtsCarly Janine MazurAs Above, ARCH ENEMY ARTS PRESENTS: SMALL WONDERS 2014
AEA’S 3RD ANNUAL AFFORDABLE ART
 

The opening reception is free and open to the public

First Friday November 7th, 6:00 – 10:00pm
ARCH ENEMY ARTS111 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Small Wonders 2014, Arch Enemy ArtsLori Nelson, Gnashie, ARCH ENEMY ARTS PRESENTS: SMALL WONDERS 2014 AEA’S 3RD ANNUAL AFFORDABLE ART

“Seeking to fill the need for a centralized hub focused exclusively on new contemporary genres within Philadelphia’s already vibrant art scene, ARCH ENEMY ARTS was founded in 2012 as Philly’s freshest new venue dedicated to exhibiting emerging and established artists, both local and international, with an emphasis on lowbrow, representational, pop surrealism, photo-realism, decorative, figurative, urban, macabre and illustrative style art in a wide range of mediums. Located in Old City, ARCH ENEMY ARTS is Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly”™ Best Art Gallery for its 40th Anniversary, and was voted the “Best Art Gallery in Philadelphia” on Philly HotList in 2013, and in 2012.” – ARCH ENEMY ARTS

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Essence

Su Knoll Horty, Bluestone Fine Art Gallery Su Knoll HortyEssence 8, 30″ x 40″, oil on canvas, Bluestone Fine Art Gallery

Bluestone Fine Art Gallery,142 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, presents ESSENCE. Landscape Perspective in the Abstract on November 3, 2014. The exhibition features new paintings by Su Knoll Horty.

Su Knoll Horty Artist Statement

“Just be so good that you cannot be ignored.” Su Knoll Horty uses this quote from Steve Martin as daily inspiration when working on her paintings. Working primarily with oils, using a palette knife to layer on the color, then scraping or rubbing it off. This creates the transparent layer of color and shaped ‘stains’ Su uses to build her color relationships, focusing on the effects that adjoining colors have on one another.Su says, “My challenge as a painter is to create emotion through the use of color. I am inspired by the complexities of color and how color fields create harmonious and often, unexpected dimensions. I explore the ways compositions change through layering and fusing color. Spaces of clarity juxtapose with spaces of intricacy, and vibrancy contrasts with calm.”

Su Knoll Hortys latest work explores a simplified landscape space, which often contrasts organic shapes and perspectival elements with simple bands or static rectangles of color. These contrasting elements give an added vibrancy and movement to the already vibrant colors Su uses.

Su Knoll Horty, Bluestone Fine Art Gallery Su Knoll Horty, Essence 8, 30" x 40", oil on canvas, Bluestone Fine Art GallerySu Knoll HortyEssence, 30″ x 40″, oil on canvas, Bluestone Fine Art Gallery

About Bluestone Fine Art Gallery

Established in 2011 by Pam ReganBluestone Fine Art Gallery has been operating in the Old City District of Philadelphia on the corner of Second and Quarry streets. The gallery features original works by contemporary and traditional artists in a range of mediums, including painting, ceramics and sculpture. Our artists’ hail from Philadelphia and around the country – many of the city’s most well-known and emerging artists have exhibited works in both group and solo shows.

Each month, we host new exhibitions that kick off during Philadelphia’s popular First Fridays that bring hundreds of art lovers into the neighborhood for special events and openings year round. Our goal is to showcase the most engaging works in a welcoming atmosphere during regular business hours and by private appointment. We work closely with collectors, designers, and architects, helping clients select the original art best suited to residences, businesses and other destinations in the tri-state area. Bluestone Fine Art Gallery is free and open to the public.

Read my interview with Su Knoll Horty on DoNArTNeWs.com

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On Flora and Fauna

Artists House Gallery, Carla LigouriArtists House Gallery, On Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal Rescue, Carla LigouriFrank DePietro and Doris Peltzman

Artists House Gallery57 North 2nd Street, Old City, Philadelphia is a treasure trove of Philly art talent. The current exhibition On Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal Rescueis a heady mix of animal art and floral paintings by many of Philadelphia’s top artists. The subject matter is ripe for interpretation and the artists have offered us a lush and beautiful world of flowers, pets and places that resonate with the heart strings.

Artists’ House Gallery features the work of more than eighty outstanding emerging and established artists, primarily from the greater Philadelphia area. Artists’ House offers art lovers and collectors the opportunity to purchase excellent affordable works of art.

“On Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart,” an exhibition benefitting Main Line Animal Rescue. Area artists offer favorably priced works that celebrate our cats and our dogs, our fish and our flowers. 10% of the gallery proceeds will go to Main Line Animal Rescue. Contributions will also be accepted. 

Artists’ House is now in its sixth month under new direction. While Artists’ House Gallery continues in the tradition of classical representational art it has also opened its doors to new visions and expressions to embrace non-objective works that explore pure color and line.” – Artists’ House Gallery

Artists House Gallery, Doris PeltzmanArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueDoris Peltzman

“I am a direct painter, painting from life to capture the moment. The excitement of the moment and the immediacy are what drive me. It is that total impression that creates the completed painting. I focus on color, harmony, light, mood, texture, composition and the calligraphy of my brush strokes. I love to experiment with a variety of palettes and surfaces. It is the visual stimulation that drives and moves me forward.” – Doris Peltzman

Artists House Gallery, Doris PeltzmanArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueDoris Peltzman

Artists House Gallery, Isaiah RattermanArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal Rescue, Isaiah Ratterman

“I hold a reverence for the Romantic painters of the past, however their ethos has been replaced in our age of excess, leaving a need for our relationship to the landscape to be redefined. Through the landscape, I find a narrative that questions the primacy of Necessity based upon my own travels. Experiences under these circumstances become important and fulfilling, offering a brief glimpse into a deeper meaning of Being. Thoughts are not processed within the moment, but collected and decrypted afterwards. My paintings act as a way of deciphering the felt experiences I hold so close.” – Isaiah Ratterman

Artists House Gallery, Andrew PinkhamArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueAndrew Pinkham

“My animal portraits challenge what we think of as historic or authentic, whether it was yesterday of hundreds of years ago. THey blur the lines of time and engage the viewer in how we interpret the idea of history itself.” – Andrew Pinkham

Artists House Gallery, Alice DustinArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueAlice Dustin

Alice Dustin is an oil painter who delights in color and the way oil paint can be put down with a brush. Leigh Gustafson of Artists’ House Gallery of Philadelphia said Dustin’s “enthusiasm comes out of her brush stroke. She has a spontaneous…juicy brush stroke.” “She’s not afraid to paint. With just a few brush strokes, a simple bowl comes alive,” says Larry Toro of Toro Gallery in Huntingdon Valley. Alice Dustin is known for her impressionistic style, a natural result of alla prima painting, done in or outdoors reacting to the subject at hand.” – Alice Dustin

Artists House Gallery, Sean CarneyArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueSean Carney

“Painting and drawing have always been an extension of who I am. I find beauty in many things but portraits and landscapes will always be my home. I paint because I am driven to. The only political or social statement I am trying to make is to see the beauty in the world and appreciate it. Sometimes we forget to value what we have around us, so I hope my work can remind you. Thank you for spending some time with me.” – Sean Carney

Artists House Gallery, Carla LiguoriArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal RescueCarla LigouriWhispering Down the Lane, terracotta, wood, acrylic, $1150.

Artists House Gallery, Mat TamezskoArtists House GalleryOn Flora and Fauna: Close to the Heart In Co-operation with Main Line Animal Rescue, Mat Tamezsko, Untititled (Tree), mixed media, $499.

Mat Tamezsko is a Philadelphia based artist primarily producing paintings influenced by the social environment of the city and the urban experience. His paintings often reflect social issues and conditions, and are made up of materials and imagery drawn from everyday visual language. Tomezsko is a Tyler School of Art graduate, and has participated in exhibitions at various commercial and underground galleries. He has also made a number of temporary public art installations, an example of which, Look Long and Look Good, a series of 30 paintings, can be seen on Main Street in Manayunk, and Here is Your Mirror, a moving installation currently on view at 2nd and Germantown Ave in Northern Liberties.” – Artists House Gallery

Main Line Animal Rescue, located minutes from Valley Forge National Park in scenic Chester County, Pennsylvania, is considered by many to be the finest animal shelter in the United States. With more than four hundred active volunteers, over a thousand companion animals adopted a year, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, innovative training and educational programs, and almost sixty acres of fenced pastures and walking trails, MLAR is not only a sight to behold but an experience you will never forget.” – Main Line Animal Rescue

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Written and photographed by DoN Brewer except where noted.

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Mia Rosenthal

Mia Rosenthal: a little bit every day

Mia Rosenthal, Gallery Joe

Mia Rosenthal, Life on Earth [detail], 2013, ink on paper, 38 x 55 inches (irregular)

Gallery Joe, 302 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, February 7 – March 22, 2014. Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 6:00-8:00pm

Philadelphia, PA – It is with great pleasure that Gallery Joe announces a little bit every day, Mia Rosenthal‘s second solo show of drawings. The show opens February 7 and runs through March 22, 2014. The opening reception will take place on First Friday, February 7 from 6 – 8 pm.

In a little bit every day Mia Rosenthal observes her own personal process of making art, from daily encounters with her computer gathering information for her work, to personal reflections on how life itself miraculously unfolds “a little bit every day.”

The centerpiece of the show is a large drawing titled Life on Earth, a spiraled work of 1,000 creatures, beginning with a single-celled organism 3.8 billion years ago, and moving through time to early ocean life, plants, mammals, dinosaurs, primates, and the domestication of plants and animals through genetically modified organisms and synthetically created life forms. Her source material comes from Wikipedia and other Internet sources where she conducts research and finds imagery.

Of this new body of work artist Todd Keyser writes,

“Rosenthal sets out to re-engage the spectator with an ‘open inquiry’ by presenting the spectator with her own practice, which incorporates both its avant-garde roots and traditional handcraft. Mia Rosenthal’s Life on Earth is an affirmation of life itself, while also simultaneously emitting the symbol for entropy, reminding us that all things are subject to change. As a result, Rosenthal’s exhibition offers the spectator multiple points of view ranging from the subject matter, to the construction of these drawings, and what they might mean in the larger context of aesthetic consideration.”

Mia Rosenthal‘s recent exhibitions include Drawn to Nature at the Glyndor Gallery, Wave Hill, Bronx, NY, Here and Now: Prints, Drawings and Photographs by 10 Philadelphia Artists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and 5 to Watch at the Avery Galleries, Bryn Mawr, PA.

Mia Rosenthal, Gallery Joe

Mia Rosenthal, iPhone (Ruth), 2013, ink, pencil and gouache on paper, 4 ½ x 2 ¼;  iPhone (Hope), 2013, ink, pencil and gouache on paper, 4 ½ x 2 ¼

Mia Rosenthal was awarded her MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and her BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York. Her drawings are included in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, as well as numerous private collections. Mia Rosenthal lives and works in Philadelphia.

Mia Rosenthala little bit every day opens on February 7 and runs through March 22, 2014. The artist will be present at a reception on First Friday, February 7 from 6 – 8 pm. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 12 – 5:30, other days by appointment.  For additional information contact, 215.592.7752, mail@galleryjoe.com or www.galleryjoe.com

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