Bernie
Lopez, Rex Peters: New Works
Both
Bernie Lopez and Rex Peters are master craftsmen. Many people are drawn to the
warmth and charm of the natural, local wood-turned works of Rex Peters, while
Bernie Lopez’s fine acrylic paintings are startling when one realizes that
these meticulous artworks on canvas are not photographs!
“As an artist, I enjoy rendering Nature
in a way that introduces the viewer to a different perspective of my subject.” –Bernie Lopez
While
growing up in Escondido, California, Lopez was drawn to
the natural world around him. At an early age he started sketching his
observations of Nature and discovered his passion for art. In his 20’s, Lopez
traveled the western United States absorbing the beautiful scenery he
witnessed. Inspired by his journeys, Lopez began painting realistic landscapes
modeled after the photographs he had captured during his travels. As his
painting explorations continued, Lopez began to include abstract elements in
his work. Ultimately, he invented a unique painting style that merges his interest
in both abstract and realistic elements. In “New Works,” Lopez dazzles viewers
with his precise depictions of natural forms.
“I design my work with simple lines,
often inspired by classic shapes, to display the natural beauty of each piece
of wood.”
–Rex Peters
Peters
began his journey with fine woodworking in 1988. After much practice, he taught
himself to turn a bowl. Now, he frequently chooses local woods, often earmarked
for the burn pile, as his medium. In them, he sees potential as works of fine
art.
Peters’
first step in turning a block of wood
into a bowl or box is to cut, using a chain saw and then a band saw, a chunk of
wood the approximate size of his envisioned project. Peters then gradually
changes the block of wood into a pleasing, refined shape. During each step
Peters follows his intuition in response to the wood’s natural beauty. Besides
being functional, his turned bowls and boxes are meant to give both visual and
tactile pleasure to the viewer. His works highlight the natural grain, the
color, and the textures inherent within each rough- cut piece of wood. Some of
Peters’ works receive a decorative edge of inlaid turquoise; others display
turquoise inlaid symbols; yet others are embellished with hand-twisted inlaid
copper wire. All pieces receive a fine sanding and light rub of food safe
walnut oil to further enhance and finish the piece.
Perhaps
both of these fine craftsmen are motivated by the desire to share their unique
artistic visions. “New Works” runs March 4-April 27, with an Art Walk reception
for the artists on March 5 from 5-8pm. Refreshments will be served.
Jerome
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery
502 Main St. 928-639-4276
