“Spirits,” opens
at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Oct 6
Sally
Davidson and V. Norton present new work in their two person show entitled,
“Spirits” at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery which kicks off with a
reception for the artists during Jerome’s First Saturday Art Walk on October 6
from 5-8 pm.
Sally
Davidson creates original artworks in clay, makes a mold from them, and then
casts a small series of around eight pieces in paper mache where each in the
series is slightly different from each other due to her handmade process.
“My work
depicts the spirits which we might see in the natural world if we are lucky,” Ms.
Davidson exclaims, “because every living plant and animal is essentially a
spirit manifesting in form.”
“I love
creating spirals that represent the energy of different types of animals.” Ms.
Davidson continues, “Some of the spirals are symbolic of creatures of the sea
or sky, such as dolphins or flying geese, while other spirals depict the energy
of some of our most well-known land animals such as cows, pigs, dogs, cats and
horses. Because of the variety of animals and creatures Ms. Davidson offers in these
spirals, she states that different people will resonate with different creatures’
energy. Ms. Davidson believes humans are spiritual beings on Earth having a
physical experience. Thus, she states, life is meant to be enjoyed with beauty
created and preserved. “The intricate natural world is a marvelous, precious
enigma which must be protected for the joy and appreciation for future
generations. Every living spirit,” Ms. Davidson continues, “whether it be
human, tree or otherwise, has something to share with those who are receptive
to their wisdom and knowledge.” Ms. Davidson feels her artwork is a success
when viewers share their joy and delight from seeing her images. Her latest
piece, “Hummingbird,” symbolizes “joy of life” and represents the tremendous
stamina these tiny creatures exhibit. “Whenever I see a hummingbird,” Ms.
Davidson comments, “I am reminded of the hummingbirds’ traits of exuberant joy
and energy which is such an inspiring part of my life.”
“Spirits are
everywhere!” quotes artist V. Norton as she began creating her new body of work
for this show. “I have always liked the female form represented in both the
abstract and the robust. Of course, my female forms must have jewels and some
sort of horse ‘hairdos’ on each of them as they display their own individual
spirits and sense of mystery.”
Although
well known for her high fired porcelain bowls, Ms. Norton chose to create the
forms for this show using low fired, earth toned colors where the firings
themselves determine the eventual outcome of the colors and hues of each
individual piece. “It is really art for art’s sake,” Ms. Norton explains, “and
these are the kind of spirits you want to bring home with you!” Ms. Norton continues to add new works to her ongoing
“masks” series, because, after all, they are a part of her “Small Spirits”
series, and they fit so nicely into the theme of this show.
Additionally,
as a professional calligrapher, Ms. Norton will share calligraphy works that
include some of her hand made books. Ms. Norton points out that, “To me,
letterforms imbue another type of spirit: an artistic interpretation of the
written word.”
All these
diverse interpretations of “Spirits” will be celebrated with a reception for
the artists on Oct 6 from 5-8 pm during Jerome’s first Saturday Art walk.
Refreshments will be served at the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative Gallery. The
show runs thru Nov 28. Open Daily 10-6.