Minneapolis artist Jodi Reeb to premiere exhibit, Surface Alchemy at Kolman & Pryor Gallery
Contact: Anita Sue Kolman For Immediate Release
612-385-4239
Surface Alchemy
New Work by Jodi Reeb
Public Reception: Saturday, April 26, 2014
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN) Minneapolis artist Jodi Reeb is well known for her multi-layered and engaging encaustic (beeswax) artworks that incorporate patterns and images from nature, music, home, and family. But dont expect to see Reebs usual patterns and images in her new painting exhibit, Surface Alchemy, at the Kolman & Pryor Gallery. Rather Reeb explores what happens when she abstracts the content of the painting and the surface becomes the most important thing. Surface Alchemy begins at Kolman & Pryor on Saturday, April 19, 2014, and runs through Saturday, May 31, 2014, with a free public reception on Saturday, April 26, 2014, 7-10 p.m.
Alchemy is defined as a magical power or process that transmutes a common, everyday or vernacular substance into something considered of greater value. In Reebs case, the material is beeswax. By focusing on the surface, Ive come to understand more about the dynamics of painting with molten beeswax, she says. My most recent work focuses on the singular beauty of the surface.
In the past, my focus has been on content, creating work thats nature-based and contemporary, Reeb explains. Recently, however, Ive developed an interest in creating rich surfaces that are pure in form and free of content. With the new works in this show, Ive used common materials in the layers of encaustic paint to create beautiful, rich surfaces that explore the opacity and translucency of each painting.
Inspiration comes from experimentation and the nature of the materials I use, she adds. I am also intrigued with how light accentuates the height and depth of the surface, creating light and shadow on and between the surfaces. In addition to beeswax, Reeb is also using iron oxide, powdered pigments and patina finishes in the works, so the paintings also manifest her inquiry into materials.
Kolman & Pryor co-owner Anita Sue Kolman says, "I'm honored and excited that Jodis using the show to stretch herself and move in a new direction. I know her fans will be pleased.
Reebs prior artworks and commissions can be found in the collections of law firms, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, hotels, and other diverse corporate and private clients. Much of this work, she says, is about collaborating and placing my work in existing spaces. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Reeb teaches encaustic painting and actively exhibits throughout Minnesota and the U.S. One of her works was selected as the 2004 Metris Uptown Art Fairs commemorative print.
For a preview of Surface Alchemy, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com
or 612-385-4239.
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Surface Alchemy runs Saturday, April 19, 2014, through Saturday, May 31, 2014.
Public Reception: Saturday, April 26, 2014, 7-10 p.m.
The Kolman & Pryor Gallery is located in Studio 395, Northrop King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. For more information, please call: 612-385-4239, email: anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com or visit: www.kolmanpryorgallery.com
