Artist Ariel Ecklund at her open reception in Andes at Hawk and Hive gallery
By Robert Brune
ANDES — Currently showing at Hawk and Hive Gallery is the brilliant minimalist artist Ariel Bullion Ecklund, a multi-disciplinary artist who works with ceramics, photography, and on paper.
Ecklund began her life with the loss of both her parents at a young age. This would present challenges for any child and to overcome and persevere such an early life experience is admirable. Ecklund credits her mother for guiding her into the arts as her mother was an artist and academic who introduced her to art, galleries, libraries, and museums.
Carrying on with these valuable formative experiences, Eckland earned a BFA in photography, not too long after earning her master’s degree in museum studies. Putting her education to use, Ecklund was a freelance photographer and continued to work on her skills in a diverse scope of art including ceramics. Ecklund purchased a gallery in Ithaca. Again, applying her education, this time in knowledge of museum studies, it greatly helped her understand presentation of space and messaging.
Ecklund, in describing her artwork, “Visually, my work is minimal, but it is rooted in concepts of absence + presence, fragility + strength and inner + outer space. My intention is to evoke a space of emotive stillness” Her work is meditative and seems to draw elements of indigenous artwork. When asked if it was her intention to create works that reflects influences of tribal art, “I am certainly not fluent in the history or techniques of indigenous art from America or Africa, and don’t directly pull references from it, but you are not the first person to ask this question! I basically grew up in museums so it’s highly possible that I’ve absorbed some of this visual information over the years”
The root inspirations, as she explains, “I tend to work with relatively simple forms which create shadows and references, allowing a space for quiet contemplation and reflection - for myself, while I am making, and for the viewer, seeing the finished piece. At times, there are moments of humor or sarcasm - usually implied by the title.” With her interests in architecture and interiors, Eklund’s works seem to be crafted to fit elegantly with their surroundings, rather than the approach of a bold statement work of art.
Thankfully Eckland being a person who is uber educated and experienced with describing and presenting other artist, she has a website for her artwork that was a tremendous aid in telling her story and her journey as an artist and gallerist. https://arielecklund.com/about
Upon meeting Ecklund briefly at the opening reception, she is a very friendly and engaging person with such phenomenal talent. This past Saturday Hawk and Hive was once again packed with local patrons and area artists competing for time to chat with her. Eckland expressed such gratitude for all the great folks that came to her opening, “I visited Andes for the first time last summer, and went to Hawk + Hive to meet Jayne, see her gallery and the current exhibition. I immediately felt a kinship with the town and knew I would be back! One year later, here we are. The experience with Jayne and her helpers at H + H was nothing short of exceptional. I felt a warm sense of community and welcomeness from everyone. Hawk + Hive and the town of Andes will hold a spot in my heart forever!”
For more information see https://www.hawkandhive.com/ and both Hawk + Hive and Ariel Bullion Ecklund can be found on Instagram
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