The Birdsong Farm ‘Intuition’ opening reception June 1st with Wolfgang Mehlberg, Yemana Sanders, Karen Graves & (not in photo Barbara Alyn)
Outstanding atmosphere for this month’s opening event ‘Intuition’ at Birdsong Community Farm
By Robert Brune
HAMDEN — As the Birdsong Community Garden begins to show signs of more growth of flowers, herbs, and vegetables outside the opened French doors leading into the art gallery, Mark Strodl embarks on his second curation of artists at Birdsong with the ‘Intuition’ exhibition. Early Saturday morning the parking lot was buzzing with activity as a string of vendors were setting up selling locally developed plants, foods, honey, and crafts.
It's wonderful to see local artists like Wolfgang Mehlberg, Barbra Alyn, Yemana Sanders, and Karen Gutliph Graves coming together to explore the theme of intuition in their work. The concept of investigating our primal instincts versus learned behaviors is both thought-provoking and timely. In a world where societal norms and expectations often dictate our actions, embracing intuition can be a transformative journey. The description of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new realms free from preconceptions resonates deeply, highlighting the courage and resilience required for such exploration.
Barabara Alyn’s artwork is truly a visual feast. Blending elements reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's whimsy with the dreamlike surrealism of Salvador Dali, her watercolor pieces evoke a captivating world of imagination and wonder. Alyn's distinctive style, characterized by vibrant colors and fantastical compositions, invites viewers into a realm where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide. Each piece is a journey through a landscape populated by an array of quirky characters and surrealistic interpretations of nature.
One of the most compelling aspects of Alyn's work is her ability to infuse her scenes with a sense of animated energy, drawing the viewer into a narrative that unfolds beyond the confines of the canvas. Her mastery of watercolor technique adds depth and fluidity to her creations, enhancing the dreamlike quality of her art. Visiting Barbara Alyn's store is not just a shopping experience; it's an immersion into a world of enchantment and delight. Whether you're a connoisseur of art or simply seeking to be transported to a realm of imagination, Alyn's artwork is sure to captivate and inspire, in Margaretville (Barabara Alyn Artwork, Luxury, and Mercantile)
What strikes viewers immediately are Mehlberg's vibrant and captivating colors. They pulse with life, echoing the vibrancy of the cultures he depicts. Through his brushstrokes, Mehlberg breathes life into his subjects, capturing their spirit and vitality with remarkable precision. Mehlberg's works evoke a sense of reverence for the traditions and history of Native American culture. His compositions invite viewers to pause and reflect, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and beauty inherent in these communities.
Moreover, Mehlberg's art serves as an example of the enduring human spirit, echoing his own journey from the turmoil of WWII to the vibrant melting pot of New York City and finally to the serene landscapes of Delhi. His artistic odyssey mirrors his life's trajectory, a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of cultural exchange.
Karen Gutliph Graves's watercolor paintings are a testament to her deep connection with the Catskill Mountains, a connection that spans back to her childhood in DeLancey, New York. Through her stunningly realistic depictions, she captures the essence of the landscapes that have been ingrained in her mind since her youth.
Graves's mastery of watercolor allows her to convey the intricate details of her subjects with finesse. As Graves describes her work, “I paint with watercolor because it gives me the freedom to capture the fine details of an image, moss growing on a rock, the texture of a weathered barn board, or the fluffy warmth of a flannel jacket,” Her choice of medium, watercolor, grants her the freedom to capture these fine details while also evoking the fluidity and transient beauty of nature with incredible depth of lighting and fine details that almost enters into photo realism.
Graves studied art and ceramics at Buffalo State University, has earned a reputation as one of the region’s finest watercolorists, earning accolades at local, regional, and national shows. Graves's accolades are a testament to her skill and dedication as a watercolorist. Her work not only captures the beauty of the Catskill Mountains but also invites viewers to share in her profound reverence for the natural world. In a world that often moves at a frantic pace, Graves's paintings offer a moment of quiet reflection, inviting us to pause, breathe, and immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of the landscapes she so lovingly portrays.
Yemana Sanders, born in Bern, Switzerland, embarked on a transformative quest in the 1970s when she relocated to Barre, Massachusetts, seeking enlightenment through the study of mindfulness at a Buddhist retreat. It was here that she undertook a profound one-year vow of silence, experiencing the deep realms of introspection and spiritual exploration.
This period of silence and contemplation served as a catalyst for Sanders' artistic expression. Though she refrains from labeling herself a traditional painter, her abstract art serves as a vibrant testament to her inner truths and lived experiences. For Sanders, painting is not merely a medium of creative expression but a direct manifestation of her journey through life—a raw and unfiltered reflection of her existence in each passing moment.
After her transformative experience in Massachusetts, Sanders found herself drawn to East Meredith, where she continued to channel her passion for painting into evocative works of art. Her abstract compositions, characterized by bold strokes, vibrant hues, and dynamic forms, serve as windows into her soul, capturing the essence of her lived truths and spiritual insights.
Sanders' art transcends conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and introspection. Through her abstract creations, she invites us to embrace the inherent beauty of impermanence and the boundless potential of the present moment.
In essence, Yemana Sanders' art is not just a visual expression but a profound documentation of the transformative power of mindfulness and the enduring quest for self-realization. Through her paintings, she invites us to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, where each piece serves as a pathway to deeper understanding and inner peace.
The show promises not only artistic expression but also a deeper reflection on the human experience, emphasizing the importance of spiritual trust and the rewards of creativity and adaptability. It's an invitation to engage with art that challenges and inspires, inviting viewers to ponder their own relationship with intuition and personal growth.
The opening event on June 1st was a fantastic opportunity to experience the artwork firsthand and connect with the local community. And with free admission and multiple opportunities to visit throughout the month, it's an accessible and inclusive celebration of creativity and introspection. This exhibition runs each Saturday through June 22nd 10 am – 2 pm
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