We are pleased to introduce our next three-person exhibition at Sorelle Gallery! Breaking the Surface features original paintings by realist John Harris, abstract encaustic painter Linda Bigness, and figurative artist Michele Poirier-Mozzone.
Beginning August 7th, Breaking the Surface will showcase existing and new work by the three artists. We will open the exhibition with a Reception and Artist Meet & Greet from 3:00 - 5:00pm on August 7th. All three of our featured artists will be available to speak with visitors about their work and creative processes. Light refreshments, including wine by Scout & Cellar will also be served.
The exhibition juxtaposes drastically differing styles of original art which are linked by their subtle explorations of the surfaces in nature. While Harris meticulously captures the unique colors of pebbles beneath rippling water and waves that crash into one another, Poirier-Mozzone gives viewers a fragmented look at the human form from beneath those same ripples and waves. Linda Bigness' abstract paintings often capture the organic shapes of gardens and flora that burst through soil in order to flourish. Bigness even takes the theme a step further with her own medium, using wax to create such an organic texture on the surface of her canvas, that no two are alike even on a 3-dimensional plane.
"This show is about perspective and connection," says Sorelle Owner Sandy Pelletier. "All of these artists bring something entirely different to the table, but they ultimately provide something similar - a new perspective on the things we think we know well. These artists take a deep dive into nature's surfaces - water, soil, even the cotton canvas itself, and help us see them through a new lens."
John Harris is a Connecticut-based contemporary realist painter whose chosen subject is water. "I isolate and exaggerate forms, colors and sequences found in nature," he says. "I am most interested in exploring water’s physical properties - reflection, turbidity, rhythm, pattern, that make up its unique viewing experience. I address these issues by isolating a moment in time in various bodies of water: oceans and rivers. The result is a series of peaceful, hypnotic and turbulent paintings."
Linda Bigness explores the abstract through surface manipulation using encaustics and oil, and is currently working on a series that reflects her extensive travels through the United States and Europe. An internationally exhibited artist, Linda maintains a studio in Syracuse, New York. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious shows, and her large-scale paintings are part of corporate collections, including the Turning Stone Resort, Merrill Lynch Corporation, Haylor, Freyer and Coon, and Bausch and Lomb.
Based in Massachusetts, Michele Poirier-Mozzone garnered international recognition for her work featuring the figure as it is immersed and influenced by water and sunlight. "I pair my dual interests of figurative imagery and colorful abstraction to create paintings that are representational but also loose, fluid, and irregular,” Michele says. "I work with soft pastel or oil paint to create multi-layered images that capture the unique feeling and distinct associations of the body, suspended in water and in time.”
"I'm thrilled to showcase these talented artists together," Sandy says. "They individually make incredible artwork, but when viewed altogether you see each of them in a new light."
Breaking the Surface will be on display though Sunday, August 29, 2020. No RSVP is required to attend the opening reception event or the show while it is on display.
To shop work by our featured artists, visit the Artist Pages of John Harris, Linda Bigness, and Michele Poirier-Mozzone.
Questions? Feel free to contact us.
0 comments
Post a comment