New Art Exhibit: M. Jane Johnson
We have a new art exhibit up on the walls of the Vastu showroom. This collection of abstract paintings comes from local Virginia artist, M. Jane Johnson.
Her bold, high-energy paintings are very representational of her physical painting style. Poured paint, thrown paint, loose juicy drips, and bold scribble line work are all elements you’ll find in her work alongside collage and multiple mediums including oil sticks, charcoal, acrylic, and oil.
“When working on a piece, I am drawn to developing the canvas to find a story within the canvas and to build the surface. I want the viewer to stand back and take in the whole image as well as on a more intimate level where the surface reveals hidden treasures of texture and layering. There are many layers in each piece from acrylic, collage, oil, and various drawing implements. The image is developed with a play of the build-up of transparent and opaque to give it a surface tension that pulls the viewer in and out of the picture. Drips glazed over, palette knives of paint, artful papers, all make my work have its own unique surface. The work and process is similar to what Renoir’s son once said about his father’s work. ‘He was very careful to keep an impression of transparency in his picture throughout the different phases of the work … he worked on the whole surface of his canvas [and] the motif gradually emerged from the seeming confusion, with each brushstroke.’”
WHERE:
Vastu
1829 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.8344
WHEN:
September 24th, 2012 – November 18th, 2012
New Art Exhibit: Kimberly Iles
Our newest art exhibit on display at Vastu is from artist Kimberly Iles. Kimberly creates abstract/contemporary works through the use of mixed media to produce a range of effects on canvas and panel.
In this collection, Kimberly explores a not-so-artistic topic: science. Specifically, alternate universes and realities.
“Whereas science deals in the search for fundamental truth, art deals in imagination. Albert Einstein captured these sentiments in his essay on “The World As I See It” saying The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. For me, one of the most fascinating of scientific mysteries is the concept of parallel universes; the idea that there are an infinite collection of existences sharing every common likeness, memory, and perception of reality as you.”
About Kimberly Iles
Kimberly D. Iles is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors, 1990. Her early professional career involved work in graphics design with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, and corporate design in the private sector. From 1995 to 2008 Kimberly owned and operated Ilesnet Design. The design company provided graphic and web design services for a variety of clients, including government agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations. In 2009 she founded In Theory Communications, LLC, to continue in the spirit and tradition of Ilesnet Design.
Today, Kimberly has transitioned to a fine arts career highlighted by participation in international and national exhibitions and juried art shows.
WHERE:
Vastu
1829 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.8344
WHEN:
July 23rd, 2012 – September 23rd, 2012
Almost Gone…
There are only 6 more days left to stop by the Vastu showroom and see work by local artist and Vastu art director, Brian Petro, up close and personal. Taking pieces from his Supermarket Series and Roman Series, Brian showcases his talent as well as his versatility with materials and methods.
"Grand Roma"
All of Brian’s pieces are for sale.
Please see or call a Vastu designer for availability and pricing.
New Art Exhibit: Brian Petro
Brian Petro is no stranger to Vastu. As our art director, and resident artist, he works to find amazing art to hang up in our gallery and this exhibit is all from him! Taking pieces from his Supermarket Series and his Roman Series, Brian shows us the broad range of styles he’s able to work in.
Supermarket Series
“This series incorporates supermarket and bodega window signs (often found in nearby dumpsters), spray paint, polyurethane, oilbar, spray adhesive, and oil paint on sections of wooden doors. I love resurrecting and honoring rubbish into a style that warms and cheers the heart, and evoke humor and joy from images of simple items we enjoy every day.”
London Broil & Bananas - 36.5" x 80.5"
Roman Series
“This body of work simplifies the complexity and range of the Romans’ ability to glean psycho/social/artistic developments from other cultures abroad, and condense and improve them to create an existence much greater than the sum of its parts. The distant stares and stark composition of the sculptural busts evoke the focused cogitation of melding and merging the many facets of the ancient Roman way. Each artwork is an original photographic polymer transfer on acid-free archival paper utilizing images captured on film and printed with a 4 color press. “
Roman Youth, Red/Blue - 24" x 32"
WHERE:
Vastu
1829 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.8344
WHEN:
[UPDATE] May 14th, 2012 – July 15th, 2012 July 22nd, 2012
Home & Design Weekend – April 21st & 22nd
On Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd Washington Fine Properties, LLC will be hosting various workshops and presentations around the U and 14th Street areas in local businesses such as Room & Board, Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, Arts @ 1830, LUX Stone & Tile and yours truly, Vastu!
Symposiums over the course of the weekend will include topics such as “Maximizing Your Furniture Layout”, “Using Color to Transform Your Home”, Gallery Seminars on local artists, and “Finding ‘Statement’ Pieces for Your Home”. Here at Vastu, we’re proud to be inviting Deena Stone and Dipti Sukumar from Knoll, Inc to give short presentations on Knoll Textiles and the History of Knoll the company (on the 21st and the 22nd, respectively).
This is a great opportunity to visit some of your favorite local businesses to “see Spring fashion trends and new lines, enjoy Artists-in-Residence original works, and learn great home decorating secrets from interior design professionals.”
More detailed information can be found here and you can also download a map of the weekend’s events here.
MidCity Artists Fall Open Studios
Who are the Midcity Artists?
They are a diverse and talented group of around 40 professional artists who have come together for the purpose of promoting their art and the Dupont/Logan neighborhoods in the city they call home.
What is Open Studios?
Open Studios is a bi-annual event that allows the public to see where the artists based in the Midcity neighborhood create and get first-hand look at their most current work. This year’s Fall Open Studios event is Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd.
Be sure to stop by Vastu to check out the work of Brian Petro and Colin Winterbottom.
Brian Petro
Colin Winterbottom
Click here to download the map to start planning your walking tour of the various studios.
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To keep up with Midcity Artists, check out their Facebook page
or follow them on Twitter.
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