Embracing a subject that provides a source of comfort inspires these two bodies of work. They are drawn to objects in nature, the ‘sea grape leaf’ for Deborah Friedman and the ‘shrub’ for Deborah Sukenic. These subjects act as the vehicle to express the artists’ emotional state.
For Friedman, the study of the sea grape plant has been feeding her endless restorative investigations. This plant provides her with a feeling of “the soundlessness of nature impressing and embracing her spirit.” Sukenic is drawn to the images of ordinary shrubs as it relates to her work about the idea of ‘place’. This focus on singular ‘shrubs’ is a symbolic representation of place, providing respite during difficult times. Through their investigations, both artists embrace beauty through shape, color, and form. The imagery from nature informs personal restoration and solace.
Sukenic presents the ubiquitous neighborhood shrub, sculpted by nature’s hand with some human tidying, for consideration. This irregular but perfectly balanced shape sits against a pink sky with a distant white companion that keeps the composition from going static.
Winter Flower explores a shrub during the quiet, dormant season. The deeper palette and loose brushstrokes add drama and depth, yet the arrangement remains in calm simplicity.
Tree Plans #3 continues Sukenic’s freer hand in a quickly composed subject, painted and schmeared over architectural plans for a rather substantial house which seems to indicate landscaping is more important that the structure.
In harmony, but in starkly detailed contrast, are Friedman’s array of meticulously rendered Sea Grapes Leaves. They ebb and flow with the seasons, delighting viewers with their distinct personalities. Larger iterations allow for a more in-depth exploration and appreciation.
Forest Bathing made its way from Japan into common American vernacular during the isolating pandemic lockdowns as an avenue to release some of the intense stress we were globally experiencing. Nature is one of the best sources of sanctuary. Nothing more breathtaking than the power of water carving out steep canyons or the wind spinning oxidizing hoodoos. Since we weren’t travelling during those days, we found solace in our own yards. Humble shrubs and plant leaves, which normally we never gave much thought to, suddenly became beacons of beauty. Home is indeed where the heart and comfort often reside.
On view through October 1 at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline Hamtramck
*images are mine
direct quote from exhibition materials
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