Silvermine
2017 Art of the Northeast Best in Show Award - Solo Exhibit
Rick Shaefer
Three Trees: Life-Size Drawings February 17 - March 23, 2018
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Rick Shaefer
Three Trees: Life-Size Drawings
The majority of my practice these days centers around drawing with charcoal, using a language of mark-making that is defined, gestural, and rhythmic. I do not use the charcoal in the classic manner with rubbing and smudging the tones and erasing to bring back highlights. My technique resembles the look of etching, engraving, lino or woodcut in that each line is distinct and tone is gained by crosshatching or scribbling. The intent is to highlight the act of drawing, the myriad decisions made of putting down each mark in succession. I’ve dedicated a good deal of time to depicting flora and fauna, trying to imbue in these portraits a stillness and a dignity that will resonate with the viewer. The Three Trees shown here stem from a fascination with the majesty and the ponderous bulk of these two fallen Oaks and the exquisite complexity of the underside of the pulled up Sycamore stump: views that we might pass by without notice if they were not pulled from their surroundings and placed directly before us in a space that allows extended consideration and contemplation. Hopefully in this isolated stillness they can communicate with us in a more palpable way. There is a strong 16th and 17th century Dutch, Flemish and German influence running through my landscape and botanical drawings. I spent a good portion of my formative years living in northern Europe and I think the mood of this artistic genre, with its operatic skies and windy vistas, resonates with me still. Much of the Dutch still life and landscape art tradition is permeated with symbolism and imbued with narratives that transcend the actual scene depicted. Many were memento mori pieces, meant as reflections on mortality and the transient nature of existence. 2018
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Uprooted (Sycamore)
Charcoal on vellum mounted on aluminum,diptych, 65" x 84", $18,000
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White Oak
Charcoal on vellum mounted on aluminum, triptych, 58" x 200" , $25,000
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Van Breems Oak
Charcoal on vellum mounted on aluminum; five panels, 60" x 234" , $25,000
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Brangus
Charcoal on vellum mounted on aluminum, 42" x 65", $12,500
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Belgian Blue
Charcoal on vellum mounted on aluminum, 42" x 65", $12,500
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Board Of Trustees Chair Rose-Marie Fox Vice Chairs Robin Jaffee Frank* Barbara Linarducci* Secretary Shirley Leung Treasurer Grace Tang Board Members Mark Carta David Dunlop Stephanie Joyce William Hilson Joseph J. Kais Rob Mallozzi, Emily McDermott Roger Mudre Karen Neems Guild Co-Chairs David Dunlop Roger Mudre* * Ex-Officio
Honorary Board Cynthia Guest Roger Mudre Sally Sheehy Leonard Tow Diana Wege 14
Gallery Staff Gallery Director Roger Mudre roger@silvermineart.org 203.966.9700 x26 Gallery Associates Zach Dunn Teresa Gay Leslie Cullen
Silvermine Arts Center is a nearly century-old organization dedicated to excellence in art and art education that inspires creativity and builds community. Located on five bucolic acres, Silvermine encompasses a School of Art with over 4,000 annual enrollments; an Outreach Education Program serving 1,000 under-resourced students annually; a Guild of over 300 professional artists; an outdoor Sculpture Walk; a permanent print collection; and five free, public galleries exhibiting contemporary art. Silvermine has been a place for artists to gather since 1906 when visionary sculptor Solon Borglum moved to the area and held annual exhibitions in his studio and weekly artistcritiques called the Knockers Club. In 1922 The Silvermine Guild of Artists was incorporated as a not-for-profit to provide a permanent and supportive community of artists. Guild members represent artists that have a high level of accomplishment and are selected through a jurying process. Our Galleries have exhibited and involved art luminaries such as Joseph Albers, Gabor Peterdi, Milton Avery, Elaine deKooning, Clement Greenberg, Louise Nevelson, Larry Rivers, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Faith Ringold, James Rosenquist, Chuck Close, Philip Johnson, and many others. The Galleries continue to expand on our heritage by presenting visually compelling exhibitions of art by emerging and internationally recognized artists, accompanied by programs that encourage appreciation of art and its role in society. Our layered, approach includes programs tailored to make our exhibitions meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable for diverse audiences of every age and background. Many of our landmark exhibitions are juried by distinguished guest curators. All of our exhibitions offer opportunities for visitors to connect with art and each other through an exploration of ideas. What attracts artists, students, and visitors to Silvermine is the pivotal role it plays as an inclusive gathering place that deepens understanding through the arts. Silvermine is grateful for the generosity of its supporters. Gifts ensure excellence now and for generations to come. To learn how you can make a difference contact, Robin Jaffee Frank, robin@silvermineart.org or by calling 203.966.5617 x21.
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Silvermine Silvermine Arts Center
1037 Silvermine Road New Canaan, CT 06840 www.silvermineart.org