Zocalo Magazine June 2014

Photographer Jeff Smith, known for his breathtaking lightning photos, says via email that he was included in the book due to a recommendation from Elizabeth Frank. Smith's spread includes five photos, that he culled from shows at "Etherton Gallery and their satellite gallery The Temple Gallery." Of the book, he says, "The first thing I do when looking at a book like this with contemporary artists is to look at all the other artists' work.

I was pleased to see that the craft and caliber was complementary to all artists and that all was of a skillful level. Awesome! Then I looked at my two page spread and I thought, 'Wow, what a nice way to lay it out,' and the imagery was accurate to the tonal range of what my prints are! To get this right, takes a lot of effort and I appreciate it! When a book like this is done right and in this case it is, it can be a terrific tool and vehicle for others to access to your work."

Folk artist/painter Catherine Eyde was also recommended by Elizabeth Frank. Her spread of six pieces is beautiful, work she says best represented her at the time. "I was happy to see it (the book) done so well, as were other Tucson artists I have spoken to," she writes via email.

The book also gives a six-piece spread of Elizabeth Frank's imaginative and whimsical wood sculptures. Frank says she feels honored to be included, though "I don't think of my artwork as Southwestern exactly but I was born here. This region has inspired me since childhood. The work I make is influenced by this area, even the materials I use. Much of the wood I carve is gathered in the mountains of the Southwest."

While the book is not comprehensive of all of the talent in region— such a book would be too heavy to lift— it is a great launching pad for exploration. Art shifts our perspective, takes mind out of time, seemingly suspends space-time to the present while gazing on the work, marveling at its creation and inspiration. Art books hopefully lead us to art galleries and making real world connections. And who knows what those can bring. n The hardcover book, 240 pages, includes a resource guide and a guide to the artists; along with a historical forward by Julie Sasse, Tucson Museum of Art's Chief Curator. The publisher says it is available at Antigone Books and at Barnes and Nobles locations. More information is at Schifferbooks.com/contemporary-art-of-the-southwest-5345.html.

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