Behind every piece of art is its creator – hunched over a notepad, fingers caked with clay, paint flecks caught on strands of hair.
Orcas Island’s first studio tour is a chance to see local artists in their element. The public is invited to check out 27 working studios during the three-day event.
“Different islands have these studio tours and they are quite successful,” said organizer and painter James Hardman. “People get to see the artists at work and in their environment. It’s a different kind of presentation than you get in the gallery. It’s exciting to open up your space to people to see what you are doing.”
The “Orcas Artists’ Three Day Studio Tour” is Friday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event will feature artists working in painting, print making, stone cutting, blacksmithing, ceramics and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch demonstrations, meet the artists and purchase work. Hardman says it’s also a chance to see pieces like architectural projects that can’t be shown in a gallery. Brochures with maps and directions can be picked up at the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce office or on the web at www.OrcasArtistsStudioTour.com. Call 376-6957 for further information.
Along with Hardman, participating artists are: Peter Fisher, photography; Marguerite Greening, oil and collage; Jacqueline Kempfer, oil and watercolor; Mary Jane Elgin, ceramics; April Pollock, glass and wire; Pete Welty, steel and stone; Anusha Solayea, jewelry; Zackarya Leck, wood, stone and iron; Jorgen Harle, blacksmithing; Ina Drosu, reverse oil painting on glass; Bruce Wilson, thermal oil and wax; Walter Henderson, wood carving; Kandis Susol, encaustic and mixed media; Carolyn Wayland, paintings; Dave Haslett, stone sculpture; Jan Rimerman, mixed media; Todd Spalti, wood and metal sculpture; Barbara Bentley, fiber; Siouxz Duncan, mixed media; Maria Papademetriou, assemblage, ceramics and jewelry; Lorinda Roland, sculpture; Thomas Leonard, blacksmithing; Janis Mattox, paintings and fabric; Geoff Shilling, weaving; Tina Brown, prints and collage; and Lori Fast, charcoal and pastel.
“I’m very impressed with this group and their level of professionalism,” Hardman said. “I expect this will be an ongoing annual event. I think it will gather steam over the years.”
Artist Q&A | Mary Jane Elgin
Mary Jane Elgin doesn’t produce typical hand-thrown ceramics.
“I alter their shape and carve them,” Elgin said. “I turn them from more utilitarian shapes to art pieces.”
Elgin was trained in drawing and painting, but switched to carving ceramics around nine years ago. She works on her carved pieces with an x-acto knife and finger tools. Her primary themes are flowers, trees, and landscapes, as she is also an avid gardener.
Elgin passed on the artistic gene to her children: three daughters majored in art in college and both of her sons dabble in the arts.
Where does your inspiration come from?
“My inspiration comes from Japan, where I lived for several years, as well as from the arts and crafts movement. Growing up in Southern California, it is the style I’ve always loved.”
What are your favorite glaze colors?
“I love sapphire, celadon, nutmeg and weathered bronze.”
How do ceramics appeal over painting?
“I really like working in three dimensions. There is an inside and an outside space. There is a wholeness to it that I don’t get with flat art. And I like touching the clay. It’s very tactile. I’ve also done weavings, but ceramics are better for me.”
What art form will you tackle next?
“I’ll stick with ceramics or do collage with ceramics. Sometimes I paint on the ceramics. It brings everything together. With ceramics you get to do everything: color, shape and texture.”
