Exhibition: August 2021

July 31, 2021

Illuminations

New work by Kate Demske, J Leslie, and Heather Floyd

First Thursday Opening Reception: August 5th, 5-7 pm

The new group show “Illuminations” is on view starting August 5th in the gallery. The show features the metalwork of Kate Demske (Cincinnati), the metalwork of Heather Floyd (Kenai), and the paintings of J. Leslie (Seward). The three artists’ unique and varied pieces are linked in their appreciation and exploration of the natural world. Full of bright colors, organic forms, and meticulous handicraft, this exhibition is not to be missed.

The Artists:

Kate Demske

Solid Ground Studio serves as the creative outlet for Kate Demske. Kate, a native of Cleveland, has been based in Cincinnati for more than 20 years. She studied sculpture at the University of Cincinnati and while there discovered the joys of blacksmithing. She honed her skills working in local foundries and metal shops.
In the Spring of 2001 Kate established her studio in Cincinnati’s eclectic Northside neighborhood. Since then she has been designing and fabricating custom metalwork for clients throughout the region and as far away as Alaska. This work includes sculpture, public art as well as architectural ironwork.

Her unique style combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern tools and methods and she finds much of her inspiration in nature. She delights in sharing the magic of blacksmithing and works to pass on the spark of joy of that is created with fire and hammer and anvil.

http://www.solidgroundstudio.com

My work is strongly influenced by nature and the materials I use. Forging hot steel with a hammer on an anvil is an intense and immediate process. I love drawing flowing organic shapes from such an unlikely source and using them to create a narrative. I’ve recently been exploring the forms of Jurassic era plants and animals. The idea that we coexist in the present with life that has remained largely unchanged for millennia fills me with a sense awe for the vastness of time. Studying these forms and their evolution gives me a framework to find new ways of connecting with nature and exploring the relationships between art and the outside world.

J Leslie

I believe being an artist is more than just making art; it’s supporting a culture and community of art making and appreciation. For me, that happens in my town of Seward Alaska. From working to bring artists into schools, to leading community mural projects, to serving on the Seward Arts Council, I strive to connect and inspire people via the power of visual arts.

On a personal level, making my paintings brings me a sense of peace, balance and joy not always found in other parts of life; I believe it offers that to the people who view my art too. I take inspiration from the epic landscapes that surround me, literally, here in Alaska, and meditate on the plays of color, shape and pattern that emerge. The result communicates a playful yet organized sense of wild places. My paintings marry sky, land and water… sometimes wildlife… sometimes human dwellings. My paintings tell a story of beauty and stability, a striking and welcome contrast to the uncertainty in this world.

Together with the participation of my community, making and celebrating art forms the center of my life and my days. I am grateful to be able to live and breath my passion in such a spectacular place.

Instagram and Facebook: @jleslieartstudio

jleslieartstudio@gmail.com

Heather Floyd

Making art is a form of meditation, like going for a walk in the woods. I observe, think, gather, explore, and process. Most importantly, I am present in the moment while making. Like nature, art challenges, teaches and soothes. The natural world informs the patterns, imagery and shapes of my art. My intention is to evoke a place or moment for reflection and joy.

Heather Floyd was born and raised in Ohio. She studied Fine Arts and received a BA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati. She was introduced to blacksmithing, metalworking and the process of shaping ideas through sculpture. She moved to Alaska in 2001. After a long focus in the practical art of homebuilding her energies moved back into the creative realm. In 2015 she opened Makelift Studio. She designs and creates art, home goods and furniture that reflect the beauty and simplicity of nature. Her work can be found online through her Etsy Shop and at Ptarmigan Arts Gallery in Homer, Alaska.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MakeliftStudio

info@makelift.com