Gallery Chaco is preparing for its largest show yet! Twelve artists have poured their hearts into creating their own visual interpretations of love. Using different styles, mediums, and ideas, these talented individuals have dug deep to construct inspirational and absorbing pieces. From intoxicating to agonizing, every piece of art is deeply infused with intense emotion. For the first time in Gallery Chaco's history twelve artists will be present at a show. Never have so many talented faces been here at once. The artists include Autumn Borts-Medlock, Heidi Brandow, Althea Cajero, Joe Cajero, Tammy Garcia, Gregory Lomayesva, Michelle Lowden, Ira Lujan, Rhett Lynch, Patricia Michaels, Mateo Romero, Penny Singer, and Adrian Wall with works by Abraham Mojica.
Arranging Ira Lujan's Heart Vessel Series
Ira Lujan of Taos/Onkay Owingeh Pueblo incorporates native themes and influences along with ancient techniques to form his glass blown creations. By incorporating everyday Pueblo utilitarian objects and scenes in contemporary Native America, Ira finds freedom of expression through his manipulation of the hot and malleable glass. Although this is a relatively new media to Pueblo people, he is determined to provide contemporary interpretations of traditionally based themes through his chosen medium of glass sculpture.
These hand-blown glass creations created for the show are impassioned pieces that have a subtle resemblance to an actual heart. The dark breaks on the surface echo the realistic elements of the anatomy. All three of the vessels have some sort of connection or break that represent the relationship of souls becoming intertwined. Ira has the unique role of being the only glass blower at Gallery Chaco.
Penny Singer is a Diné clothing designer who has created a collection of unique handmade clothing and accessories that embraces the Native American Spirit. Penny feels that every time she is designing a new piece, she is reconnecting to her Native Diné roots. She sees the fabric that she uses as a canvas, the thread as her color palette, and the sewing machine and needle as her brush.
Penny is the newest designer at Gallery Chaco and brings a contemporary perspective to classic native themes. Fashioned in shades of red for the exhibition, Penny has created pottery inspired pieces. Red is both a bold wardrobe staple and complimentary to the Native designs that Penny has brought to life. Penny will not only be here to speak about her clothing, but will have models present to showcase how the pieces look and feel.
Carefully moving Joe Cajero's "Holding Love" clay original
Joe Cajero, Jr. of Jemez Pueblo is a renowned bronze and clay sculptor who has been creating clay originals and limited edition bronze sculptures for more than 17 years now. Joe sees his creative energy as spiritual in nature and states that each of his sculptures invariably represents some aspect of praise and appreciation for life’s beauty.
The inspiration for the clay original shown above began with the belief that love grows like a flower. It must grow on its own and symbolically blossom. Love is also very fragile and must be handled carefully, much like a flower. The altar-like designs on the edges of the petals represent prayer and meditation. There are two shades of red found on the petals and the heart, which represent two energies coming together.
Hanging Rhett's own monotype, The Magician And The Three Of Hearts
Rhett Lynch, the curator of Gallery Chaco, has found expression across a wide variety of mediums. Although varying greatly in medium and subject matter, all of Rhett's work contains a common thread: intensity of color interwoven with multifaceted intent. Always seeking to expand his visual vocabulary, Rhett consistently experiments with various materials in order to bring more power, life, and intensity to his art. His work is a testament to the deeply powerful symbols found in the well of his Indigenous heritage.
This piece represents the struggles that comes along with deep emotion. While love and passion are spectacular parts of the human condition, they can also cause worry, confusion, and a slew of frightening emotions. The magician perfectly juggles the negative and the positive, which is not often easy for us mere mortals.
Beginning to arrange the display tables for the exhibition
Receiving new works from artists always brightens up the the energy of the gallery. The art that these talented creators have poured their souls into for the exhibition are truly magnificent. On behalf of Gallery Chaco, we hope to see you there this Friday, February 2nd from 5-8 PM.