Artist’s inspiration comes from many sources: None better than Nature

May 3, 2017 · 0 Comments

Headwaters Arts Gallery presents Grounded, a two-person show featuring the paintings of Sonja Mortimer and the clay works of Ann Randeraad.
These local artists see nature as a springboard for artistic creation. Each interprets nature’s colours, textures and movement in her own distinct manner. It is not just nature that speaks to these artists, but its resilience. Both Mortimer and Randeraad invite the viewer to pause and appreciate. Nature presents quiet beauty to those who will only remain still long enough to see . . . even hear it.
Windswept feral grasses, flaunting their strength and flexibility in sage greens, steely blues and brassy tones, are reflected in each brushstroke that Mortimer applies to a canvas. If one stops and takes a moment, one can even feel the breeze rustling through the leaves. Nature’s rawness tests these grasses and they rise to the challenge season after season.
In Randeraad’s works, contrasting textures and forms rise from earth itself, as clay is molded and directed into functional pieces. These forms develop almost magically from simple earth. Forms transition, gain strength and definition with each layer of growth. Wood firing is a major focus in her works. Many of her clay forms will travel through fire and back, boasting their resilience as they emerge from the final firing.
Grounded runs until June 4 in the Headwaters Arts Gallery in the Alton Mill Arts Center. There will be a reception this Saturday (May 6) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Alton Mill Arts Centre is at 1402 Queen St. in Alton.