Review by Kristen Scholfield-Sweet
The final exhibition of the 2024 season at the Old Schoolhouse Gallery invites us to Paths of Beauty. These works by six artists: Lisa Gibbons, Karen McDiarmid, Donna Naven, Jane Newman, Amy Robertson and Brigid Weiler invited me to think about “what is beauty in art?”
Beauty is context changing content
Our understanding of surrounding and purpose significantly changes meaning. A hat made of tree bark, a glove as a canvas—these create considerably different meanings for “hat” and “glove.” The beauty of the shifting impact of context on content is in its effective surprise. When we are startled out of our expectations for beads and wire, and where we think paint should appropriately be applied—we pause and see the object fresh, a beautiful moment.
Beauty is the energy in the work
One of the delights of art making is feeling the drive to work, a feeling that wells up without calculation or intention. This energy is in the work, not imposed by the artist. The art is in charge, consuming waking thoughts and dreams. The viewer can also feel the kinetic draw within the work. One’s attention is commanded and held. The art work emits an excitement, an energy that feels like beautiful light.
Beauty is taking the path blind
Sometimes when working, the piece of art seems to have no originating vision, but rather is a
compilation of choices, each made only after the previous step is taken. A path of footsteps without a destination is a continuous celebration of the journey. A piece that is made by finding a clue, following a lead, remaining unattached to outcomes or what went before. The viewer can feel the artist’s fascination with learning, the beautiful joy of falling in love with the work again and again.
Beauty is the wonder of what we do not know
The magic of art is not in analyzing or calculating, nor in avoiding the unexpected. Our inability to
comprehend the inner workings of how and why, may well bring us more into alignment with the
fundamental principles of harmony and balance. Not just in art but in all of nature. And there we
recognize the beauty in the wonder of what we do not know.
When you attend the artists talk at 7 pm on Friday the 6th , and go for a second look at Paths of Beauty on Saturday or Sunday the 7th and 8th, keep in mind a favorite quote from Rick Rubin:
"However you frame yourself as an artist, the frame is too small."
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