If you’re a longtime reader of this blog or even a longtime fan of my work, you may remember the lighted sculpture show “Illuminate” that was held 3 years ago. If you’re really lucky, you got to attend what was one of the best shows I’ve done in the 20 years I’ve been an artist.
Many artists would pick one of their solo shows, but the beauty of “Illuminate” was the combination of my large format, lighted 3D-printed sculpture with that of Larry Ortega, who works with light-sensitive resin, and the delightful lighted chandeliers of Ceri Jones (now Ceri Jones Tretter).
Michael Denson, who put together that show for the City of Surprise, Arizona, has now brought back all 3 artists and added another, Gaylen Stewart, who creates detailed, nature-inspired lighted shadowboxes, providing another perspective on how to use light in sculpture.
The result, also titled “Illuminate,” is being held at Denson’s new gallery, The Monastery, in Peoria, Arizona. It will be the centerpiece of the city’s terrific Light in Play Festival, which will also feature lighted murals from a world class artist; big Red, the giant VW bug from the folks at Walter Productions, live music, food trucks and more March 6 – 8.
“Illuminate,” which is the first show in The Monastery’s high-ceilinged 100-year-old building, once again delights. The juxtaposition of the 4 artists’ work helps visitors see light – and art – in a new way. It’s difficult to take your eyes off of the sculptures, whether you’re “scribbling” on Ortega’s artworks with a pointer, marveling at the shadows cast by Tretter’s chandeliers, getting a close up of Stewart’s natural materials, or soaking in the light in my translucent sculptures.
If you’re curious about how I make my sculpture, I’ll have a 3D printer running on Friday, March 7, starting at 5 p.m. and will be glad to answer questions about the process. So many people say, “NOW I get it!” that it’s very gratifying to show people how the magic works.
Learn more about the show on The Monastery Website. The show runs from March 6 – April 12.
Learn more about the Light in Play Festival (March 6 – 8) in a wonderful Peoria Independent article.
We look forward to seeing you there!