Picture Perfect

The first computer I ever worked with back in 1978 (showing my age here) was a behemoth mass of metal and buttons and switches, and took up the space of an entire room. 33 years later all of that technology can fit in the palm of my hand. Truly technology has brought us a very long way and for the most part that’s a good thing but for some, having such powerful technology in the palm of their hands sometimes gives them a false sense of their true abilities, or lack thereof.

Case in point: owning a digital camera does not make one a photographer. Point and shoot is wonderful technology for people who simply want to remember a vacation or capture images of their children in their Halloween costumes. Those are photos to be cherished for sure, but they belong in the family album and not in a gallery. 

Photo by Ansel Adams

A photographer on the other hand knows a little something about composition, and lighting, and directing the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the photograph. They are aware of brightness and contrast, backlighting, and color casts. Because they know these things they put a lot more work into a photograph than merely “pointing and shooting.” And also because they know these basics, very good photographers can often get away with point and shoot technology and still come away with fantastic photographic art.

"American Gothic" by Gordan Parks

Ansel Adams didn’t just take pretty pictures of landscapes. Gordon Parks didn’t justshoot photos of people. They were true storytellers. Their photos brought tears to viewer’s eyes. Their photos moved people to action. These artists captured atmosphere, height and depth, peace, love and despair, and hope with the click of the camera’s shutters. They drew you in and forced you to see, not just look. Their photos had soul. One could feel the enormity of the mountains and step into the valley and lose oneself in the sheer vastness of it all.  One could be overwhelmed by despair and feel great pride all at once from a single image. Anyone who viewed their photographs could lose themselves; become part of the landscape, part of the argument, part of the movement.

Before you approach a gallery, take a little time and study some of the old masters whose photographs are so much more than pretty pictures. Then take another glance at how things are looking through your lens.

“Wood” you be mine?

As we near the end of the month of August my eye wanders around the gallery and I am drawn to the wood. Such a versatile medium to work with. There are soft woods, hard woods, light woods, dark woods. Rough and smooth. Young and old. Wood reminds me of people. There are so many different varieties and colors and personalities. Wood has attitude. It has character, and if you pair a good piece of wood with an artist it gains a soul.

"Full Count" Driftwood sculpture by Bernie Houston

Decidedly, Bernie Houston is a gallery favorite. His driftwood sculptures are definite crowd pleasers. Just the mere mention of driftwood and people are oohing and aahing over the artistry that is borne of nature.

 As when we were children and looked up at the sky and the clouds turned into horses, and faces, and lions, and ships, Houston has mastered the art of bringing out the natural imagery inherent in the wood itself. Bernie’s use of finished and unfinished wood is so appropriate to the medium and quite alluring.

Hand-crafted Rosewood, Cherry, and Tiger Maple chest by Felix Milner

Then there is the exquisite craftsmanship of Felix Milner.  His hand-crafted fine furniture are truly works of art.  Though the top drawer is fitted to hold the family’s silverware, this lovely chest lends itself to fit-in in any room. Each drawer is felt-lined in black. Constructed of rosewood, cherry, and tiger maple with decorative inlay this functional treasure is one to pass down from generation to generation. It will one day suddenly become a marvelous antique.

From representational, to literal functionality, to the abstract – there are three pieces of rain tree wood lounging in the jewelry case. Light in color and weight, the smoothed exteriors turn to rough and jagged interiors but with a simplicity that is sheer magic. From them I get a very calming effect and I think I can actually hear the rain. 

All are available for purchase and can be seen at the gallery at Kerry’s Green and on the website at www.handyconcepts.com. Do take just a little time to bask in the wonder of it all and perhaps choose a piece and ask, “Wood you be mine?”

Fancy That

Snow Fairies

Featured in the gallery this month of August is award-winning artist and illustrator Ellen Killmer of Red Lion, PA. Working in acrylic and watercolors Ellen creates whimsical, lighthearted paintings that call our inner child out to play. There are bunnies in a marching band, a bagpipe playing dog, a cat in the hen yard and fairies everywhere!  She’s so talented she can even make rats look like fun.  “Alphie’s First Snow” and “Sing a Song of Sixpence, the Baby King” are both award winners taking Best of Show and Director’s Choice awards.

Bunnies and Fireflies

Much of her inspiration comes from literature, poetry, and places that she’s visited. “I feel that every animal and person has an inner character that needs to be revealed,” she says.

Another man's garbage...

Come out to see her latest works along with a couple of old favorites. Ellen is available for personalized pet portraits and children’s book illustrations. Contact us if interested in custom, commissioned paintings or illustration. Call 717-417-6341 or send email to info@handyconcepts.com.

Your feedback is welcomed.

WE’VE MOVED!

Handy Concepts Art Gallery is now located in the lower level of Kerry’s Green at 150 Country Club Road, Red Lion, PA 17356. Please make note of the change of venue and stop by and see us.

The Gallery is OPEN Monday through Friday from 9 am til 5 pm. and open for each event held including open mic, comedy shows, battle of the bands and other engagements that are open to the public.  Not to be outdone, private parties can also visit the Gallery during your event or better yet, have your event IN the Gallery!  Wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, graduation dinner, or any other reason you can think of to have a party, if yours is a small crowd of 60 or less, the gallery is THE place to be. When you make your reservations, tell them you want to party in the Gallery!

We would love your feedback on the new location. It has a whole different feel to it – I think I’ll call it quiet elegance. Let us know your thoughts.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Spring has sprung!

blue centerpiece

New crafts have made their way to the gallery. Beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table and colorful items to brighten your home as we welcome in Spring. Stop by the gallery today to get yours.

Limited inventory, don’t miss out.

The morning after

Not much to look at now but at least I’ve got it started.

Goal is to finish in a week, working after hours. Let’s see how that goes.

getting started

SNAPSHOTS! a photography contest

PHOTOGRAPHERS - bring in your best photograph, framed and ready to hang, from March 14 – March 31, 2011 with a $10.00 entry fee for each photo. All contact information should be affixed to the back of the frame. Voting will take place between April 1, 2011 and April 29, 2011 by visitors to the gallery. The photograph with the most votes will earn a $100.00 cash prize for the photographer.

VOTERS - come into the gallery April 1-29 and cast your vote for your favorite photograph. Voters who voted for the winning photograph will be entered into a drawing to win that photo. Remaining photographs may then be available for sale. Voting is free and open to all. You may vote for more than one photo and come in to vote often. However, multiple votes for the same photo on the same day is not allowed.

Winning photograph will be announced on April 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Voters’ drawing will be held immediately afterwards. Light refreshments will be served.