CONFRONTATIONS: Artists and the Natural World November 7, 2012

Opening reception Thur, Nov 8, 7-9pm, exhibit runs Nov 7,8,9,14,15,16,21,28,29,30, Dec 5,6,7,12,13,14, 12pm to 5pm; Nov 10,17,24, Dec 1,8,15, 11am to 3pm

This unusual exhibit explores the contentious relationship between man and environment, specifically our use and misuse of nature and the detritus that results.

Arthur Comings (www.arthurcomings.com) has created assemblage sculpture with found objects and industrial artifacts since the 70's. In his words, his work is "...imbued with the blues, from the experience of scrounging of raw materials in urban streets and rural junkyards, through incessant improvisation..."

"Boxes in Transition" is a series of roughly hewn, intricately textured ceramic vessels with multi-layered surfaces by Pacific Rim Sculptors Group member Ralph Holker (www.ralphholkersculpture.com). They are reminiscent of industrial metal scraps or skeletal fragments worn with time and the elements.

The photographic style of Daniel Kasser (www.danielkasser.com) has evolved from West-Coast, Northern California Modernism, exemplified by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, toward a pictorial approach that is described by critics as "mythopoetic".

In the large format oil paintings by Andrew Roberts-Gray (www.andrewroberts-gray.com) the subjects are stunning scenes from nature in the manner of the old masters, with imposed patterns and images with technological and/or organic references.

Photographic work from John Trefethen's "Picture Spots" series will be on exhibit (www.johntrefethen.com). Trefethen says "In the world's wild places, a photograph shot is a failed taxidermic effort to frame the magnificence of the land, stuff its glory, and paste it in the family photo album trophy as a surrogate to the experience of standing witness to the grandeur of the scene..."

The artists will be on hand for the opening reception on Thursday, November 8, from 7-9pm, which is free and open to the public. They will present an informal "Artists' Talk" program during the reception.

Official Website: http://www.firehousearts.org