Susan Danis: Celebrating the Universe June 12, 2010

A certain, questionable nature unites the disparate pairing of the two creative forces in ArtZone 461's current show. Nicholas Coley and Susan Danis fill the gallery with works that range from the observed in Coley's paintings to the absurd in Danis' assemblage and sculptural pieces. Both artists record all things natural to our surroundings, in very different approaches.

While Nicholas Coley sees no end to the possibilities of painting out in the world, Susan Danis brings into our world works that are visual, visceral, mysterious, fun, challenging and sometimes disturbing. Often the works include or reflect simultaneous combinations of these elements. Celebrating our world includes examining the stuff and chaos that holds our universe in a delicate, precarious balance.

The Artists says "My work is made with attention to detail and fine materials: toys, pickled snakes, and used shoe laces; hot pink feather boas, dentures, parakeet bells and garters; fresh water pearls, hair, innards, freeze dried moles and tentacles ... Some works resonate content, others embody a state of being." Danis received a MFA in Sculpture and Painting from the California College of Arts and was named East Bay Express best assemblage artist of 2009. This is Danis' first show at ArtZone 461 Gallery and ArtZone's first venture into the world outside traditional paintings and sculpture.

Reception for the Artists, Saturday June 19, 2010, 5-8 pm