An Abstract on Some Beautiful Abstraction

What, ho!? Two blogs in one day? Impossible! To what do I owe this unusual event?

To my un-contained excitement about my latest project, I say.

I promised you all a look-see at the art show poster I was working on, so here it is, earlier than expected. I really enjoyed working on this piece, particularly because I enjoy the artist's work so much. I'm not usually one for abstraction, but there's something about Sylvea Johnson's paintings that really speak to me. Her use of color and symbolism are fantastic - it's almost like graffiti, but not as harsh - so much more flowing and beautiful. I still haven't quite placed it, and that in itself is interesting to me.

I encourage everyone to try to make it to the opening of "Dreams and Reflections"on May 15th from 6:30-8 p.m. at Aryaloka Buddhist Center. Should be a fun time, and you'll get to see some great work in person. If you'd like to learn more about the artist, here's a link to her profile on Artbreak.

Textile Artist Exhibit

I just recently finished a poster (right) for the first of a series of art showings at Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket.

This month the featured artist is Betsy Sterling Benjamin, a textile artist and teacher at the Massachusetts College of Art whose exhibitions have been shown internationally, including in Asia, Europe, Central America and the U.S. Her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Peabody-Essex Museum.

She spent many years in Kyoto, Japan, training in the creation of kimonos, and her work blends her experiences living in the Japanese culture with her experiences with other cultures aroud the world. She uses "hot wax and liquid dyes on thirsty cloth" to create her gorgeous works of art on silk.

Check out her website here, or even better, come visit her exhibit. Opening reception is on December 12th from 6-9 p.m., and her work will be on view from December 12th through December 31 (Mon - Fri 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and  Tues, Wed. & Thurs nights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

p.s. - For all you artists of all stripes out there, Aryaloka is taking submissions for future exhibits & performances. You can contact them at art@aryaloka.org.