"Bloom" @ The Morean Art Center (MAC)

Morean Arts Center Facade

The Morean Arts Center is having an invitational show themed around the very popular theme of flowers, called "Bloom". It's a risky theme, in the sense that it's easy to lapse into sentimentality and/or the hardwired attractiveness of these botanical sex organs. Featured are Marylee Zink,  Mary Grieco, Lauren Garber Lake, Susan Martin, Carolina Cleere, Marie Yoho Dorsey, Melissa Yungbluth, Karen Baker, Kate Cummins, Jack Ellis,and Kenn Kotara. All Floridian artists except for Kotara, who hails from Asheville, NC.

Kate Cummins, "Heart on Sleeve"

Kate Cummins' collage, "Heart on Sleeve", is based on a "Simplicity" brand pattern for making a sleeve. There's a part of a sleeve, flowers and much more. The piece has the underlying theme of instruction. Kate is well-versed on this, being a Yoga instructor and artist. The piece touches on the delicate emotional dynamics of communicating and accepting instruction. We have to at least partially let go of our egos in order to learn anything.

Jack Ellis, "The Last Snow Owl"

Jack Ellis' "The Last Snow Owl" is an idealized, stylized metaphysical nature image of a snow owl in a cosmic, somewhat abstracted, background. I could only find references to "Snowy" owls, which are protected in all states except for Alaska. The work is done in wax crayon and oil sticks. It has a great sense of rhythm and order.

Mary Grieco, "Lily"

Mary Grieco, "Green Floral"

There was a shaft of strong light across Mary Grieco's "Lily". It fills the frame in a conventional manner. She had several smaller floral still-life pieces in a cluster. These have a certain three-dimensionality because they are made from "skins", dried bits of acrylic which are peeled off her palette and collaged onto the work.

Melissa Yungbluth, "African Daisies Pattern" ceramics

 These beautiful African Daisies pattern ceramic works by Melissa Yungbluth were sensuously shaped, very romantic and exuded organicity. They were a hit, note the "Sold" red dots.


 

On the right is "Watering Can With Crown", by Timothy A. Ludwig, made in clay. These have a French Provincial look, with detailed botanicals, looking like old naturist's book illustrations.

Marie Yoho Dorsey, "Phantom"

The work on the left is made of hand stitched silk flowers and dressmakers' pins. It has a certain weightlessness, like something floating in the wind. Marie is experienced in the art of Ikebana, using it here to suggest a narrative through a tenuous form.

Susan Martin, "Alice's Garden"

Susan Martin has a trio of red flowers, and "Alice's Gardens". The latter emphasizes form over content, and has an unusually complex composition. In this image, the elements are nearly abstracted, yet retain their distinct realism and organicity. The color in this image is pungently passionate.

Kids, inspired by the "Bloom" exhibit, made their own works. This is one example inside a frame over by the books.

Ikebana at MAC

Congratulations to all the artists and the MAC for a memorable show.

--- Luis