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Chas Martin

Spatial Relations: Seeing 3D Form in the Void

Chas Martin - 3D Form - July 2020 - PNWS

Humans have a natural ability to see and recognize things. You see something and your brain immediately matches the image to a pattern you’ve seen before. You recognize the object. It’s 3D form. Comprehension is complete. Congratulations. You’ve recognized the object and completely missed the space – the invisible element of the image. 

Space is only invisible until you see it. Once seen, it cannot be unseen. The void becomes a thing. It’s real. It’s tangible. It adds another level of comprehension to your experience of the object. 

  • Chas Martin - 3D Form - ambiguity - July 2020 - PNWS

In this 2-dimensional example, the positive and negative spaces are flat. Aristotelian binary logic recognizes two options: white and non-white. Everything that is not positive is summarized as negative. There is form and non-form (aka space). That logic is fine if you’re trying to win an argument. In a 3-dimensional world, it’s a bit more complicated. 

Think about the musical equivalent of this argument. There are notes and non-notes. All notes are part of the melody. Everything else is collectively defined as a “rest.” There is much more to music than notes and not notes. Imagine Beethoven’s 9th Symphony without the voids between notes. It would be a continuous stream of occasional repetitions with no punctuation, no cadence, no impact. The rest between notes provides valuable space to comprehend what you just heard, to anticipate what you will hear next, and the opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of the moment. The frequency and duration of the rests are as important as the notes they separate. Many different notes create a melody. There are many different shapes and sizes to the voids.

Sculpture is a Melody of 3D Form Contained by Spaces.

The voids help you comprehend what you have seen, anticipate what you will see next and the opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of the moment. Space itself has form. It has as much shape and dimension as the sculpture it surrounds. And, like the sculpture, the space changes shape from each new viewing angle. This void creates an invisible series of forms – a progression of connected experiences that supports and illuminates the visible form. Your attention moves from one space to another in a continuous dance of interest, visual stimulation, a sequence of discoveries. 

Shifting your focus to give space the same amount of consideration as the form is a challenge. I recently gave a student the following exercise to help open his eyes. First I had him create an abstract form in clay and place it inside a container. Then I had him fill the container with plaster. When that was cured, I told him to remove the clay and observe the plaster form that remained. Form and space were reversed. The plaster turned invisible space into a tangible form. Once seen, space cannot be unseen. For a sculptor, seeing space as a solid form is a revelation worth pursuing.

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!

Filed Under: Blog, Education, Process Tagged With: 3d form, Chas Martin, Sculpture process, Sculpture Technique Author: Chas Martin

Pacific Northwest Area Sculptors Explore Space at Sculpture Gallery

Making Space Sculpture Show - October 2019

This month, our Making Space sculpture gallery show displayed the talent and commitment of both Pacific Northwest Sculptors and Northwest Stone Sculptors Association members. ArtReach Gallery is a huge space and we filled it with excellent examples of our work. We drew a steady stream of visitors. I heard many positive remarks about the quality of sculptures in the sculpture show from International Sculpture Conference participants. We presented ourselves well.

ArtReach Gallery Sculpture Show Sculptures - October 2019

Collaborating For A Sculpture Gallery Show

The effort required to assemble 39 pieces from 25 sculptors was epic. We had five or six sculptures between 5’ and 8’ tall. There were multiple stone sculptures nearly equaling the weight of their creators. My only regret is that the show only lasted four days. 

The lack of sales was disappointing, but the boost in visibility and a few new memberships may have long term benefits for the organization. This was our first collaborative venture with NWSSA. I hope we will produce another show in the Seattle area. Sheldon Hurst, the curator at ArtReach has also suggested we display a few sculptures at ArtReach on an ongoing basis.

ArtReach Gallery Sculpture Show - October 2019

Special thanks to Bob Dale for identifying the space and making introductions. Working with Sheldon Hurst was as pleasant an experience as I’ve had in a long time. Additional thanks to Dave Gonzo and Andy Kennedy for moving pedestals to and from storage. A special thanks also go to Sue Quast for taking the lead on hospitality for our reception. And, no activity is complete without a thank you to George who helped with coordination and assisted in judging the entries. Shelly and Jessica worked kept us visible on social media. Thank you to all the participants who put a lot into getting work to and from the gallery for such a short event. And, finally, there are a number of NWSSA members who deserve a nod, including Cyra Jane and Carl Nelson whom I worked with directly.

Thanks to Marty Eichinger for co-hosting a reception for conference attendees and PNWS members. That was a great networking opportunity.

I’m sure I’ve overlooked a few others who also deserve to be thanked. My apologies.

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!

Filed Under: Events, Events-Archive, Members, Reviews Tagged With: Andy Kennedy, ArtReach Gallery, Bob Dale, Carl Nelson, Chas Martin, Cyra Jane, Dave Gonzo, International Sculpture Conference, Marty Eichinger, Northwest Stone Sculptors Association, NWSSA, Sculptors, Sculpture Show, Sheldon Hurst, Sue Quast Author: Chas Martin

Sculpture Show Opens at Portland’s Multnomah Art Center

Unmatched Pairs Sculpture Show - Sept 2019 - gathering

Nearly a year ago, at a member meeting in SE Portland, board president Chas Martin suggested we do a sculpture show based on collaborations between member pairs. Needless to say, the concept was met with much enthusiasm. First, each member could choose their own collaborator, or one would be chosen for them. Each participant would display one of their own pieces along with the collaborative piece. It was encouraged that some form of documentation of the pairs’ creative process is shared. An attractive and accessible gallery space located at the Multnomah Art Center in Multnomah Village was selected for the exhibition.

Unmatched Pairs: The Sculpture Show

  • Unmatched Pairs Sculpture Show - Sept 2019 - 3
  • Unmatched Pairs Sculpture Show - Sept 2019 - 2
  • Unmatched Pairs Sculpture Show - Sept 2019 - 1

There was much anticipation among the members as each pair committed their time, materials, and talent to their collaborations. The opening for this sculpture show was held on Friday, September 6, and it was clear the collaborators had made the most of the idea. It showed in the reaction of the visitors. A happy and noisy, inquisitive crowd had turned out. I had to turn my hearing aids down.

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!

Filed Under: Events, Events-Archive Tagged With: Chas Martin, George Heath, Multnomah Art Center, Sculpture Show, Unmatched Pairs Author: George Heath

Sculptors Share Secrets At International Sculpture Day 2019

International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 7
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 1
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 2
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 3
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 4
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 5
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 6
International Sculpture Day - May 2019 - 8

We’ve yet to have an International Sculpture Day celebration that was not a great success. This one was slimmed down from previous years in that it was to be merely a juried exhibition with a few artists demonstrating techniques. A budget was set for food and the demonstrators paid a small fee to participate. Sculptors Jesse Pierson and Dave Gonzo hosted at their studio on Franklin in SE Portland. Of course, this all sounds simple, but there are a tremendous number of tasks to complete to pull such a thing off. Firstly, you need postcards and publicity, find somebody to pour beer, and the food needs to be bought and set up. Also, where does one find a computer beefy enough to run Oculus Rift? At some point, Gonzo had to lower the giant spider down from the ceiling and build a fire in it. Suffice it to say there was plenty of thinking and heavy lifting involved to make the event a success.

International Sculpture Day Is Mainly A Social Event

I was a demonstrator and went with the intent of making a decent number of little creatures. I made a small lump. It was green and misshapen. That’s as far as I got. Afterward, I spent the rest of the time talking with one person after another. What a bunch of interesting people and what a remarkable evening. 

Oculus Rift is a piece of the 3D system with a stereo headset primarily aimed at the gaming industry. One is immersed in a 3-dimensional environment usually with ample weaponry. Hand controls enable one to manipulate and/or operate virtual objects. Your virtual hands or tools mimic the movements of your real arms and hands. Of course, all this means it’s possible to make things as well. This resulted in one person after another sitting over in the corner with googles and hand controls making insane gestures. Alisa Looney, Chas Martin, Andy Kennedy, Joe Cartino, and I were the demonstrators. All were constantly engaged. Thanks, Dave and Jesse, and all who helped out. That was a really nice event. 

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, and contact us today!

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Events-Archive, Reviews, Sculptor Tagged With: Alisa Looney, Andy Kennedy, Chas Martin, Dave Gonzo, George Heath, International Sculpture Day, Jesse Pierson, Joe Cartino, Sculptors Author: George Heath

Art Collaborations – Sculptors Pair Up for Unmatched Pairs Sculpture Show

Unmatched Pairs Event - 2019 - Multnomah Arts Center
  • Unmatched Pairs Event - Multnomah Arts Center - Exhibit photo - 3
  • Unmatched Pairs Event - Multnomah Arts Center - Exhibit photo - 2
  • Unmatched Pairs Event - Multnomah Arts Center - Exhibit photo - 1

Ten of our members responded to the call for art collaborations for our September show at the Multnomah Art Center. The concept is simple: each will display one piece plus one in collaboration with their partner. The theme, “Unmatched Pairs” seems entirely appropriate when you consider the styles and skills of those who paired up. 

Preliminary sketches are starting to surface as the pairs consider what and how they will interact. A few examples give clues as to what kind of fireworks this show may produce.

The show runs September 6th – 30th with a reception on Friday, September 6 from 7-9pm. The Multnomah Art Center is at 7688 SW Capitol Highway, Portland. It’s in the heart of Multnomah Village.

To learn about upcoming events or Pacific Northwest Sculptors, contact us today!

Filed Under: Events, Events-Archive Tagged With: Art Collaborations, Chas Martin, Multnomah Art Center, Multnomah Village, Sculpture Event, Sculpture Show, Unmatched Pairs Author: Chas Martin

Riipppp – How to Create Spontaneous Visual Art

Joe Cartino - Sculptor - 2019 - Dada Dodads
  • Joe Cartino - 2019 - Riippp - Dada Dodad - 2
  • Joe Cartino: How to create spontaneous visual art
  • Joe Cartino - 2019 - Riippp - Dada Dodad - 1

Joe Cartino

Visual art displayed behind velvet ropes seems wrong to me. In homage to Duchamp’s idea that paintings die after 50 years, my B.F.A. exhibit featured a pair of birds named Da and Da pooping on reproductions of famous paintings which I displayed behind red barbed wire.

The joy of creation is why I do art. Over the past few decades, I have explored the “anything can be art” philosophy found in Dada and Pop art in traditional sculpture, collage, and in a series of satirical toy and game assemblages. I’m always looking for inspiration, so when a fellow sculptor from the Pacific Northwest Sculptors named Chas Martin offered a creativity workshop, I was ready. 

A Lesson in Spontaneous Visual Art

RIIPPPP…. It was the sound of a watercolor painting ripping and a world of possibilities opening up. In his workshops, Chas provides a day full of inspiration and encourages his participants to be open to new ideas. When he accidentally tore his painting trying to free it from his sketchbook my years of improvisational acting training kicked in. We sieze opportunities and treat everything as a wonderful gift. I took that torn painting back to my studio and continued to tear and twist to create something new. The curious creatures that emerged were the genesis of my new series of sculptures I call Dada Dodads.

A Dada Dodad is not a product, but a visual art process. A humble scrap of paper becomes a medium for imagination and exploration. Junk mail, doodles, in-flight magazines, virtually anything can become one of these playful creations once they are liberated from their 2-D rectangles. The photos of the evolution of a Dada Dodad document its life cycle. In the Fluxus tradition, I encourage people to shape and display Dada Dodads however they see fit. The velvet ropes are removed and the boundary between artist and viewer is now transformed into a partnership of co-creation.

To learn more about Joe’s work or Pacific Northwest Sculptors, contact us today!

Filed Under: Blog, Education, Material-Media, Process Tagged With: Chas Martin, creativity workshop, Dada, Dodads, Joe Cartino, mixed media, mixed media sculpture, sculpture class, Visual art. collaborations, Workshops Author: Joe Cartino

Portland’s top art event – Art in the Pearl 2018

Pacific Northwest Sculptors member Carole Murphy at Art in the Pearl 2018

Carole Murphy

The Art in the Pearl was a success for the 15th (I think) year of demonstrating artists from the Pacific Northwest Sculptors! This year Dave Gonzales, Maureena Ross, Chas Martin, Olinka Broadfoot and myself, showed some of the possibilities our art. The reception from viewers was warm and inspiring. It is always wonderful to hear what people see and feel about your art. There are so many different ways to see each sculpture and people freely talk about what you do there and of course they quite often share what many of them are up to in their artistic lives. As usual, many folks were interested in joining us, we’ll see how many actually come to meetings or become members. It is good to get the information out about us either way. Our participation there is an excellent way to support the art community, wake up people to some of the art in the area and to let people know about who we are and what we do both individually and as a group. So many visitors were really excited about the meetings that we have monthly in each other’s studios, so who knows who will show up at this next meeting.

Pacific Northwest Sculptors member Carole Murphy at Art in the Pearl 2018
Carole Murphy at Art in the Pearl 2018
Pacific Northwest Sculptors member Dave Gonzo at Art in the Pearl 2018
Dave Gonzo at Art in the Pearl 2018
Pacific Northwest Sculptors member Chas Martin at Art in the Pearl 2018
Chas Martin at Art in the Pearl 2018.

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!

Filed Under: Education, Events, Events-Archive, Members, Newsletter, Reviews, Sculptor Tagged With: Art in the Pearl, Carole Murphy, Chas Martin, Dave Gonzo, demonstration, Educational Author: Jessica Stroia

Sculptors Near Me – How Collaboration makes us all better sculptors

Perhaps the most valuable feature of a group as diverse as ours is that we’re such a diverse group. Every meeting I’ve attended has resulted in some insight, recommendation, introduction, new product idea, new connection that I had not expected from someone I had not known before. Networks like ours are rich with opportunities like that. I would love to see more members attend more meetings to expand the mix of potential intersections even further.

Another benefit of our monthly meetings is seeing the workspaces and processes of our members. I never get bored learning about how other artists think, work and manage life. It’s a juggling act we all experience. Sharing those experiences gives us more options to solve our own challenges with new ideas. There’s always someone within reach who can offer advice, support or perspective. 

And that brings me to the next point. Before Isabelle and Paul moved to the Alps, they were our most dedicated volunteers. They did so many things, every month, without fail. We knew when they left it would create a large hole in our organization. And, we knew it would take some time to motivate others to take leadership. It’s starting to happen.

I was extremely pleased this past week with the effort of Alan Newberg, James Finnigan, Michele Collier, Nancy Bocek and Robert E. Gigliotti who put together this month’s epic, 12-page “Calls For Entry” list. What an incredible job these members did! The listings were thoughtfully screened from a larger set of sources than ever before. I think this monthly service is incredibly valuable. I’m glad it’s back on track. Many thanks to our team.

We’re a volunteer organization. As a member, whatever your level of commitment to PNWS, consider taking it up a notch. Maybe you can’t commit to a monthly task, but consider what you can offer. Show up at a meeting. Host a meeting. Write an article. Recruit another sculptor to join the group. Don’t underestimate the value of what you know or what you can share. Being there is, in itself, a benefit.

Filed Under: Activities, Blog, Education, Events, Members, Newsletter, Sculptor Tagged With: call for artists, Chas Martin, Collaboration, member meeting, Sculptors, volunteers Author: Chas Martin

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