Originally from New York City, my wife and I moved to California in 1976. Over the last 34 years we’ve lived in Carlsbad, East L.A., Pasadena, and Pomona. We now live in a century old historic home in south Redlands.
I’ve been a member of the Redlands Art Association only since January 2010 after joining at my wife’s suggestion. As a Vietnam combat veteran having been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) because of combat experiences, art and writing poetry have been, and are, both therapeutic and cathartic. I recently had some of my poems published and will have some others included in a second book. Retiring in 2009 has given me more time to paint and write poetry both of which revolve, for the most part directly or indirectly, around my P.T.S.D. and combat experience. I am also a docent at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine as well as volunteer time weekly at the Braswell Colonial Care facility.
Over the years, or should I say decades, I’ve given most of my pieces away as gifts. As well as winning several ribbons, for memory/shadow boxes at the L.A. County Fair I also make and sell crafts. These include painted cigar boxes, greeting cards, door hangers, decorated mini X-mas trees and magnets etc as fundraisers. I’ve sold them at the Redlands Y.M.C.A. Christmas boutique and The Art in the Park. The proceedings all go to support a Christian church and Muslim children’s orphanage in Sierra Leone Africa.
My favorite medium is acrylic on non-traditional material such as wooden puzzles and geometric shapes if possible, if not then on cardboard canvas. I would describe my style as eclectic symbolic collage art with an approach of “art outside the frame.” My philosophical view on my art is that frames tend to limit, restrict and cramp my creativity. Art, in my view, should “stimulate” either positively or even negatively so that a negative reaction to a piece, such as “what is that supposed to be?” is better that a ho-hum “oh that’s nice” reaction. My favorite color combination, cobalt and sky blue, comes from Genesis 1:3-5 representing a type of Judeo-Christian nadir if you will. I paint alone and use it as a time of therapy, creativity, meditation and introspection. Rather than duplicating what I see outside myself I try to project what I perceive and feel inside in a sort of free association of ideas and images. Thus my pieces tend to be, in a way, “rorschachesque.” Some of my favorite artists are Peter Max, Salvador Dali, Max Ernest, M.C. Escher, and Rene Magritte whose influences are evident in most of my work.
I have been a member of the Redlands Art Association for several years now. During this time I have been encouraged to just keep painting and have met so many dedicated and wonderful artists. I have come to understand the simple truth behind the quote by Henry David Thoreau, "It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see." I work at “seeing” every single week and as I look back at my older paintings I see growth. With every mile behind the paintbrush I learn a little more about getting to the bottom line in expressing just what I want to say. It is a journey that is so worth while to me, whether solely for my personal enjoyment or to share with others.
I have appreciated the opportunities and events sponsored by R.A.A., including the open studio on Thursday mornings (which I did for many months and made some friends there), the many programs, workshops, and classes I have attended, the opportunity to show/sell some artwork, both from the gallery and at other art events RAA has hosted like Art in the Park and Art on State Street (every sale makes me feel really terrific!). When I think about all the reasons I love to paint I think of the enduring quality of art. It is something of interest. I am pulled to create and I enjoy the process as much as the end result.
I have stacks of photos that beg me to recreate them in paint—using my own interpretation. This gives me a constant source of projects that I can tackle in my home studio. Then on other occasions (good weather permitting) I can get out and paint directly from life (en plein air). I enjoy doing this in small groups so I can see what other artists are producing as well as on my own when I go out of town. It is something I can do without being dependent on a team. It captures a moment and a feeling that can be conveyed in perpetuity. Art often makes me wonder about what is not said and the rest of the story. It makes me think. For all these things I am grateful.
Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Antionette has always been a lover of art and art in all forms. She became interested in Silk Painting due to a friendship in Lake Tahoe California ; she was introduced to Addie Chernus; a well known silk artist and instructor. Once introduced to Silk Painting, she has never looked back.
A mother of two and grandmother full time, she is able to escape all cares in her studio at home. Antionette is new to Southern California, having lived previously in Washington , Arizona and Grass Valley California. Her latest endeavor was with an online personal development company. This company decided to change marketing strategies, which has freed her to pursue her love of Silk Painting.
She continues to build on her skill set as an artist and is always eager to learn from fellow artists. She will be offering a beginning silk painting class for children and encourages any adults who may have an interest to contact her for information on a private class or upcoming workshop.
Rhona has found more time and greater opportunity for painting since a career change in 2009. Before that she had been widely known for over 30 years as a successful music teacher in the Inland Empire and earlier employed in the medical-scientific field.
Her two previous careers have provided insights into her new avocation. Her involvement in music has always sustained a deep interest in art as she took workshops and classes in Australia, Vallejo, Riverside, Orange County, Capetown/South Africa, Bulawayo/Zimbabwe–wherever the family was living at the time.
Opportunity to become more active in the creative side of art has proved rewarding. With about forty canvases completed this last year she is continuing to develop her insights and skills.
She is a member of the California Art Club, PAAR (Plein Air Painters of Riverside), the Corona Art Association and the Redlands Art Association.
I like to work in oils. The smell and texture of the paints, the gestures of applying it with the various hardness and softness of brushes and palette knives, the decisions making relative to value, composition and tone, the seeking out of harmonious subject matter–these are all are challenging, joyful and healing to the spirit. I continually find parallels between music and painting; concentration in either field can lead one into a dream-like state of suspension where time stands still and there is deep pleasure in just being.”
Opening Reception: Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 4:30-6:30
Hearrice Dixon was born in Haughton, Louisiana. While still very young she and her family moved to Redlands, California where she attended Redlands High School. There she entered an art contest. With winning Honorable Mention, her unique ability was first recognized and she discovered her love of art.
Her interest in working with acrylics began when she enrolled in a class at the University of Redlands. The class used several mediums including acrylics. Hearrice’s aspiration and interest in acrylics prompted her to continue seeking knowledge over the years, which has influenced the technique she uses today.
Before starting a painting, she finds that experimenting with acrylics, with no design in mind along with the use of unusual materials can add spontaneous interest and is a fun experience. For example, when working with acrylics she uses a sponge, to create the desired effect. Most of the subject matter she chooses is landscapes, floral and seascapes. The majority of her paintings are viewed as nonrepresentational.
She is currently a member of the Redlands Art Association and has displayed there, as well as participated in the “Art in the Park” exhibit in 2009.
Artist Statement
In my work, I strive to depict the tranquil and elegant side of nature whether it is a beautiful flower, seascape or landscape. The choice of nature themes appeals to the style in which I paint, emphasizing a lot of emotion and the use of subtle colors.
My technique varies in experience and emotion for me. In each of my paintings, I find it to be relaxing, exciting, occasionally frustrating, awe-inspiring and rewarding. The majority of my paintings have a calming effect that has been expressed by viewers. Upon completion of a painting, I have experienced the same feelings as the viewer. I find this to be amazing.
Being almost exclusively self-taught, I use my own instincts for reference. However, I plan to continue seeking additional knowledge by participating in offered workshops, and exhibits.
Giao Nguyen (pronounced "Yow Win") was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Her family escaped the war-torn country and after battling pirates, having her father captured and imprisoned, and living in a hut in humid tropical Malaysia, ended up in the snowy cold of Minnesota; Plymouth, MN, to be exact. What a fitting town for pilgrims to land.
Kindergarten art class was a favorite subject. Ever since she was a youngster, she found herself doodling and dabbling in different mediums. Art was a good way to communicate without words. Working on school projects helped her feel part of the community.
Now, she works as a doctor specializing in foot & ankle surgery. Much of her time is spent helping local veterans at the Loma Linda Veteran’s Hospital, some of whom relate their stories of tours of duty in Vietnam, a place in distant foggy memory. One day she would like to visit there.
Most of Ms. Nguyen’s works have gone to charity auctions to help the less fortunate. Please visit her website www.giao-nguyen.com and sign the guestbook there.
Opening Reception January Sunday, 23rd 4:30 – 6:30 PM
I began my love affair with art at an early age. At the tender age of 10 I sold my first painting of Charlie Chaplin as, “The Tramp”. Art was a big factor in my life. Whenever I could find time I would paint. I remember back in kindergarten the first time I ever held a paint brush; I was fascinated. It felt comfortable to me, like it belonged in my hand. I could take a paint brush and make mountains move and make people be whatever I wanted them to be.
Self-taught for many years, upon entering college I dabbled in as many art classes as possible. I found nothing could compare to watching people and putting it on canvas for myself. Throughout the years I continued my passion for art, participating in many art workshops, private shows, and local art events.
I am inspired by the artist Potthast, whose paintings make me appreciate love for the sea and for the beach. I love painting scenes on the beach. I have traveled extensively throughout the west to capture some of my most memorable scenes to paint.
I am currently a member of the Riverside Art Museum (RAM), Redlands Art Association (RAA). In addition to those venues, my art has been displayed and sold in private art galleries throughout the world.”
Richard is a self taught artist. Even though he has never studied art in an academic setting, the private training and workshops he has taken have allowed him the freedom and independence to develop his own unique style of art.
Richard first emerged as a serious artist in early 2001, creating what he termed “Computer Parts Art”, receiving numerous awards in art competitions. In 2007, he transitioned into a broader area of this medium, making use of the full spectrum of found objects and now has his own distinctive approach to Assemblage art.
Richard believes making art from found objects allows his imagination to expand and flourish.
He enjoys bringing otherwise unrelated objects together, using paint to transform them and give them new life as a now singular entity and unique work of art. He thoroughly enjoys the process of making art, which ranges from emotional and moving to whimsical and fun. His objective is to give his art the ability to evoke emotion from the viewer.
Here is a gallery of some of his selected works – click on any one to enlarge it:
Richard has received many awards in Southern California art shows for his new Assemblage art, including, but not limited to, the following:
2008: Best Of Show at the 27th Annual Open Show by the Pomona Valley Art Association; Riverside Art Museum purchase of one of his pieces for their Permanent Collection; Honorable Mention in the Member’s Exhibit at the Riverside Art Museum.
2009: Juried into the Artist Council Exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum, with piece purchased at the auction; Both First and Second place in ‘Other Media’ at the Pomona Valley Art Association 28th Annual Open Show; Two pieces juried into the Learning & Product Expo:Art, in Pasadena, one received an Honorable Mention.
Joan Wiley, long time artist and member of the Redlands Art Association (over 24 years) of the Redlands Art Association will be showing some of her art work in the RAA gallery located at 215 East State Street. Joan will be the Featured Artist from November 28 thru December 19, 2009
How did she get started in art? As a child she was always drawing the cartoon characters from the newspapers. Then later she would design clothes for paper dolls and later yet she created and sewed clothing for herself which is a different form of art.
When she turned 50 she decided to go to college up at Crafton Hills College where she earned her AA Degree in Accounting. With that done she turned to art, something she always wanted to do. She took every course in art offered—–drawing, basic design, life drawing, painting, etc. She joined the Redlands Art Assoc. and because of her accounting decree, they asked her to be their treasurer, a position she held for over 22 years. She also became a member in the Yucaipa, the Loma Linda, the Fine Arts Institute and finally the Watercolor West group.
Joan’s first watercolor teacher was Doris Cook. Other local artist-teachers she studied with were Beryl Larkin, Jean Cranmer, Don O’Neill, Lucille Von Wolffersdorff, Ed Sotello, Joanna Mersereau and Kolan Peterson. She also took many workshop, traveling far, with world famous artist such as Frank Webb, Don Anderson, Gerald Brommer, George James, Arne Westerman, Judy Betts, Jerry Stitts, Tony Van Hasselt and Tom Fong to name a few. Feeling more confident in her art, she jokes that some of their teachings have finally rubbed off
Joan will be showing many of her small pieces which make lovely Xmas gifts. There will be a reception, open to the public, on Sunday December 13, 2009 from 2 to 4pm in the RAA Gallery. She invites all her friends, fellow artist, relatives and any interested people to join her for some light refreshments.
Originally from New York City, my wife and I moved to California in 1976. Over the last 34 years we’ve lived in Carlsbad, East L.A., Pasadena, and Pomona. We now live in a century old historic home in south Redlands.
