"Beyond the Book" Group Art Exhibition at Silvermine Arts Center, New Canaan

"Beyond the Book" Group Art Exhibition at Silvermine Arts Center

What began as a gathering of individual artists, who assembled for a journaling and bookmaking class led by artist Fairfield artist Susan Newbold, evolved into an enriched experience of self-exploration, newly-formed friendships, and synergistic creative expression for seven area artists, whose group show, “Beyond the Book” opens with an Opening reception at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2pm to 4pm. 

The exhibition includes a variety of works spawned from the group’s shared experiences and collaborative art and will include: handmade books, personal journals, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and furniture. The “Beyond the Book” show runs from September 15, 2013 through October 26, 2013 at the Silvermine Gallery, 1037 Silvermine Road, New Canaan, Connecticut and includes works by Katonah artist Shiela Hale.

The seven artists: Kerry Brock, Shiela Hale, Barbara Harder, Stephanie Joyce, Elisa Khachian, Claudia Mengel and Susan Newbold employed the concepts, craft, and content of personal journals and crafted books as a springboard to create artworks that go “Beyond the Book”.  “Six of us are here because of the seventh, Susan Newbold who inspired the journey through her expansive “Illuminated Journal” workshops”, explained artist Kerry Brock.  Working individually and in collaborative conversations, employing a wide range of mediums, the artists set out to explore and elaborate diverse pathways to and from the book.  Working along side one another at Susan Newbold’s studio in Maine, the group discovered that their efforts were organic and informed by their personalities, relationships, and personal bonds.  The artists began by painting on 10”x10’ strips of watercolor paper in their preferred, personal styles, then swapped paintings.  The artist that began the painting finished the piece.  

The seven artists would all agree that their experiences preparing for “Beyond the Book” were not only about art, but also about trust in the creative process, connectedness, and personal growth and exploration. Working in this collaborative manner helped each of us move out of our own personal comfort zone, resulting in a sum greater than it’s parts.

Detailing her experience in preparing for the "Beyond the Book" show, Shiela Hale said, "Books are an important part of my life as texts for reading, as handmade artist's books, and as sculptural objects.  I fabricate tables and shelves, which are used to display or contain books, both in my artwork and for every day use.  It is of particular interest to me to challenge the boundaries between "fine" and "functional" art and between art and design.  The natural world has always been a source of wonder to me, a refuge, and a source of artistic inspiration."  Ephemeral, natural materials are frequently include in Hales' work and themes to convey a sense of intimacy and collaboration with nature, rather than detached observation.

The seven artists would all agree that their experiences preparing for “Beyond the Book” were not only about art, but also about trust in the creative process, connectedness, and personal growth and exploration. 

For more information about the “Beyond the Book” exhibit, visit the Silvermine Art Center website at www.silvermineart.org, or call 203-966-9700.  The show opens with a reception open to the public on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2pm to 4pm.  Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday: 1pm-5pm.