Becoming, an art exhibit about women, motherhood and an ever evolving life.

Elisa Contemporary Art presents Becoming, the first New York City solo exhibit of Connecticut artist,

Daryl Zang.  The exhibit will be held in the public art space at Saint Peter’s Church in New York -- 619 Lexington Avenue (at 54th Street). The exhibit openedon August 27th and run through October 10th.   

An artist reception will take place on Thursday, September 12 from 6-8pm.

Daryl Zang’s art communicates the universal stories of women -- the teacher and temptress, protector and provider.  They are moments of selflessness and self-absorption.  While based on her own personal experiences, Daryl's work touches on universal truths of women everywhere…shared around the world and passed down from generation to generation. In Becoming, you'll see captured moments filled with doubt, longing, deep sorrow. Others exuding maternal instincts, selflessness, pure joy and letting go. 

According to Daryl: "Women’s lives are so multifaceted that the potential for subject matter is seemingly endless. There are themes common to all of us which are simply human."

As Daryl has grown and changed over time, her work has evolved as well.  As a young woman, she painted about loss, pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood, sharing the uncertainty, isolation, and exhaustion as well as the tenderness.   As her children have grown, she found inspiration in their discoveries and wonder in all they taught her.  

The exhibit will include several new works including “Cared For,” which was inspired by the simple task of washing hands.    According to Daryl, “This painting’s imagery serves as a reminder of what and who is important.  I am supposed to be my children’s teacher and caregiver, but I find that I often need them...They reset the pace at which I sometimes race through life.  Tuning myself in to their innocence and simple rhythms, ‘cleanses’ me of the (adult) stresses and brings me back into balance.”  

Strong hands are a constant theme throughout Daryl’s work.  They shed light on how women have worked tirelessly to create life and, whether physically or metaphorically, to build a home.  They also represent the sacred space which at times creates, holds and nurtures, and then releases.  

A portion of all gallery sales by Elisa Contemporary Art are donated to charities helping children heal through art.  For this exhibit, a portion of sales will be donated back to The EverWonder Children's Museum.

What: Becoming.  A solo exhibit of Connecticut artist, Ms. Daryl Zang

When: August 27 – October 10, 2013

Special Events:

             A Special Reception with Artist, Daryl Zang Thursday, September 12th 6-8pm

Where: Saint Peter’s Church, Narthex Gallery, 619 Lexington Avenue (Entrance on 54th Street btw. Lexington and

              Third Avenues), New York, NY 10022.

Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 7:00pm The Church building sometimes closes early. Call 212-935-2200 for exact closing times

 

Last two weeks to see our Eco-Minded Upcycled Art Exhibit featuring six International Artists

Elisa Contemporary Art co-curated an exhibit with transFORM Gallery focused on artists using recycled materials to create artwork.  The exhibit, entitled Re-Imagining Past Possessions, Works of Recycled Materials will run through June 1 at transFORM Gallery, 20 Jones Street in New Rochelle.  

 Our Earth Day tribute focuses on how discarded materials are transformed into Artwork.  Our international roster of artists use recycled and discarded materials including newspaper and magazines, screws, nuts, door knobs and corrugated metal siding, tools, mail and fabrics including ties and discarded clothing.  

Our featured artists include:

• Chilean artist, Rodolfo Edwards                                   

• New York sculptor, Carole Eisner

• Korean-Irish Mixed Media artist, Lisa Mee Doherty    

• Multi-media Canadian artist, Aurora Robson

• Uruguayan Dimensional artist, Adriana Rostovsky

We have hosted a series of special events include Earth Day Art Workshops for kids and on May 28th from 6-8pm a special evening with Green Drinks Westchester will take place.  Green Drinks Westchester is part of the international Green Drinks network - an informal, volunteer-managed social networking group built around a common interest in the natural environment.  Join us to meet and connect with other like minded individuals and businesses...And see great art!



Here's a little about each artist:

Canadian born Aurora Robson is a multi-media artist known predominantly for her transformative work interrupting the waste stream using plastic debris, excess packaging and junk mail. And you'll have the chance to meet her on May 28th

A Canadian, Robson was born in Toronto in 1972 and has lived and worked in New York City for the past 21 years. Robson grew up in Maui, Hawaii. Her work has been featured in Art in America, Art & Antiques and recently the cover of Green Building + Design magazine. She is a recipient of the Pollock Krasner Grant, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in sculpture and numerous other grants and awards.

A "subtle yet determined environmental activist", Robson has exhibited internationally in museums, galleries and public spaces. She earned an B.A. in visual arts and art history at Columbia University, and was the Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Doenges Scholar/Artist in 2012.   As an advocate for plastic pollution awareness, Robson is the founding artist of Project Vortex, an international collective of artists, designers and architects who also work with plastic debris. 

Sculptor Carole Eisner works with the leftover materials of our civilization including fragments of ancient buildings, bridges, and scrap metal.    Eisner's larger-than-life works and small scale sculptures have been exhibited in dozens of public parks, corporate plazas, cultural centers, museums and waterfronts all along the northeast corridor in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Florida, as well as in Belgium and France.  

She just installed a new piece, Hosea, in Manhattan at Tramway Park (60th and 2nd avenue)   Eisner is

represented by Susan Eley Fine Art and has work in private, public and corporate collections, including the Guggenheim, and has been written up in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Who's Who in American Art, Vogue and New York Newsday.

Irish-Korean artist, Lisa Mee Doherty integrates recycled fabrics, papers and metals into her mixed media paintings to help balance our frail ecological planet.   She is captivated by the rhythms and colors found in nature from the complex layering of a color-saturated sunset or the light-filled reflections from bodies of water. 

Uruguayan artist,  Adriana Rostovsky collects objects that others throw out including gum wrappers to bus tickets, empty toy boxes.    This childhood penchant for collecting “unusable items” evolved into an adult passion for treasuring day to day objects and giving them new life in the form of combined media in relief.

As a visual artist, Rostovsky is drawn to transforming into art discarded materials that bring extensive history with them. She has been engaged on an international basis in many interdisciplinary projects, with focus on sustainability, in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Holland and Portugal.   Her artwork has been in group and solo exhibitions in Uruguay, Holland, Connecticut, and New York.


Chilean mixed media artist, Rodolfo Edwards incorporates artifacts, modified pictures, photographs and papers from fashion magazines and other sources to create his architectural urban spaces.  

 

New York Art Gallery Elisa Contemporary Art presents Cut, Rolled and Burnt.  Four contemporary artists who are taking paper to extremes -- showing no mercy – in their pursuit of creativity.  The exhibit opened on May 10th and runs through August 11th, 2013. 


The exhibit was highlighted in the May 12th edition of Art Daily.

Michael Buscemi began his series of white paper collages in 2012. He wanted to eliminate all existing media and be left only with light, shape and shadow. He takes extra thick rag paper and with a swift and fluid cut, creates thousands of small, shaped pieces. These severed paper pieces are then built up and layered, allowing the shadows and shapes to organically form, before being set with a polimear gel.

You can also see Michael's work in the Designer Showhouse of Westchester through June 9th





 




Amy Genser’s exploration of paper as medium began in a papermaking and bookmaking class she took, while studying for her graduate degree in graphic design at Rhode Island School of Design.


Today, she masterfully manipulates paper -- each piece being cut, rolled and stacked -- to mimic organic forms and natural processes. While starting as flat piles of paper, her artwork builds and grows into 3-dimensional constructions filled with color, texture and patterns.















 



Don Morris' constructions are carefully manipulated comic book paper pages that are cut and folded to create undulating surfaces filled with gentle peaks and curves. From a distance the viewer sees only the interplay of colors and texture. However, as the viewer is drawn in, the super heroes fly, struggle, and climb. Words bubble from the comic book text and are clearly visible throughout the pieces, allowing the viewer to read the dialog of the action heroes.

Hawaii based artist, Wayne Zebzda was born in Connecticut and started his journey out west attending the San Francisco Art Institute on a full scholarship as a painting major. With day jobs in construction, he integrated the tools of this trade into his art -- creating sculptural and installation works, as well as his carbon smoke drawings made with a blow torch.

According to Wayne, the process for his Carbon Smoke drawings is:  

"I have to move continuously while the smoke pours out of the torch. If you have ever seen the film footage of Jackson Pollack painting it is a similar continuous movement, his with drips, mine with smoke and the added possibility of catching the drawing on fire. I enjoy the immediacy and physicality of drawing. The welding torch has the pressure turned down low which makes it sooty/smoky. Working back into the drawings with erasures and brushes reveals what's underneath and a clear fixative sets the soot in place (hopefully) and yes, I have burned the paper and will again."

We will be hosting an opening Reception on Saturday, May 18 from 5-7pm 

 at the Riverdale Gallery, 5622 Mosholu Avenue.

What: Cut, Rolled & Burnt. Manipulated Works of Paper.

Featured Artists: Michael Buscemi, Amy Genser, Don Morris, Wayne Zebzda

Exhibit Dates: Opens Friday May 10th. Runs through August 11.

Where: Elisa Contemporary Art, 5622 Mosholu Avenue (near 256th Street), Riverdale NY 10471.

Hours: Friday/Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, and by Appointment.

Street Parking available and accessible by public transportation.

About Elisa Contemporary Art
Elisa Contemporary Art represents emerging through late career artists from around the world and donates a portion of every gallery sale to charities helping underserved children heal through art.

We have a Riverdale NY gallery, participate in high-end art fairs in New York, the Hamptons, and Miami: curate shows in private and public art spaces within the Tri-State area, and we've been featured in Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, New York Spaces, New York Times, American Art Collector, Ocean Home Magazine and other publications and blogs. We also provide Corporate and Residential Art Consulting Services.

Designer Showhouse of Westchester

Elisa Contemporary Art is thrilled to be working with two great interior designers at part of the 2013 Designer Showhouse of Westchester. 

The Showhouse opened on May 1st and runs through June 9, 2013 at 2 Cooper Road in Scarsdale, NY.  The proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy of Westchester.

You can see the artwork of several Elisa Contemporary Art artists in the lower rec room designed by Elissa Grayer Interior Design and the third floor rec room designed by Donna Benedetto Design.

Here's a peak:

On the top level, Donna Benedetto has designed a light and airy rec room full of patterns, textures and a Chrome and Glass Ping Pong Table.

Flanking both sides of the room are the White Rag Paper Collages of Elisa Contemporary Art artist Michael Buscemi.  These works - King and Queen -  are 25" (wide) x 72" (long) filled with light and shadows.  Michael, a California artist, cuts thousands of pieces of paper and then builds up his artwork.

We are featuring two new pieces by Michael in our new gallery exhibit, Cut, Rolled and Burnt.

 

Donna also designed this custom bookshelf featuring wonderful octagonal shapes

Here's a look at the full room:

As you walk down the stairs into the lower level space,  you will be greeted by a painting by Elisa Contemporary Art Hawaii artist, Carol Bennett.  This painting, Light 2, is Oil and Acrylic on Wood Panel and you transported into this world - floating in the water with the sun streaming down. The painting is 37 x 46.



As you turn left and travel down the hallway into the lower level rec room designed by Elissa Grayer, you are pulled in by these playful ceramic Jack sculptures and the serene buddhas and candles in the fireplace.

 

This seating area is filled with shapes and textures including a fabulous acrylic chair.

One of the photographs by John Conn, featured in our recent Iceberg exhibit, is placed on a wonderful architectural console.   This limited edition photograph is Antarctic 119.






Two small mixed media paintings by Rosalind Schneider can also be seen in the room.







I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with such talented designers as Elissa Grayer and Donna Benedetto in this beautiful Designer Showhouse at 2 Cooper Road in Scarsdale.

Be sure to stop by before June 9th and see these rooms as well as wonderful rooms designed by Debra Funt, Gail Green, Debra Gottlieb and others.

New York Art Gallery Elisa Contemporary Art presents Icebergs and Glaciers

New York Art Gallery, Elisa Contemporary Art presents Icebergs and Glaciers. As our climate continues to change, we pay tribute to these stunning natural formations.

The exhibit  will run through April 28, 2013. 



In the wake of 2012's extreme weather and new record lows set by the Arctic sea ice, we pay tribute to these stunning natural formations. These earthly beauties are captured in three distinct creative styles – mixed media, oil on canvas, and photography.

 Icebergs and Glaciers will include the Alaskan Journey series by mixed media pioneer, Rosalind Schneider. Rosalind uses imagery shot from a small plane, a boat and while hiking on the surface of glacier located in Prince William Sound and Wrangel St. Elias, Alaska. The series began in late 2010 and will debut several new works.

It will also feature a contemporary view of nature by internationally acclaimed artist, Elaine Galen. According to Elaine, "In a world of eroding values and environmental concerns, my effort is to affirm beauty’s morale order in nature. I am deeply moved by the presence of and the power of nature to penetrate deep into the soul — through painting I seek to preserve nature – the heavens, seas, skies, mountains, and our past”.  The exhibit features a new 2013 painting, Glacial Meltdown.

We will also feature the photography of John Conn, who spent 45 days in 2010 in Antarctica and Patagonia. travelling and hiking to capture the land and seascapes. He spent over 20 days journeying over 3,200 nautical miles in Antarctica before heading to Patagonia for the second part of his expedition. 

Throughout his journey, he referenced the stories of Antarctic explorers, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott. Like them, he saw his surroundings to be dangerous, inhospitable and forbidding. According to John, "There's menace here and the feel of it stays with you…it towers over you. And when you've left the continent, it's still in your memory."



What: Icebergs and Glaciers
Artists: Photographer John Conn, Painter Elaine Galen, Mixed Media artist, Rosalind Schneider
When: February 1 through April 28, 2012
 
Special Events:

•  Join us on Saturday, April 13 for an artist reception from 4-7pm

Where: Elisa Contemporary Art, 5622 Mosholu Avenue (near 256th Street), Riverdale NY 10471.
Hours: Friday/Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and by Appointment
As the exhibit continues we'll be sharing more detailed information about our artists and their journeys.  See more at www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com

Because Valentine's Day is about being Smitten!

What I love about Valentine's Day is it's a day dedicated to showing our loved ones, how much we care (and this should happen every day!).  For me, it's about taking action and thinking about what is most important to my loved ones.

Several years ago, I was given a beautiful photography by my husband for Valentine's Day and today it's still one of my treasured pieces.  Now as a gallery owner, I have the opportunity to help others do the same.  I just opened up a new exhibit about Icebergs and a client came in and told me the images reminded him of an Alaskan cruise he took with his wife 10 years ago.  He is looking to add one of these photographs to his collection because it connected with him in such a special and intimate way.

This Valentine's Day we curated an exhibit all about rapture, love, flirtatiousness...and romance.  It's called "Smitten". 

Here's a look at what we think falls under this:

A sensual black and white photograph by Jesse Kalisher.  Reminiscent of the quality of Georgia O'Keefe

"The Gift" by Connecticut artist, Daryl Zang.  This painting is Oil on Canvas, 42 x 48.

The Pulsating work of Canadian artist, Franco DeFrancesca.  It moves and vibrants like a beating heart.  This artwork is 18 x 18, a pigment print with poured resin on a handcrafted layered wood frame.

















The Roy Lichtenstein inspired Pop-Art paintings by Houston artist, Mitch McGee are created through layers of cut and stained birch.  They are flirty and fun... and they are also featured in the February 2013 issue of Dwell Magazine!.

This painting, "Teal Eyes" is 36 x 36.

 "Brown Eyes" is now sold and in a loving home in Oklahoma!

Mitch has also created a limited edition woodcut print of voluptuous lips.  This work on paper is 22 x 28 and says a thousand words...without every speaking a word.

To me, there is nothing like the gift of art to communicate an emotion, a sentiment and an action of caring.  To see these works and more, visit our website at: www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com

Just back from Miami 2012

I have just returned from several days at Art Basel Miami 2012 looking, meeting, seeing and connecting with all things art!  While so many come together from so many different places, there is a shared passion for art - whether it's creating it or collecting it, representing it or just seeing a new vision. 

This year, I found myself particularly drawn to white, muted or monochromatic work.  As is my passion, I lean toward work which uses a range of different materials or textures - often using the shadows and light to add yet another dimension to the piece.

As a gallerist, curator and art consultant I'm always looking for compelling artwork.   

Here are just a few of my favorites from the 2012 Art Basel Miami Satellite Art Fairs:

 


Here's a look at Michael Buscemi new series at  K. Imperial Fine Arts at Aqua.  It is made from layered, cut paper. 

 Brooklyn Gallery, Robert Henry Contemporary is at Aqua showing the work of Liz Jaff.  This framed artwork, Fidget 2, is cut paper on board.

And on the subject of works of paper...I loved this piece!  

It is layers of cut and torn paper by Angela Glajcar.  Each sheet of paper is separated by metal dowels and plastic pieces.  The composed artwork sits anywhere from 7 to 10 inches from the wall and just pulls you into it!

Margaret Thatcher Projects is showing these wonderful marble sculptures of  Vensek & Spanle at Pulse.  They are serious works, yet organic and whimsical at the same time!










The string and pin artwork by Alyson Shotz at NY gallery Derek Eller at NADA entangles you in a web of intrigue and intricacy.  On the left you can see a full image and to the right a detail shot.

The richly textured oil on canvas surfaces of James Hayward.   

The artwork of SVA graduate, Rebecca Ward can be seen at the SVA booth at Miami Project.  This painting, October Surprise, is bleach and acid dye on canvas.












The clean lines and shapes in the pigment prints of Miriam Bohm at Untitled.

Whether it's going into Winter or just a purity of a lack of color, White caught my eye at the recent 2012 shows!