*This is the second of three writings highlighting how art builds connections locally and internationally. Recently Chinese curator Janet Fong and artist Qianhui De visited the San Francisco Bay Area for an art tour. From studio visits to viewing museum collections, my home delivered…
The morning would start with a boost of caffeine and art. Traversing through rush hour traffic annoyed but the payoff would be worth it. Today’s agenda included visiting the artist studios of Lea Feinstein in San Francisco and Mari Andrews in Emeryville. Ready, set, and go!
Lea Feinstein’s studio is a feast for the eyes and soul. Space is activated with color, folds, and wisdom. Light and airy, her artworks defy the constraints of weight. Conceptually they hit hard leaving marks of intention and history. From Feinstein’s website: “The medium is a marriage of modern industrial materials—acrylic polymer paint applied to Tyvek (spun-bonded olefin) which is commonly used in FedEx envelopes and in new house construction as a moisture barrier. Unlike traditional artist papers and canvas, Tyvek does not stretch or shrink when wet. The artist was attracted to its lightness and flexibility, properties that enable it to be rolled and unrolled without creasing or tearing. It is acid-free and extremely durable.”
Lea Feinstein’s experience runs deep. She has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Georgetown University. In addition, she has written for SF Weekly and ARTnews. Did I mention Lea has an extensive exhibition history including artworks in private and public collections? Yes, she’s that amazing.
Next stop would be Mari Andrews! Her studio is similar to an archaeologist’s excavation site filled with vessels and samples from planet Earth. Every nook and corner displays a treasure and discovery. It is an organized brilliant visual feast.
From Mari’s website: “My work has evolved out of years of drawing and obsessive collecting. Through sculpture I weave these two actions together. Wire, pine needles, branches and other linear material carry on the drawing practice while moving the work into the sculptural realm. Time spent gathering, cleaning and storing of collected objects, whether they are man-made or natural, allows for a kind of wonder and intimacy with each object. This gleaned information is crucial while combining materials to make new, hybrid forms.”
Mari Andrews background and experience is impressive. Her resume includes awards from the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, Djerassi Resident Artists Program, and Lucid Art Foundation. Mari has a distinguished exhibition history nationally and internationally from the San Jose Museum of Art to The Cold Press in Norfolk, England. Wow.
Curator Janet Fong, artist Qianhui De, and I left inspired for the day’s offering. We were spoiled and thankful. All expectations were exceeded and more…
谢谢
The links:
http://www.slateart.net/Home/Portfolio/456
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