Signature Gallery
The Beauty Around Us
"Tree in Mustard Field" by Heather Martin
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Paintings by Heather Ihn Martin
On exhibit: July 1-August 5 Opening Reception Friday, July 8 • 6-8pm |
“The Beauty Around Us”
at the Frank Bette Center
by Karen Braun Malpas
Last night’s movie was prefaced with a caution about “language, violence, sex, nudity, suggestive dialogue and gore.” In contrast, the show in the backroom of the FBCA could be prefaced by “ visual bouquet, vistas and vignettes of poetic tranquility, inherent beauty in the everyday.”
The paintings of Heather Ihn Martin declare that her interpretation of reality is mild and graceful, not harsh. Her painting of Blood Oranges with a Knife could so easily have tilted into the slightly macabre with some red droplets and stains strategically placed but no, the fruit slices and sharp tool are without value, neither good nor bad, just being themselves in a pleasing tabletop design and attractive colors and textures.
Similarly, tulips past their prime or marsh reeds hanging in the water do not conjure compost but only an aspect of nature which creates a graceful arc in Martins composition and is pleasing to the eye.
Flowers abound: roses, sunflowers, daffodils, peonies, sweet peas, dahlias, mums. While there is a genre of sickly sweet Hallmark flower images, these are not them. Here, with Martins clear vision, they just are what they are and can't help it that they are gorgeous. That’s just reality.
By isolating and focusing on just about anything…a random collection of post it notes, or the arrangement of tools in a workshop, we see what the artist sees…that there is beauty all around us. Even, and especially for me, an avalanche of pink satin fabric bunched on a sewing machine waiting to be pushed under the needle which is the sole illumination in an otherwise muted painting. This brilliant spot of light functions as the heart of creation, the seat of transformation. There isn't a soul around. There doesn't need to be. The beauty doesn't need us but, we need it.
This show hangs July 1-August 5.
See it at 1601 Paru @ LIncoln, Alameda.. Friday - Sunday 11-5
Last night’s movie was prefaced with a caution about “language, violence, sex, nudity, suggestive dialogue and gore.” In contrast, the show in the backroom of the FBCA could be prefaced by “ visual bouquet, vistas and vignettes of poetic tranquility, inherent beauty in the everyday.”
The paintings of Heather Ihn Martin declare that her interpretation of reality is mild and graceful, not harsh. Her painting of Blood Oranges with a Knife could so easily have tilted into the slightly macabre with some red droplets and stains strategically placed but no, the fruit slices and sharp tool are without value, neither good nor bad, just being themselves in a pleasing tabletop design and attractive colors and textures.
Similarly, tulips past their prime or marsh reeds hanging in the water do not conjure compost but only an aspect of nature which creates a graceful arc in Martins composition and is pleasing to the eye.
Flowers abound: roses, sunflowers, daffodils, peonies, sweet peas, dahlias, mums. While there is a genre of sickly sweet Hallmark flower images, these are not them. Here, with Martins clear vision, they just are what they are and can't help it that they are gorgeous. That’s just reality.
By isolating and focusing on just about anything…a random collection of post it notes, or the arrangement of tools in a workshop, we see what the artist sees…that there is beauty all around us. Even, and especially for me, an avalanche of pink satin fabric bunched on a sewing machine waiting to be pushed under the needle which is the sole illumination in an otherwise muted painting. This brilliant spot of light functions as the heart of creation, the seat of transformation. There isn't a soul around. There doesn't need to be. The beauty doesn't need us but, we need it.
This show hangs July 1-August 5.
See it at 1601 Paru @ LIncoln, Alameda.. Friday - Sunday 11-5
Artist Heather Ihn (pronounced “een”) Martin has a mission to show others that beauty is everywhere. There’s no need to pack your bags and hike up thousands of feet to capture epic views when stunning compositions can be found simply in your own home or at your local park. Whether it’s the way light falls on your kitchen counter, or how the eucalyptus leaves shimmer in the summer winds, you’ll hopefully leave inspired to see things with a new perspective.
Nearly thirty of Heather’s original gouache and oil paintings will be in the exhibit “The Beauty Around Us” at the Frank Bette Center for the Art’s Signature Gallery. You’ll find a range of intimate still-lifes to vast California landscapes, and a few paintings of her beloved pets sprinkled in between. All of her work in this show is painted directly from life (no photos), as it’s important for Heather to have an immersive experience while painting.
You’re encouraged to view the work up close and imagine the sounds, smells and feelings. Take note of the bold brush strokes, and subtleties in the colors. Let the paintings transport you to the places and things that are special to Heather, and be reminded that beauty is all around us.
Nearly thirty of Heather’s original gouache and oil paintings will be in the exhibit “The Beauty Around Us” at the Frank Bette Center for the Art’s Signature Gallery. You’ll find a range of intimate still-lifes to vast California landscapes, and a few paintings of her beloved pets sprinkled in between. All of her work in this show is painted directly from life (no photos), as it’s important for Heather to have an immersive experience while painting.
You’re encouraged to view the work up close and imagine the sounds, smells and feelings. Take note of the bold brush strokes, and subtleties in the colors. Let the paintings transport you to the places and things that are special to Heather, and be reminded that beauty is all around us.
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2022 EXHIBITS
February 4 - February 26 Pop-Up-Art Artists: Alameda Women Artists Opening reception: Friday, February 11 • 6-8pm March 4 - 26 People to Meet: Abstract Figurative Paintings Artist: Ellen Zucker Opening reception: Friday, March 11 • 6-8pm June 3 - 25 Together Again Artist: Ned Axthelm Opening reception: Friday, June 10 • 6-8pm |
July 1 - 30
The Beauty Around Us Artist: Heather Martin Opening reception: Friday, July 8 • 6-8pm October 7 - 29 Artists: Jennifer Freesia & Kris Warrenburg Opening reception: Friday, October 14 • 6-8pm November 4 - 26 Artists: Margaret & Fred Fago Opening reception: Friday, November 11 • 6-8pm December 2 - 18 Artist: Ros Harper & Sheila Stuhlman Wild and Whimsical Intake: November 27 • 11-5 Opening reception: Friday, December 9 • 6-8pm |
2023 EXHIBITS
January 13-29
Susan Hackett Retrospective
Susan Hackett Retrospective
The Signature gallery in the Frank Bette Center for the Arts (FBCA) is located in a separate space from the Main Gallery and offers private exhibits administered separately from the Main Gallery. There are generally six one-month shows a year in the Signature Gallery: February, March, June, July, October and November/December. Signature gallery exhibits coordinate dates with Main Gallery exhibits and begin the first Friday of the month. Opening Receptions are held the second Friday of the month. After the exhibit, art is picked up on the last Sunday of the month. This arrangement may be adjusted by Signature gallery curators, who jury and oversee the Signature gallery exhibits.
Artists are selected from FBCA members who apply to have solo or small group shows in the Signature Gallery. All applicants must be members in good standing of FBCA and remain so during the duration of their exhibit. You may become a member of FBCA any time of the year by paying membership dues. If you have any questions email BZ Meyers:
Artists are selected from FBCA members who apply to have solo or small group shows in the Signature Gallery. All applicants must be members in good standing of FBCA and remain so during the duration of their exhibit. You may become a member of FBCA any time of the year by paying membership dues. If you have any questions email BZ Meyers:
- Signature Gallery Application Form
- Signature Gallery Prospectus
- Signature Gallery Agreement form
- Artist Inventory
- Signature Gallery Floor Plans
- FBCA Labels for back of art
- Entry Fees. For monthly exhibits, entry fees are as follows:
Solo artists: $50
Multiple artists: $25 per artist