‘Metaphor for life’
“Towards a Blue Planet” (color pencil on wood), by Massachusetts artist Stacey Cusher, in the group show “Everything Leaves a Mark,’’ at Kingston Gallery, Boston, April 3-28.
She says in her artist statement:
“Trees, forests and flowers are iconic and an endless source of inspiration. In drawing these, I locate different textures and emphasize the shapes of trees and differing values in graphite or blue color pencil to speak to their sturdiness and the capacity to withstand these times. They’re a metaphor for life. We have a constant relationship with them. As Sara Maitland, author of From The Forest, describes, “[r]ight from the beginning, the relationship between people and forest [and flora] was not primarily antagonistic and competitive, but symbiotic.”
“And from the slow process of creating drawings, floral paintings and animal portraits found in these gardens, forests and in unexpected places, a meditative presence occurs. There is a grandeur in nature and a spirit. Creating scenic worlds, even in still life paintings, segue into wonder, daydreaming, and contemplation. A child-like feeling occurs when anything seems possible: infinite immensity and infinite possibilities.’’
Spring IS coming
“Efflorescence” (oil on canvas), by Stacey Cushner, in her current show of the same name at Kingston Gallery, Boston
The gallery says: The work “was created as a means to provide daily certainty amidst global suffering. Turning to an almost scientific process to glazing with oil paint, Cushner used the pandemic lockdown to learn glazing techniques and keenly observe the natural world. Her study of plant life drew out the fundamental aspect of being wholly present at the moment, a realization found only once the pandemic changed everything. Using flowers, particularly tulips, to symbolize love and rebirth, Cushner seeks to remind viewers of spring’s endless possibilities.’’
He studio is in Boston’s South End. See: https://www.staceycushner.com/about
Aerial view of the South End
— Photo by Richard Schneider
South End street scene
'Lovely, dark and deep'
“Intangible Aspects of the Forest,” (color pencil on Arches paper), by Stacey Cushner, at Kingston Gallery, Boston, through December.
Woodland wonders
Blue pencil and graphite drawing by Stacey Cushner, in her show “Intangible Aspects of the Forest.’’ at Kingston Gallery, Boston, Dec. 4-Dec. 29.
The gallery explains:
“Stacey Cushner’s drawings and installations in Intangible Aspects of the Forest harken to the time the artist looked in wonder at the woodland while walking to school, taking a shortcut through one particular patch of forest. Through her work, she meticulously realizes the sumptuous greens, bright blue skies, old oaks, towering pine trees, butterflies, birds, and thick unwieldy grass of her childhood memories.