ENCAUSTICS

Howard Hersh

Howard Hersh

Rebecca Alex's "Crucible" and 4 “Eclipse” paintings of a lily unfolding

Rebecca Alex's "Crucible" and 4 “Eclipse” paintings of a lily unfolding

Mari Marks (foreground)

Mari Marks (foreground)

Mary Black

Mary Black

Karen Frey's "Bumper Car Girl"

Karen Frey's "Bumper Car Girl"

 

Now for something completely different.

Encaustic wax paint originated in Ancient Greece, flourished in Egypt and inevitably spread to Rome. After a decline through the rise of Islam and the Middle Ages, it enjoyed a revival in the mid-eighteenth century.

This art form appeared in America in 1767 after Charles Wilson Peale visited London and saw what the European artists were doing. In the twentieth century It spread through Diego Rivera, Jackson Pollack, Jasper Johns and the availability of portable electric heating tools.

Encouraged, other artists expanded the process from painting to collage, sculpture, and printmaking.

Please stop in to see the works of five amazing modern practitioners of this 2000-year-old art. Take some time to peruse the wonderful book that showcases our artists: Encaustic Art in the Twenty-First Century by Anne Lee and E. Ashley Rooney.   –Peter

 

Our artists:

Rebecca Alex
Mary Black
Karen Frey
Howard Hersh
Mari Marks

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 15 from 12-6 pm.

Book signing from 1-3.

 

 

Changing Shows

 

Far Out Gallery bids a fond farewell to Beverly Tharp and her gorgeous green lotus photographs. It feels so strange to see empty white walls bereft of art.

There's Anne, way back there, prepping the walls. Three of the five artists have just dropped off their paintings - ready to be hung - for the next show. Please join us for the "Encaustic" show from October 8th to the 22nd, with a book signing and reception on October 15th.  -Peter

 

90 Degrees and Back Again

 

Sunday and Monday had us sweltering out here in the Sunset – whew, 90 degrees both days. So I went to Aquatic Park on Tuesday for a swim, and what did I see? That iconic ribbon of thick white fog streaming under the bridge, and sure enough by the time I got back to the Sunset – TOTALLY FOGGED IN. And now, three days in, we are back to the natural chilly default condition we know so well. So put on your layers and cap and scarf and come on over to FOG and catch the last days of Beverly Tharp's lovely Lotus show.   –Peter

 

Autumnal Equinox Celebration

p.s.  A brand new red dot lies beside the photograph between Elan and Beverly.

p.s.  A brand new red dot lies beside the photograph between Elan and Beverly.

 

Such a sweet occasion! Beverly Tharp's dazzling photographs (along with Jim Zimmerman on vibes). Fun, food, sparkling wine, great company.

 

Come Visit Carmen

Carmen is on the 14-Day Injured Reserve List. For the second time in three months she has had a small growth removed from her right eye.

The operation was performed right here at 1235 Taraval Street at Visionary Veterinary. Her doctor, Gwendolyn Lynch is wonderful – we all feel very lucky to have her right here in our 'hood.

Speaking of hoods, Carmen does not much care for hers. Everything is hard to do with that darn E collar. She'll be back to normal real soon, but come visit her and help commiserate, and wish her a happy Autumnal Equinox.  –Peter

 
 

Master Calligrapher Mac Ming Chan

He was in the gallery from 2-5 today, and it was mesmerizing watching Mr. Chan work. His work is widely recognized in China, Hong Kong, and overseas––and now we're lucky to have him living and working in the Bay Area.

He designed the "Snake" character for the US Postal Service.

He designed the "Snake" character for the US Postal Service.

We were under his spell.

We were under his spell.

 

If the bench is out, we're in...

 

That red bench outside FarOut Gallery has been welcoming Taraval travelers since the day we opened. It is the perfect spot to take a respite from your journey, to take in the vibrant street scene, or just to prepare yourself for your next destination. Please take a seat...         –Peter

 

Sneak Peek: Beverly Tharp's Show

Beverly and Anne consider.

Beverly and Anne consider.

 

Far Out Gallery has been transformed into the pond in the Sierra foothills where Beverly Tharp spent twenty years observing and photographing.

Beverly's mother planted a lotus plant. Bees, dragonflies, birds, butterflies and damselflies called it home. Beverly cllimbed into her boat with her camera and captured this remarkable ecosystem.  –Peter

 

Don't miss Richard Kamler

 

This will be the last week of Richard Kamler's show. Please join us for a closing reception on Sunday, August 28th. Richard will be here from 4-6 and will be signing copies of his book.

It has been a revelation to live with these images over the past three weeks. A real dialogue has developed between these strong images as they gaze at one another. The drawing "Baby" from his El Greco series stares out to the passersby on Taraval. His "Boy Warrior" looks mournfully at the figures and the panther in "The Holy Trinity."

In the back, his charcoal Hiroshima series engage in a life and death struggle with Anne's vividly colored animal forces. Her "Sun Turtle" is a cosmic creation facing down the utter destruction of the atomic explosions. Don't miss this last chance to meet Richard and see his world vision.

Pete Seeger's words reverberate: "A Time to love, a time to hate, a time of peace, I swear it's not too late."  –Peter

 
 

"I just can't get over those ankles. Fascinating."

"I just can't get over those ankles. Fascinating."

 

 

UNDER THE SUN, a painting by our own Anne Herbst, graces the cover of a new book by Andrew Ramer.

 

Inside / Outside

Love in the FOG

Love in the FOG

A slow day quickens...The Lion Dance Troupe came to Taraval St. to summon luck and fortune to merchants and residents. A twenty dollar donation will go to Self-Help for the Elderly (SHE).

A slow day quickens...The Lion Dance Troupe came to Taraval St. to summon luck and fortune to merchants and residents. A twenty dollar donation will go to Self-Help for the Elderly (SHE).

 

Richard Kamler: An Incredible Opening

 

“Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation. It favors no race. It acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to heal, reveal, and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible. It creates a dialogue between individuals, and communication between communities. It allows us to see and to listen to each other.”

–Richard Kamler, as quoted by Vice President Joe Biden in his opening remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Richard Kamler's website is here.

 

Sneak Peek: Richard Kamler's Work

Richard Kamler looks over his work.

Richard Kamler looks over his work.

Anne and I just finished hanging Richard Kamler's new show, and you will be amazed to see how he has transformed the gallery. This artist, activist, and teacher lives in the house he grew up in on 27th Avenue and will be here this Saturday to talk about his art and to sign his new book Seeking Engagement - The Art of Richard Kamler. Richard's images are truly powerful and Far Out Gallery's walls are vibrating with his compassion and commitment. Don't miss this show, and remember: We'll be open every Sunday in August.      –Peter

 

Open Sundays in August

Our featured artist Gregory Vernitsky just dropped by FOG to visit. This will the the last weekend of his show, and I will miss his sculpture. I'll also miss his weekly visits with stories about his works and his passion for the process of his art. It has been a pleasure to meet his friends and to hear the gallery resound with Russian and Ukrainian, just as it was to hear the Spanish conversations during Santiago Gervasi's recent show. Come by and say "do svidaniya" to Gregory and his splendid works on Saturday.  Get ready for a new show opening on August 6th - drawings by Richard Kamler. We are going to be open on Sundays from 12-6 pm throughout August to allow some extra time to see this exciting show. –Peter

 

Happy Birthday, Carmen

If you've ever visited Far Out Gallery, you've met Carmen, our faithful FOG dog. Today is her 10th birthday.

Come by this weekend and sing Happy Birthday to her!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl. We love you.