ART EXHIBIT: A Moment's Notice
Works by Pat Miller & Sharon Rowley Morgio
January 6-30, 2013
Pat Miller
Bio
Pat Miller received a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. After further studies at Kent State University in glassblowing and ceramics as well as studies in graphic arts at the Maryland College of Art and Design, she worked in publishing and as an independent graphic artist for many years. Other pursuits and responsibilities eventually pulled her away from the arts until, in 1998, she participated in a How-To Workshop for stained glass and found an immediate passion for the medium. This led to an opportunity at the studio fabricating custom windows for churches and private residences where she was able to develop and refine her skills. Currently, she maintains a studio in Branford, working independently to explore personal ideas.
Artist Statement
I have experimented with stained glass to explore a variety of themes over the past several years, arriving at a recent preoccupation with water, change, chaos, and flow. Many of the stained glass pieces included in the exhibit, “A Moment’s Notice,” attempt to capture a discrete point, frozen in time, of an otherwise constantly changing scene. I am particularly drawn to certain qualities of water - its transparency, fluidity, and persistent motion; its bubbles, ripples, waves, and power - as well as its capacity to invigorate, transport, soothe, and nurture. These panels also portray the chaos and seemingly random motion of elements caught in the flow. Smooth stones - often found at water’s edge and a delight to find and touch - are the gems which evolve after rocks, with complicated angles and jagged points, have been tossed repeatedly against one another until their shapes approach the symmetry of perfect elliptical or round spheres... simplicity and tranquility arising from chaos and aggressive motion.
I find working with stained glass to be extremely challenging and, therefore, very engaging. In addition to the usual basic design concerns, there are the added dimensions of texture, as well as varying degrees of transparency with each type of art glass. Combined with the fact that window panels can look different as lighting changes with the time of day, seasons, and environmental conditions, creating a satisfying work always requires a great deal of creative thinking and problem solving. Quite often, the design process takes much longer than the actual fabrication of the panel. And, depending on the number of pieces that have to be cut and the elements that must be combined for the finished product, this can take months. Typically, I work on several pieces simultaneously. This way, I can relieve the strain of having to solve a problem quickly and can allow an idea to gel before moving to completion.
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Sharon Rowley Morgio
Bio
Sharon Rowley Morgio holds a BFA in Painting and Art Education from Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. She has taught art to children in public schools and calligraphy to adults. For many years she was a self employed calligrapher, doing business as Goosefeather Graphics in the New Haven area. During that period she designed over 50 greeting cards for Recycled Paper Products Card Company, utilizing her lettering and design experience in creating cards for all occasions. Sharon began her watercolor studies in 2006 when a friend urged her to sign up for a watercolor class taught by Judy Atlas at Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven. She was "hooked" from that point on and has enjoyed the discoveries she has made - and continues to make - along the way. She is currently a member of Elm City Artists Gallery in New Haven.
Artist Statement
I am a painter and calligrapher who has become immersed in painting watercolors since 2006. I love the fluidity and layering possibilities of the medium as well as the immediacy of working with water based paints.
To me, a painting is an adventure. I enjoy the opportunity for discoveries and personal growth that comes with each new work. It is my hope that others might see things in different ways after viewing my paintings, and that they feel an emotional connection to each piece. I like to capture the essence of my subject and to convey the energy that I feel from natural surroundings, whether it be peaceful or lively.
The actions and antics of birds always delight and inspire me to capture them with brush and paint. Birds have become a favorite subject of my paintings. Although they act on instinct, somehow they seem almost human in their behavior. I view them as symbols of hope and constancy in a rather daunting and uncertain world.
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All Images copyright of the artist. Please contact the artist to use images.
Opening Reception
Sunday, January 6, 4 – 6 pm
Keyes Gallery
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library
146 Thimble Island Road
Stony Creek, CT 06405