I SIGHT

Recent Works by Rebecca Romanek Johnson

Opening Reception:

Sunday, March 9, 2003- 5 to 7 PM

Closing Reception:

Sunday, March 23, 2003- 2 to 4 PM

Presented concurrently with the Young American Talent Competition exhibition.

The human eye is a remarkably complex and sensitive organ that connects intimately with the mind. One cannot look at the world without the mind imposing its interpretation and perspective. What we see, how we see, and why we see are the basis of this exhibition.

"I SIGHT" is an exhibition that combines the wonders of vision and the eye with the diverse art of Rebecca Romanek Johnson by featuring the variety of mediums that she incorporates in her artwork. Experimenting and exploring the mixed materials is limitless. It is how she reveals the essence or spirit of these materials that presents the intrigue and energy. This is seen in her piece "Looking Through Rose Colored Glasses" (left).

"Looking Through Rose Colored Glasses" is a light-hearted way to see the world in a different light. This sculpture is skillfully created from carved limestone, cut, bent and painted steel, plus elements of stained glass and crystals. The face swivels around and has peepholes in the back so that the viewer can actually see through the rose colored glasses. The complex construction of materials is over shadowed by the jovial spirit and fun-loving personality of the female image wearing the glasses. The interaction of looking through the glasses should put a smile on any face.

Experimenting and exploring mixed media is also evident in "Sightseeing the Southern Surf". This three-dimensional wall piece, created from driftwood, paint, resin, sand and steel, is just as mesmerizing as the ocean itself. These materials are cleverly transformed to visualize the motion of waves, stillness of tidal pools, grit of a beach, and cool blue waters, against a backdrop of soft, drifting clouds against a blue sky. A non-traditional seascape, "Sightseeing the Southern Surf" possesses all the drama and passion of the sea and surf.
Perspective can be defined as the art of depicting objects so as to give the impression of distance or depth.

Perspective plays an important role in vision, and in the painting "Tunnel Vision" (left). The composition in this painting is an image of cars going through a tunnel. The perspective pulls the viewers eyes into the picture, speeding towards an exit unknown. By using the technique of only one vanishing point, the artist emphasizes this remarkably strong three-dimensional effect. This piece is also unique because it is painted on a large sheet of hand-made paper that the artist created herself. She has blended various papers and fibers that compliment the image and palette of the painting. The rough surface of the hand-made paper adds intrigue and texture to the paint on this unusual canvas.

"I SIGHT" is an exhibit composed of the mixed media works by Rebecca Romanek Johnson, portraying her views of vision and eyesight. It is a dramatic combination of form, materials and spirit. Ultimately, though, its beauty and intrigue will only be found in the eye of the beholder.