Wednesday, July 25, 2012

2012 A.R.T. Artist Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

"Tributaries"
© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath
 
This entry for the 2012 Artisans Road Trip is featuring artist Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath! Tim is a retired Art Professor from Iowa State University. He spent 34 years there, teaching two and three dimensional design studios as well as studio classes in all aspects of fiber art. His artwork has been shown in local, state regional, national and international venues.

"Folk art has long been an area of interest for me. I have researched and collected folk art in all my travels.I have spent extended visits to Mexico and in particular to the Oaxaca area. The color, texture and freedom of expression have fascinated me for many years. There is an incredible excitement in the work of folk artists.

"Shadowed"
© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

I have been “accused” of having too much fun creating my art. Not possible in my world. Having fun is one of the prime motivators in my work. I love having viewers smile. I smile a lot while I am working on my art.

In my two dimensional pieces, the backgrounds are painted with acrylic paint and sometimes embellished with found objects. The foregrounds have crocheted web introduced onto the compositions.

"Swooped (side view)"
© Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

The three-dimensional pieces are usually constructed out of willow branches and are many times painted or varnished. The found objects and crocheted yarn inhabit the structures.

Color, texture, repetition, and pattern have always been strong elements in my work. The compositions are based on my observations of the world around us.

Recently, in an attempt at simplification, I have chosen to title my art work with one word titles.

My work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

It is always my hope to elicit pleasure from my viewers."

Join us again for another entry for the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!
 
 


Friday, July 13, 2012

2012 A.R.T. Artist Ron Netten

Ron Netten's Stoneware is functional, decorative and sculptural
artwork  ©Ron Netten
(click on image for a larger view)

 Ron Netten is our highlighted 2012 Artisans Road Trip artist for this blog entry!  Ron has been a long time participant in A.R.T. and is located in Storm Lake, Iowa, in the "Beautiful View" section of the roadtrip. (you can click on this link for an A.R.T. map of Storm Lake)

Ron works primarily in high-fire stoneware.  He works with "food safe" material and practices, truly making his medium not just decorative and sculptural but "functional" as well!

Netten's work can be seen in his shared Storm Lake studio at the "Studio Upstairs" - 530 1/2 Erie Street, and more information can be found on the Artisans Road Trip web site on Ron's page at-

Also, if you're near or passing through the Spencer area, be sure and take in the exhibition of works at Arts on Grand which is currently showing "Art and Architecture," an exhibit featuring the work of Ron Netten and the late John Loring Perkins.through Aug. 4th!

Thank you for stopping by for a look at another artist of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!