A Walk in the Wood Works in wood are the focus of a group exhibit by three members of the Washington Street Artists’ Cooperative in August. The artists and members of the WSAC invite the public to attend a reception on Saturday, August 2 from 5:30 - 7:00pm. Joe Bourgeois, Greg McNabb, and Nancy Streeter bring different approaches, philosophies, influences, and creative spirit to wood, shown in a range of sculpture, furniture, and functional objects. Nancy Streeter has been carving wildlife sculpture since 1989. After a career in the environmental field and a lifetime of love of the natural world, she translates these experiences in wood. She loves to capture nature in action and you can see the familiarity she has with her wildlife subjects in the keen detail she puts into her work. Each piece shows shows how much she enjoys her process. Greg McNabb is known for his wooden boxes, but makes furniture and other functional and decorative objects. His work is about the wood’s source and how it came about. He draws interesting parallels between trees and people: “A tree is a living thing. It suffers stresses just like we do; tough times of drought, stress from being pushed by wind, and attacks by other creatures. These stresses are reflected in the grain of the wood.” Greg says his job is to reveal the personality and beauty. His work is also about simplicity - clean lines that don’t interfere with the wood’s personality. Joe Bourgeois knows his medium well from working in the construction industry. For Joe, wood is an interactive medium which demands give and take in every aspect. He has recently been thinking about the identities of trees and how they are shaped by forces beyond their origin and control. “Trees are a marvel of creation,” says Joe. “I have reclaimed some wood recently, which was neglected and abused. As I’ve been working with it, I find a cooperation and dialog needs to take place in trying to make objects that call attention to the wonder and beauty of it.” Just as they are different, all three artists share the enjoyment of the sensory aspects of their medium. The smell of the wood is intoxicating and it is a very tactile medium. The feel of each piece is different and has its own personality. Nancy particularly enjoys the feeling of the carving process. Greg also uses the sense of touch to tell him when things are true and smooth. Joe says, “My favorite part is putting my hands on it; my least favorite part is letting go.” Working with wood has taught them life lessons. Over the years, these artists have learned patience from their medium, as they steadily put in the hours it takes with their unique processes. Another interesting parallel between wood and life: “It is the stresses or problems you encounter in life that build the character of your heart. It creates strength and a beauty deep inside of you.” You can see “A Walk in the Wood” at the Fire Hall Gallery, 108 N. George Street, Charles Town, August 1 - 29.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:28:06 +0000
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