Curator Notes on "In Olden Times"

"In Olden Times"

It's the final week of the Arboreal Dreams gallery show at Krab Jab Studio. Julie Baroh, curator and owner of Krab Jab Studio, shared her thoughts about my painting "In Olden Times" on Krab Jab's tumblr page:

Curator’s Note: “Other than the earthy palette used for this piece, content and composition is strong in two ways. For composition, Emily draws the eye through the whole piece by using the moss, antlers and implied vegetation to point the viewer back inwards to the focal point, which is the head of the stag. The viewer’s eye never “falls” off the page."

“This piece speaks to me about our connection to nature, using mythological reference. The stag plays the part of the tree of life, both wild and yet tranquil and peaceful. The figures, male and female, survey the world from their vantage point in medieval attire, as if to note that at one point we had a connection to Earth in its Springtime (note the flowers), long ago. Maybe now it's truly a fairy tale, all but forgotten.”

As an illustrator, my artwork is usually complimented either implicitly or explicitly by an art director for its technical skill or how well it achieved its goal of representing the story or product I was hired to illustrate. It's less often that I receive feedback about the way it has connected emotionally to a viewer. I have the opportunity to discuss my artwork with people at conventions and gallery shows, but I don't often receive such a lovely, in-depth review of one of my pieces. 

Sometimes it's difficult for me to explain the meaning of one of my paintings, even though I'm the person that made it. Sometimes I'll get "in the zone" while working and add something to the image that just feels right for it, without any lengthy calculation about why it must be there. This seems to happen to me most often when I start to develop a deeper connection to a particular painting as I'm working, and I attempt to channel that emotion into the work. "In Olden Times" became one of those special paintings. 

The best experience I can have as an artist is reaching this emotional connection with a viewer –– a communication without words. I'm happy that Julie picked up on the duel expressions of peace and sadness in my painting. One of the best ways I can think to describe it is a feeling of bittersweet nostalgia.

Thank you, Julie.

The last day of Arboreal Dreams is April 2nd. See Krab Jab's exhibition catalog for details and information about the other work on display.

Arboreal Dreams Opening Reception

"In Olden Times"

Group show Arboreal Dreams opens at Krab Jab Studio in Georgetown this Saturday evening, February 13th, with a reception from 6 to 9 PM. Come to the show to see my painting "In Olden Times" in person alongside many other beautiful works of art depicting the forest. Vinod and I will be at the opening reception and would be happy to see you there! For more details about the show and the gallery, see below.

Arboreal Dreams Opening Reception
February 13th, 6-9 PM
Show runs through April 2nd

Location:
Krab Jab Studio
5628 Airport Way S, Ste 150
Seattle, WA  98108

P.S. Now I'm on Instagram! Check back for photos of the Arboreal Dreams opening reception later this weekend, and if you're interested, please follow me!

Arboreal Dreams

A teaser of my painting which you can see at the show!

My first show of 2016 is Krab Jab Studio's upcoming exhibition Arboreal Dreams: a group show featuring artists' interpretation of trees. The show will debut today at the Mythic Worlds Convention taking place in downtown Seattle February 5th through 7th. Then it will move to Krab Jab's Georgetown location where the art will be on display through April 2nd after an opening reception on February 13th from 6 to 9 PM. Vinod and I will each have a new painting in the exhibition and will be in attendance at the reception. If you'll be in the area we hope you'll stop by to view what promises to be a lovely show at either venue!

The press release for the show is below:

Arboreal Dreams: The Forest
Debuts at Mythic Worlds Feb 5-7th
Opens February 13th, 6 - 9 pm

Trees have entranced the minds and hearts of man since before our kind could trace time. They served us for food, shelter, clothing, and warmth. They delighted us in their marking of the seasons, their marking of fertile grounds in desolate lands (oasis), and the marking of our own fallen comrades (as a natural headstone). They are featured in every religion, every community, every social structure, mystifying us, strengthening us, nurturing us. And finally, they are often the unsung stars in our artistic endeavors, whether they set the scene for an epic battle of good and evil, or whether they themselves serve us, the artists, in the form of wood blocks, totems, painting panels, sculptures, or paper. Without the mighty tree, we would literally die.

In this group show, artists were asked to explore their own connection to the nature of trees. Whether they hail from the Pacific Northwest or as far as Belgium, these participating artists visually narrate an arboreal song that weaves together almost seamlessly. The result is as ethereal as it is solid, drawing into the depths of our communal consciousness.

"Arboreal Dreams: the Forest" makes its debut this weekend at Mythic Worlds Convention, held at the Seatac Double Tree Hilton from Friday - Sunday, February 5 - 7th. The art room is free to the public and is located on the second floor of the hotel, right above the snack bar. Hours are 12- 6 pm and 12 - 4 pm on Sunday.

This show will run through both February and March, opening February 13th at Krab Jab Studio.

Artists Featured: Braden Duncan, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, Olivier Villoingt, Bastien Lecouffe Deharme, Iris Compiet, Virginie Ropars, Yuko Ishii, Mark Poole, Drew Tucker, Emily Fiegenschuh, Vinod Rams, Elijah Evenson, Greg Spalenka, Rovina Cai, Jeff Menges, Yvette Endrijautzki, David Gray, Tara Larsen Chang, and Dan Chudzinski.

March and April at Krab Jab

Me next to my painting "The Black Feather" at the FAERIE III opening.

March and April were busy months for me. I wrapped up one big project and am close to finishing another. I exhibited at Emerald City Comicon at the end of March and attended a watercolor workshop taught by Omar Rayyan two weeks later. In the midst of all of that, I painted two new personal pieces for the Krab Jab Studio shows FAERIE III and Marriage is a Work of Art.

"The Black Feather"

FAERIE III was well-attended and featured works depicting denizens of the faerie realm in a wide variety of artistic styles and media. Some photos of the show and of individual works of art are below.

Toby Froud's sculpture"Troll Dance."

Virginie Ropar's sculpture "Wyrd."

Wendy Froud's sculpture "Amherst Faery."

FAERIE III artist discussion, with (left to right) me, Mark Winters, Sara Winters, Julie Baroh and Tara Larsen Chang.

Marriage is a Work of Art opened at Krab Jab last Saturday evening. Vinod and I arrived with Omar and Sheila Rayyan just in time for the artist discussion at 7:30. The two of us, Omar and Sheila, and Mark and Sara Winters discussed what it's like living (and sometimes working) together as artists. It was one of the more unique artist talks at Krab Jab!

Omar and Sheila Rayyan's wall leads viewers into the show.

Omar's watercolor painting "Beetle Battle" and Sheila's ceramics.

A close up of Sheila's stoneware sculptures "Skull Mask I," "Sun," and "Skull Mask II."

Drawings by Brian Froud and sculptures by Wendy Froud on display at Krab Jab Studio.

Wendy Froud's sculpture "Faery Man."

"Faery Woman" by Wendy Froud.

Drawings and oil paintings by Justin Gerard and Annie Stegg-Gerard.

Norman and Tory Taber's wall of assemblages and paintings.

Oil paintings and giclee prints by Mark and Sara Winters.

Our wall at Marriage is a Work of Art.

Hey! It's us!

Our wall with my painting "The Living Island" in the foreground.

Our companion pieces "Children of the Forest" and "The Green Man," which we framed identically, were the centerpiece of our wall. A couple days after the show opening, we received an exciting message from Julie: the paintings had sold!

"Children of the Forest" and "The Green Man" hanging at Krab Jab Studio.

My painting "Children of the Forest."

Vinod's "The Green Man."

Marriage is a Work of Art will be on display at Krab Jab Studio in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle through May 2nd. If you would like to look at the online catalog of artwork still available for sale, please click here. More photos of both FAERIE III and Marriage is a Work of Art can be found on Krab Jab Studio's Facebook page.

Marriage is a Work of Art Gallery Show

Vinod and I are both showing artwork as part of the exhibition Marriage is a Work of Art starting this Saturday at Krab Jab Studio in Georgetown. We will be hanging paintings alongside some incredibly accomplished artist couples: Brian and Wendy Froud, Omar and Sheila Rayyan, Justin Gerard and Annie Stegg-Gerard, Greg and Roxana Spalenka, Mark and Sara Winters, and Norman and Tory Taber.

The reception will be held Saturday, April 11th from 6-9 pm at Krab Jab Studio in Seattle and will feature a brief curator and artist talk at 7:30. If you live in the area but can't make it out for the reception, you can still see the show the rest of the month during Krab Jab's opening hours or call for an appointment. There will also be an online catalog of the featured works on Krab Jab's website starting on Sunday that long-distance viewers may peruse.

Vinod and I will be a bit late to the opening because we're attending a workshop taught by Omar Rayyan that also takes place this weekend, but we do hope to arrive in time for the artist talk. If you'd like to say hello to us specifically and won't be able to stay at the opening the entire three hours, plan to be fashionably late!

Marriage is a Work of Art Opening Reception
Saturday, April 11th, 6 - 9 pm
Show runs through May 2nd

Location:
Krab Jab Studio
5628 Airport Way S, Ste 150
Seattle, WA  98108

FAERIE III

The opening reception for FAERIE III is tomorrow night!

This is my painting for the show:

"The Black Feather," gouache on watercolor paper.

A detail of the painting

The reception will be held Saturday, March 14th from 6-9 pm at Krab Jab Studio in Seattle and will feature a brief curator and artist talk at 7:30, music by Betsy Tinney, and various refreshments. If you live in the area but can't make it out for the reception, you can still see the show the rest of the month during Krab Jab's opening hours or call for an appointment. There will also be an online catalog of the featured works on Krab Jab's website starting on Sunday, March 15th that long-distance viewers may peruse.

FAERIE III Opening Reception
Saturday, March 14th, 6 - 9 pm
Show runs through April 4th

Location:
Krab Jab Studio 
5628 Airport Way S, Ste 150

Seattle, WA  98108

I hope to see you there!

Last Week of Fabled Earth: The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh

I'm still recharging after a busy Gen Con (brief wrap up coming soon) but I wanted to post a reminder that this is the final week of my gallery show Fabled Earth: The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh at Krab Jab Studio in Seattle.

The online catalog for my show can be viewed here, where you will find one-of-a-kind original gouache paintings and limited edition prints of my work available for sale. If you're local to the area and interested in purchasing art, books, or prints, you may either make an appointment or stop by Krab Jab Studio during the open hours on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. Those too far to come out in-person can simply "add to cart" online and have artwork shipped directly to your home. Too easy!

I'm pleased to report that the opening reception went well. There was steady traffic in the gallery space throughout the evening. Friends stopped by to offer their support and many newcomers walked through and asked thoughtful questions about my paintings. Thanks again to all who came out!
 

For another perspective on the show, artist, Krab Jab founder and show curator Julie Baroh has posted her thoughts on the Krab Jab Studio blog.

Fabled Earth: The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh will be on display through September 5th.

My Show Begins Tomorrow!

Paintings waiting to be loaded in the car for the show.

My gallery show Fabled Earth:The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh starts tomorrow! The reception is from 6 PM to 9 PM at Krab Jab Studio in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. Saturday night is the Georgetown Art Attack, which is a local gallery crawl. Art galleries throughout the neighborhood will be open to visitors and some locations will also have music and live performances. There is even a shuttle bus to take you from place to place. You can make it an evening of art!

For those outside the Seattle area, the day after the opening the show catalog will go live online. There you can browse through the pieces on display as well as purchase art if anything catches your fancy. 

Check out Krab Jab's Facebook page for info and previews of some of my pieces that will be hanging through September 5th.

Fabled Earth: The Show

I'm interrupting the recent blog silence to bring you an exciting announcement: next month I will be hanging my first solo gallery show, Fabled Earth: The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh!

The show will be on display from August 10th through September 1st at Krab Jab Studio in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood. If you visit my blog regularly, you might remember Krab Jab Studio as the gallery that presented the group show FAERIE in February.
  
Fabled Earth: The Art of Emily Fiegenschuh will open with a reception on Saturday, August 10th, from 6 to 9 PM. This is the best time to see the show since Krab Jab is a working art studio with limited gallery hours. If you're in the Seattle area and would like to meet me or see my work in-person, please come check it out! If you have any family or friends in the area who are into art, fantasy, dragons, or all of the above, please spread the word!

For additional information, including a map to Krab Jab Studio, visit http://www.krabjabstudio.com/

FAERIE

Next month one of my paintings will be on display as part of the group gallery show FAERIE at Krab Jab Studio. I will be attending the opening reception on February 9th from 6 to 9 pm. I'm excited and honored (and a little nervous) to have my work hanging alongside some of the masters of fantasy art! If you're local to the Seattle area, I hope to see you there!

The press release for the show is below:

FAERIE: Contemporary Fairy Art Group Show

February 9th – February 28th, 2013

Opening Reception Saturday, February 9th, 6 – 9 pm
Location: Krab Jab Studio, 5628 Airport Way South, Ste 246, Seattle 98108

Ushering in a month of beauty and magic, Krab Jab Studio is hosting FAERIE, a group show filled with some of the world's brightest and legendary fairy artists.

Curated by local artist Julie Baroh (with the assistance of Tara Larsen Chang), this show is a dream come true. Raised on books illustrated by Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Brian Froud, Julie has been an admirer of fairy art nearly all her life and continues this tradition in her own work. As facilitator for Krab Jab Studio, Julie sought to include an art show that allows the public to see for themselves the wonder of the fae world, through the eyes of contemporary artists.

Featuring the fairy art of: Amy Brown, Allen Williams, Brian Froud, David Thiérrée, Echo Chernik, Emily Fiegenschuh, Eric Orchard, Fred Fields, Gary Lippincott, Gregory Manchess, Heather Hudson, JB Monge, Julia Jeffrey, Julie Baroh, Justin Gerard, Myrea Pettit, Norman Taber, Olivier Villoingt, Omar Rayyan, Poul Dohle, Sheila Rayyan, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, Tara Larsen Chang, Terese Nielsen, Toby Froud, Todd Lockwood, Tom Kidd, Tory Taber, Wendy Froud, and Yoann Lossel.