UPDATE ON OUR RESIDENT ARTISTS

Resident Artist Stephen Chesley’s Work

Stephen Chesley’s latest work is a personal exploration into the intense dedication of Vincent Van Gogh. Chesley sought to learn from Van Gogh’s plein-air painting approach, contrasting it with the torment Van Gogh experienced when painting from memory, as suggested by Paul Gauguin. Starting May 20, 2009, Chesley began mirroring Van Gogh’s routine by preparing the same size stretchers, stretching, sizing, and priming linen canvas, while also venturing out for plein-air charcoal drawings. By July, Chesley committed to painting in his own style but at Van Gogh’s relentless pace, aiming to complete 23 paintings in 27 days, an effort that revealed Van Gogh’s incredible drive.

Fifteen years after his original 2009 concept, Chesley revisited the project this July, dedicating 27 days to create 23 pieces of art that offer viewers an experience akin to Van Gogh’s spatial and compositional thoughts. Through exact replication of Van Gogh’s canvas choices and sizes, Chesley not only highlights Van Gogh’s remarkable productivity but also evokes a poignant presence of the artist himself. This revisitation also includes new charcoal and graphite plein air works, deepening the connection to Van Gogh’s artistic process.

Kirkland Smith’s Summer Artistic Journey

Stormwater Studios resident artist Kirkland Smith, renowned for her Assemblage work over the past 15 years, has embarked on a new creative endeavor this summer. She is dedicating her time to developing her painting skills by setting up small painting studios. Her goal is to create 100 paintings before evaluating her work, as she aims to establish a daily painting practice.

Throughout this period, Smith will continue exploring other mediums, expanding her artistic horizons. For more information on her work, visit kirklandsmith.com.

Stay tuned to witness the evolution of Kirkland Smith’s artistry as she explores new creative avenues!

Art & Light Gallery Celebrates 18th Anniversary with Annual Small Works Exhibition Featuring Eileen Blyth 

We are thrilled to announce that Stormwater Studios resident artist, Eileen Blyth, will be featured in the 18th Anniversary Annual Small Works Exhibition at Art & Light Gallery in Greenville, S.C., from July 30 to August 31, 2024.

The Annual Small Works group show is a wonderful opportunity for Art & Light Gallery to connect collectors, both new and seasoned, with original, thoughtful, sophisticated, and memorable artwork at accessible price points. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the incredibly talented artists represented by Art & Light Gallery.

To learn more about their artists and the exhibition, visit www.artandlightgallery.com. Don’t miss this chance to experience Eileen Blyth’s stunning work and other exceptional pieces in this special anniversary exhibition!

Gerard Erley’s Upcoming Exhibitions and Travels

We are thrilled to announce that Gerard Erley is one of five artists featured in the Project 2023 Winners’ Exhibition at the Koger Center. He will be showcasing eight of his atmospheric oil paintings. The exhibition runs from July 8 to September 15, with a reception scheduled for August 15, from 6-8 pm. Be sure to visit and enjoy the diverse array of artworks on display.

Gerard is also displaying a painting in the prestigious 2024 OPA National Juried Salon Show. Hosted by James R. Ross Fine Art in Indianapolis, IN, this exhibition will run from July 25 to August 16. Exciting news – his painting sold before the show even opened!

Additionally, Gerard was juried into the OPA 2024 Eastern Regional Exhibition. He will display his painting, “Marsh Radiance,” at Centerpiece Gallery in Raleigh, NC. The show runs from October 11 to November 8, with the opening reception and awards ceremony on Friday evening, October 11.

Taking a break from his studio routine, Gerard will head to the Midwest, where he is from, to visit family and friends. Naturally, he will take his art materials along to capture the beauty of the region in paint!

Don’t miss these opportunities to see Gerard Erley’s stunning works in these prestigious exhibitions!

Addison Graham, 2024 University of South Carolina Stormwater Post-MFA Artist in Residence

This summer, I’ve been focusing on my art, benefiting from my new house with a backyard that allows me to test sculptures outdoors and document the effects. I’ve been photographing during my travels and experimenting with piecing gel filters together using jump rings. Additionally, I’ve created jewelry holders and experimented with cyanotypes.

I had the opportunity to teach summer camp workshops on various printmaking processes, including relief, screen printing, monotype, and Gelli-plate, for 7 to 12-year-olds at the Columbia Museum of Art. When not teaching, I enjoy spending time at Stormwater Studios with my two furry companions, exploring the sculpture garden and the bubbling creek. I also take walks, contemplate, and observe light.

My experience as a practicing artist and my recent residency at Stormwater Studios have taught me that time spent outside the studio is just as important as time spent inside. Experiencing the outdoors informs my work and keeps me motivated. I admire artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Katharina Grosse, Teresita Fernandez, Soo Sunny Park, Margo Sawyer, Joan Mitchell, and Rachel Hayes.