âÄúMindful MeanderâÄù WHERE: Rosalux Gallery, 1011 Washington Ave. S PRICE: Free Bright watercolors, photographs of the Minnesota state Capitol and old to-do lists intermingle and fall together to form âÄúMindful Meander,âÄù a new exhibition at the Rosalux gallery. The works were created by two alumni, David Malcolm Scott, who studied architecture, and Amy Crickenberger Oeth, who earned her degree in art. Amidst the exposed brick walls and industrial piping of the Rosalux gallery, Scott and Oeth worked up until two hours before the exhibitionâÄôs opening to frame artwork, choose proper placing and even put the final touches on a few pieces for the show. The Rosalux gallery is a co-op that allows member artists to show for one month a year. Scott and Oeth, though not similar in creative process, are a dazzling duo whose similar mediums expose an understated beauty in the blankness of a prairie or the emotion behind what appears to be an unsystematic creation. Both artists work in vivid watercolor and dabble experimentally in mixed media, but their styles are completely unique. ScottâÄôs vibrant panoramas are intricately sculpted prairies and cities that were inspired by âÄúa ton of road trips.âÄù He added, âÄúI really like the blankness [of the prairie]. ItâÄôs really honest.âÄù OethâÄôs effervescent abstract works lined with bright pink roses and brown circles are an exercise in self- expression. ScottâÄôs âÄúAutumn AlterationsâÄù stretches across the giant gallery wall in a melodic assembly of rich crimsons and deep yellows. Scott puts the mechanical skills he learned while studying architecture to use in pieces like âÄúRiver Road Romp #3,âÄù another striking panorama that follows the Mississippi River along its journey through Minnesota, stretching from Lake Itasca all the way down to Fort Snelling. The bright blue river is lined with landmark buildings and familiar scenery. Oeth takes an altogether different approach to art. Most of her pieces for the show were created in just the past six months. She explained, âÄú[Art] is more of a therapeutic process, a stream of consciousness.âÄù She aims at creating work that is âÄúnot conceptual âÄî more organic.âÄù Growing up in New York City in the âÄô80s heavily influenced her work and the way she views the world. Several of her pieces, like âÄúFriendship Medley,âÄù a smattering of brilliant orange circles, scribbled black background and dark blue paper clippings, are abstract and emotional, but Oeth said itâÄôs not necessary to find some specific meaning in them. Oeth sits and works for a few hours and decides if she likes the piece after itâÄôs complete. She said that sometimes âÄúI finish and look at the whole piece and toss it right into the garbage. âĦ [The galleryâÄôs] pieces are what I liked more.âÄù The two artists intertwine in their examination of the seemingly simple: a blank span of grassland or a night of artistic meditation. The exhibitionâÄôs beauty is of the purest form, each piece a brilliant escape from the trammeling bustle of the city.
Stroll through the park
“Mindful Meander” is a vivacious journey through the minds of a local artist duo.
Published February 12, 2009
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