Current Exhibits   Previous Exhibits   Exhibit Schedule   Back to previous exhibits February 2 - 25, 2006 THE LAURA RUSSO GALLERY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT: J.D. Perkin - Terra Bound, New Work Rae Mahaffey - New Work OPENING RECEPTION: First Thursday February 2, 2006: First Thursday Hours, 5-8pm J.D. Perkin creates life-size figurative ceramic sculpture. Inspired by yoga poses, these works are both calming and compelling in their presence. The surfaces are rich and organic. The rugged parched clay surfaces offset the deep blue, black or red glazed striping. The artist's use of patterns accentuates the forms while, at the same time constraining the figure. Perkin is particularly intrigued by motifs, creating surface elements that incorporate universal symbols, such as a flower, a boat, a hole or circle. Using abstract design he expands these ideas and has developed a series of wall tiles in which to further explore this idea. The tiles complement the ideas found in the figurative works. Seen in person, Perkin's sculptures are thoughtful and inquisitive expressing a narrative with a mesmerizing aesthetic. Portland native, J.D. Perkin has exhibited his work since 1982. He received a BS from Portland State University in 1984, with a focus on anthropology. While there, he also received an Award of Excellence in Painting from the School of Fine and Performing Arts. A large part of Perkin's artistic development includes performance art. He received a grant from the Metropolitan Arts Commission (RACC) in 1990 for his performance piece "Dirt Box." His work has been featured at the Portland International Airport and at the Bush Barn in Salem. J.D. Perkin Eagle, Bound with Blue 2005 ceramic 58" x 16" x 16" More examples by J.D. Perkin Rae Mahaffey explores color, pattern and perspective to describe the world around us. She paints abstractly addressing the emotional reactions caused by visual experiences and their subconscious affect. By contrasting the familiar with the foreign the artist evokes surprise while reinventing perception. Juxtaposing forms in unusual ways her spatial compositions are playful and modern. Her use of opaque and transparent paint with synthetic and organic pigments engages the viewer by combining shape with illusionary space. Mahaffey¹s fresh, direct approach, whether in paint, prints or glass, is beautiful and contemporary. Rae Mahaffey studied at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and the University of Washington. She moved from Seattle to Los Angeles in l988 where she worked as a curator for Gemini G.E.L. and as a consultant for David Hockney's studio. She moved to Portland in 1992 to start Mahaffey Fine Art print studio with her husband Mark. Rae is showing concurrently at Palette Contemporary Arts and Crafts in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has also exhibited her work at the Portland Art Museum, OR, Marylhurst Art Gym, OR, Maryhill Museum, WA, and the Schomburg Gallery in Santa Monica. Rae Mahaffey Holey Apparition 2006 oil on wood panel 36" x 40" More examples by Rae Mahaffey Next month: Ceramic work - by Jun Kaneko, Don Reitz, Frank Boyden, and Geoffrey Pagen

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