Artists of the Mendocino Coast
Never before has such a broad sampling of the incredible array of artists of the Mendocino Coast been brought together under one cover. Portrait photographer Larry Wagner conceived the concept in May, 2007, when he took a picture of Sunshine Taylor in front of her show at the Mendocino Art Center. Viewing the shot in the back of his digital camera, he was struck with the realization that the current crop of artists who are busily creating great works in this magical area should have recognition. He asked Sunshine what she thought of the idea, and with the enthusiasm that is her trademark, she encouraged him to start at once. Larry and Sunshine collaborated to select 77 artists whom they consider to be treasures of the region.
Read more about Larry’s book, the Artists of the Mendocino Coast.
Artist Profiles
Ellen Athens · Jeweler: In the past, I have worked in a variety of art mediums, predominantly tapestry weaving. My focus since the late 1990s has been jewelry. In my jewelry designs, I am able to work with color, form and texture in ways that are both two dimensional and sculptural. I enjoy creating mixed media jewelry, combining different elements and processes within a piece. These include metal embossing and fabrication, enameling, chain making, and micro knotted fiber miniatures.
Lynne Butler · Ceramic Artist: For the past few years, my work has been painting on clay. I love how clay feels and how it absorbs the glaze. The best part of all is the magic that takes place in the kiln when I’m not even looking! Glazes go on as pastel shades then the kiln turns them in to amazingly bright colors.
People often ask me why I paint mostly women. I say “I love women”, and I do! I love women and I love painting them. And I love painting them as Goddesses.
Brad Caylor · Photographer: The sight of fishing trawlers tied up side by side in the river is only a memory that we will probably not see again. Most of my images on this Web site deal with local fishing vessels and those who come in for fuel or just to visit and then head back out to sea.
Donna Jensen Burke · Painter: Donna captures impressions in pastel, seeking to intensify color harmonies. Her goal is to establish, between the painting and the viewer, that emotional connection which sparks a memory, a time, a place, a desire, a mood, to be savored over and over.
Susan Makovkin · Ceramics: Clay is the most responsive material I know. It is supple in its damp workable state yet it has clear, strong limits in its compliance. It receives, records and remembers every pressure – as imprint on its surface or as internal stress. I need to constantly remain aware of its character as I work with it. The challenge is to listen to the material as I seek that fine line of its limitations – and as it in turn limits me! It is a profound experience to interact with this ancient and responsive material.
Jim Moorehead · Photographer: My artistic vision is best conveyed through the photographic image; the goal being that the image speaks directly to the viewer, preferably without the use of language, written or spoken. Success varies as I move toward my ideal.
Janis Porter · Watercolorist: “I am very much in awe of our local landscape! I try to capture feelings inspired by the curves of the hills, the profusion of flora, the lushness of the vineyards, and the drama of the coastline. I can’t seem to do this by painting just what is seen, so I abstract it a bit.”
Marty Roderick · Ceramicist and Painter: I have worked in clay for the past thirty years, learning my craft at the Mendocino Art Center. I started painting with acrylics five years ago. I consider my paintings to be expressionistic graphics. I love working with color and the tactile quality of acrylics.
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DeDe Thoma said,
Lynne Butler ROCKS! I have known her since she was in Art School in the 70’s when we were roomates, as well as going to high school together. There at Immaculate Heart she was influenced by our art teacher Sister Corita, later known as simply Corita. Lynne has worked through many mediums, including fabric, graphic design, paint, serigraph, calligraphy as well as ceramics. She has a natural talent that easily comes through in everything she does. I’m continually amazed with next new thing she comes up with! I’m delighted every day to use her work to serve at meals and as art on the walls. She is also an awesome friend, mother, daughter and partner to Jan and Goddess in her own right, to be admired and emulated.
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