Fertile Ground uncovered in a 4-artist show curated by Alix Sloan at Varnish
September 18 – October 27, 2007
Opening Reception Saturday September 22, 7-10pm

San Francisco, CA, July 24, 2007. The Fertile Ground group show curated by Alix Sloan at Varnish Fine Art explores the cycles of life and nature and our roles and experience as we relate to each other, our environment and even the forces beyond our control.  Additionally, all of the artists combine representational elements with more graphic/design inspired elements to create colorful 2D works.

Sarah Sohn’s work unapologetically celebrates femininity (including childbirth which I find interesting since it’s something you so rarely see). With a folk-inspired feeling to the work, she collages organic, architectural, and mechanical elements creating delicate, romantic images that explore female relationships with each other, nature and life. Her use of exposed wood, with its subtle curves and color, lends an added layer of warmth and the suggestion of nature to the work.

From a distinctly male (and new father) perspective, William Crump questions the chasm between the reality of who we are and the fantasy of who we thought we would become. He shows us the complicated, deeper nature of iconic masculine figures (such as athletes and predatory animals) by juxtaposing them into romantic settings and/or traditionally feminine backgrounds. His work challenges our ideas of acceptable masculinity and the male role in the cycles of life and invites us to see beyond limiting clichés.

Julia Marchand works as many as seven layers in each painting or drawing. At times completed works are totally eclipsed underneath the layers above. Through this process she discovers each narrative as she works and it is exposed to both the artist and the viewer. The line between the animal kingdom and humanity is blurred and children and families (human and animal) face the joy, danger, sorrow and tenderness of life and the future alone and within the context of family.

With his anonymous, organic and androgynous (yet often suggestive) figures, embracing each other against the forces of nature – graphic Japanese-inspired waves, voluminous clouds and brilliant sunsets – Ryan Scully strips away gender and identity and explores the essence of form, emotion and humanity. Without seeing the expression of his figures we still feel their experience as they fight, frolic and love within and against their environment.

Alix Sloan is a private dealer, consultant, writer and curator who has been working with emerging artists for over fifteen years. Artists included in Sloan’s exhibitions have gone on to show at a wide range of galleries. This is her first curated exhibition at Varnish Fine Art.

  *High-resolution images available upon request

Gallery Directors Jennifer Rogers and Kerri Stephens opened Varnish Fine Art on April 19, 2003.  Beginning with the remains of a brewery built just after the 1906 earthquake, Rogers and Stephens designed and rebuilt the space, including a main gallery, mezzanine gallery and wine bar, combining gallery with community.

Press Contact:  
Jennifer Rogers
Varnish Fine Art
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www.varnisfhfineart.com

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