Editor's pick: An apple a day

Three artists look at an everyday object from distinct perspectives

WHEN: Monday, September 1 through Sunday, September 28. Reception on Sunday, September 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Gallery hours Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Old Stone House in Woodbourne, NY.

COST: Free.

CONTACT: www.oldstonehouse.catskill-life.com or call 845/985-7229.

WOODBOURNE, NY — Apples will form the focal point of an exhibition of paintings, mono-prints, photographs and three-D installations by Meg Kremer, Evelyn Porter and Pat Wellington at The Old Stone House Gallery at 282 Hasbrouck Road opening on Monday, September 1. There will be a reception for the exhibit, which runs through Sunday, September 28, on Sunday, September 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Describing the process by which the exhibit came about, New Mexico printmaker Meg Kremer said, “Evelyn and I were working in her studio a week or two before I would leave for New Mexico where my studio space, The Blue Door Studio, and etching press are located. We decided that we wanted to exchange images and keep in touch with each other during the next few months. We also decided that we wanted to do a show together and that the work would be new work. In order to unify the work and to keep things interesting, we decided to explore a single, simple form. The choice of an apple allowed us to incorporate historical relevance, mythology, popular expressions and assorted associations if we wanted to go beyond the rendering of the form. Within the next few weeks, Pat joined us in our explorations.”

Kremer enjoys exploring new ways of using line. “One of those ways is through print making,” she said. “I like the process, the intense periods of work, the crisp white of the paper and the smooth, thick oil-based inks. I like the technical aspects of printing, the concentration required… and the anticipation of lifting the paper as the print is pulled.

The second artist in the trio is New York-based painter-photographer Porter, who said, “My art can best be described as abstractions of reality in which I study what is real, and from that extract elements of fantasy. Three themes have recurred in my work: nature, love of the line and architecture.”

When Porter heard that the proposed theme for the exhibit was apples, she reports, “My heart sank; what could I do with apples? Within minutes I was writing ways of thinking about apples and I had at least a dozen before I quit. This theme has been an exciting departure for me. It took me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to approach the work with a completely new and fresh eye. I have loved every minute of this challenge.”

Florida/New York-based painter Wellington’s work is mostly in watercolor and pastel. “Most of all, I love color,” she said. “I hope my paintings make a strong statement, reflect my personality and show my passion about the things I feel are important.”

Of the upcoming show, she said, “Since my art is more traditional than that of my two friends in the show, I did struggle a bit to produce a variety of apple paintings,” she said. “Having a theme forced me to think of many possible ways to present the subject, whereas normally I would have gone on to a different subject after one or two representations.”