SOLACE SUMMER

Some tidbits from my current show SOLACE on view at Mitchell Hill Gallery, Charleston, SC.

sol·ace

ˈsäləs

noun

1.

comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

synonyms: comfort, consolation, cheer, support, relief

verb

1.

give solace to.

synonyms: comfort, console, cheer, support, soothe, calm

Mother and Child Jasmine, 11" x 14", acrylic on wood

Childhood, 16" x 20", acrylic on wood

Anthropology, especially the aspect of the symbols we use to express, describe, communicate our human existence has been a foundational spark for past paintings and continues in this series. 

I try to stay educated about what is going on in the world which tends to lead to anxiety and sadness but also a questioning of my role as a responsible human and specifically an artist.  

There are artists creating poignant activist pieces addressing important, big issues, unfortunately my talents have not given way to such cleverness so I have to find what does fit within my voice to do my part.

Here I am with "Solace"; choosing to look at personal and wider cultural symbols that may give some comfort, cheer –solace, to viewers as they gave me a bit of a respite in painting them. Guilty pleasure or not, can't art just sometimes be about a piece of happy magic in the maelstrom?

Rose Violin Mother and Child, 16" x 20", acrylic on wood

Pansy Rain, 12" x 16" acrylic on wood

Cupid Bear, 11" x 14", acrylic on wood
Limited edition prints of “Cupid Bear” are available with proceeds going to HEART Artist Guild and Theatre Company https://www.heartsc.org/ 

Summer Halos

Recent Water Halo commissions....

Water Halos Dusk, 20" x 60", acrylic on wood

Water Halos Siesta, 20" x 60", acrylic on wood

Water Halos Summertide, 20" x 60", acrylic on wood

and pet portraits....

Bear Cat's Magical Tea Party

Colby and Murphy, Colorado Dream

King Tai and Queen Sasha

Happy SUMMER!!

Gift Time

Having fun painting lil' pieces for holiday gift giving. Check out my website ShimkoArt.com and Mitchell Hill Gallery.   This work will be featured on December 11th at Mitchell Hill Gallery for the "Popcorn Garland" event, 6-9pm.

Gift Menagerie Coming

Halloween is still on its way, but I'm painting ahead of time for the holiday gift season fast approaching. Here are a few samples of the menagerie to come....

Panda Yellow, 3" x 9", acrylic on canvas

Tulip Bear, 3" x 9", acrylic on canvas

Panda Red Balloon, 3" x 9", acrylic on canvas

Blue Jay Halo, 4" x 4", acrylic on canvas

Song Sparrow Halo, 4" x 4", acrylic on canvas

Gold Goblet Crow, 4" x 4", acrylic on canvas

Coffee Crow, 4" x 4", acrylic on canvas

 These are all small and affordable!

FRIDAY THE 13th, Static in the Snow

New paintings for Holiday Gifts!!  Michael Mitchell Gallery hosts Static in the Snow holiday show, with art priced to go as gifts (for loved ones and/or yourself).
The reception this Friday (the 13th) is 5-8 pm, music, libations and art will abound so come join in the festivities.
These lil' paintings are new originals priced to go to a new home.

Boom

So this Strawberry Grenade was added to the GUERRILLA CUISINE gallery this past Sunday at the beautiful event space Sanctuary Hall and Gardens.
The Alice and Wonderland dinner theme was delightfully theatrical and tasty!  The all ladies dinner benefited The Center for Women with paintings by moi, and the culinary art by Chef Meredith Adams from Eurasia and Antonia M. Krenza of Sette, also musical loveliness by Jenny Lee Ford.  
If you are hosting an event and need a great space check out Sanctuary Hall and Gardens. I haven't been to Eurasia or SETTE yet but after sampling the delicious food created Sunday by these Chefs definitely want to try both.
And of course you need to do a Guerrilla Cuisine at least once. Check it out!

Art for Charity

The spot here in Charleston, Michael Mitchell Gallery, that represents my paintings has been hosting the annual Art for Charity events.  So many great causes, great art, great people, great food....did I mention great causes? 
Ok, there's a few more events left this year, check out the CALENDER.

Paintings posted here are examples of small affordable pieces I just delivered, part of the proceeds of art sales go to the evening's charities. The smallest amount helps!

WELCOME PICCOLO SPOLETO

A Long Time Ago had its opening last night.....Welcome Piccolo Spoleto !


Check out the lovely article in the Charleston City Paper by Amy Stockwell Mercer.


Trever Webster had a great little piece written by Vikki Matsis about his art and the show in this week's Charleston Scene.


Plus the show, A Long Time Ago, got a top pick for Piccolo Spoleto events also in the Charleston Scene.


Have to say the eclectic and diverse array of artists and mediums created a really enjoyable show. The opening night crowd's energy was really great...not to sound too "crunchie" about it,  but the gallery had a swell glow about it.  


If you missed the opening night, the show is up till July 29th.  This show really does speak to all age groups.
Admission is always free!  


The Saturday artist lecture schedule:


Artist Lectures: All begin at 4PM
July 7: Liz Vaughan & Baird Hoffmire
July 14: Lisa Abernathy & Lisa Shimko
July 21: Becca Barnet & Seth Corts & Michelle Jewell
July 28: Xin Lu & Trever Webster


Let me know what you think if you see the show : )

NEXT THURSDAY MAY 24th Come one Come all

For the past couple of months I've been expounding upon the recent Holzwege show to create new paintings for A Long Time Ago, a group show at the City Gallery at Waterfront park for the international Piccolo Spoleto festival also opening next week.


A Long Time Ago picks up the theme of folk-lore, fairy tales, myths, etc. and bringing them into a modern context.
The anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss commented that animals were "bons á penser" (good to think with), and fairytales speak through beasts to explore common experiences. I tend to agree quite heartily.


These paintings touch upon universal/personal symbols and archetypes I've observed and internalized over the years.
Hope to see you at the opening May 24th Thursday, 6-8pm.  There will be tasty vittles from Wild Flour Bakery, The Butcher and Bee, and lively libations by The Belmont.


Keep up to date on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/216720505106716/

TONIGHT! new paintings!

Tonight, Friday March 23rd, 6-9pm is the opening of HOLZWEGE a show by Hirona Matsuda and myself at Michael Mitchell Gallery, 438 King Street downtown Charleston.  My friend Maya Morrill is creating some art for the palate and belly as well. It will be a tasty evening. The above piece, Holzwege I was inspired by a poem by a friend Zachary Groom.

Also Zachary wrote a story based on the painting, Blue Rabbit Cannon.  Come to Michael Mitchell Gallery to read them.  
The show is up for a month so if you miss the opening night come by another day and check out our work.