Irving Amen, Venice Recalled
Recommended by Emma (Marketing & Communications Manager):
"Irving Amen depicts Venice in vibrant color and motion. Whether the Venice in this image exists today, or ever has, is a subject widely debated. However I'm quite willing to enjoy Amen's interpretation, and to appreciate this romanticised destination - whether it represents a place, a muse, a memory, or a fantasy."
Tetsuo Aoki, In the Hand
Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Manager):
"Tetsuo Aoki is a master of illustrating people,
relationships, and emotions. This woodcut in particular speaks volumes about the world today. The figure's back is arched in order to put their head in their exaggerated hands. The posture speaks to the angst and despondency of the main figure, as does the darkness of the ink. Meanwhile, through the gap we can see other people walking by as if all is normal. In the Hand is a small and intimate woodcut that mirrors how I feel while overwhelmed by these tragic events."
Wesley Wehr, Imaginary Figure
Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager):
"Wesley Wehr was known for living and creating modestly. Legend has it, he would carry an entire exhibition's worth of artwork in a small briefcase and could be found drinking coffee in the U District with his briefcase in tow. But what his drawings and paintings lack in size they make up for in charm and detail. His imaginary figures are drawn so carefully, without any stray lines or second thoughts, as if he always knew how the figure would emerge from the paper. Although I would never have invented the same figure, it made perfect sense to me from the moment I saw it."
Lockwood Dennis, Coast Starlight
Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
"During a road trip along highway 101, in the middle of nowhere, my friend and I pulled over to look at the stars near the edge of a cliff. There was no light pollution and we stood there in the freezing cold for a long while - silent and still. It’s a powerful thing to feel that small underneath something so big. I was reminded of my human-ness and felt connected to that stillness and place. Lockwood Dennis captures so much of how I felt in that moment. His works typically have multiple colors, but here, Dennis chose to let a single color convey the magnitude of a brief moment. This small woodcut even captures the bright glow of the stars reflected on the cliff face."
