Metal in May: Featured Artist Melody Tudisco

Motivated by experimentation with angles and negative space, Melody Tudisco creates both edgy, bold jewelry from oxidized silver and gold and wall pieces from manipulated and painted copper. “My world is made up of textures and layers,” she states. “As a child in the country, I spent hours looking for and picking up rusty nails on our sandy hilly driveway after a rainstorm. My dad would pay me a penny a nail. Two cents if it were a larger nail, or a piece of wire. I can still see the rusty textured layers; the burnt orange, sienna, and sometimes a hint of blue-green patina. This corroded metal intrigued me and still does.

I am energized by the reaction and the texture that is created on metal when I torture it with heat, pounding, or paint. Metal doesn’t move easily and I love the coaxing of it to give it a tactile life. I become impelled to produce structure and density where there once was smoothness. Of all my tools, my favorites are an old railroad rail and a chewed up copper mallet. When I use these tools they create my personal marks and textures that are individual only to my work."



Left: Joanna, wearing Melody's oxidized silver Multi Chain necklace, with the artist's copper and acrylic wall piece. See more on Melody's work here.

New Work from Deborah Foutch Featured in April

Fiber artist Deborah Foutch attributes her palette and her sense of line, light and space to the landscape of her native Iowa. “The rhythm of seasonal change, the flow of rivers, the roll of land, the grace of trees, and the abounding variety of light are recurring subjects, awakened in childhood,” she notes about her work.

Deborah’s process involves a variety of techniques. Working with fabric, thread, paint and found objects she produces lustrous and delicate topographies of embroidery and appliqué. “I sculpt, sew, paint, ink, tear apart and recombine, tell stories with texture and dimension, using layers to reflect the visual abundance in which we live.”

The Minneapolis artist holds a BA in Art and another in History from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She regularly shows her work at galleries in New York and New Mexico and maintains an active exhibition schedule at venues including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, the American Craft Council Show in St. Paul and the Powderhorn Art Fair in Minneapolis. Her work has earned purchase awards at the Sun Valley Arts and Crafts Festival in Idaho and the Southwest Arts Festival in Albuquerque, NM. The artist relishes working under exhibition deadlines as she feels the discipline keeps her work fresh and her skills sharp.

Deborah's statement about her River Lights series:

Flow

All of the pieces I call River Lights (detail at left) grew out of a summer evening standing on the Ford Parkway Bridge over the Mississippi River. It was one of those summer evenings that you sometimes get but are not guaranteed in our muggy Midwest. It was not hot, not cool, not damp, or dry. The air seemed kind on my skin. I believe it was August because the trees had that reaching to the leaf tip greenness they get at the end of summer. There was a cloudbank on the eastern horizon and I headed to the river to watch the sunset. I parked on the west bank and walked across the bridge to the east bank then went back to the center. I stood facing north watching the light go by, watching the surface of the water. There were greens, blues, grays, and browns that were joined by purple shadows, and pink coppery highlights reflecting the cloudbank absorbing the red light. There were ever changing textures on the surface of the moving water. The bright tips created by air moving one way and the water another danced here then over there, all of it moving, changing, new with every glance from one aspect to another. I stayed watching until the river seemed to consist of variations of murky yet steely grays, blues, and browns. I watched the flow of the river and the ebbing of the light entirely rapt, trying to catch the moment when change happened. But it was just gradual flow. The best I could do was record in my mind’s eye the moment to moment details my attention is capable of, then hope to bank them for when I need to call on them to tell me if the thing I am creating has some visual truth. I have been using that experience for more than a year to create the pieces I call River Lights. Sometimes I can call up a specific story of where and when I noticed my place as an observer and re-interpreter of flowing life and light. And sometimes it’s just part of what's present from watching the world and practicing my craft. I don't recall exactly what moment I'm calling on. I've simply stepped into a stream of the observed and I exercise skills honed to create my version of the world.

Deborah Foutch

As a fiber artist, Deborah studies the effect of light on her assemblages and often plays with a variety of materials and textures. In her recent series of bird drawings, Deborah explores the application of oil pastel to archival paper. Crow is pictured below.

Featured in March ... metal artist Bob Rickard

During a 30 year career in computer software, Bob Rickard avidly pursued his passion for “puttering out in the garage.” Combining knowledge from an early stint as a theatrical stage designer with an interest in industrial tools, he eventually found that his favorite material was metal. Bob’s process, he states, is to “harness the myriad properties of metals: their rigidity, their pliability, and their essential chemical make-up.” His work ranges from furniture and wall pieces to his distinctive line of KronosWorks clocks.

After using a hand-held plasma cutter to carve his designs into a base metal, most often steel or aluminum, the artist coats each sculpture with other metals, typically copper, bronze and iron. Each of these metals reacts differently to the chemical patinas and dye oxides with which the pieces are finished, creating a rich palette of hues.

Bob attributes the quiet, calm quality of his work to the landscape surrounding his Taos, NM studio.

Pictured above: Country Blues Diptych, 24" x 37"; below: Hill and Dale Diptych, 24" x 37"
Contact the gallery for availability.

Featured Artist for February: Marilyn Cuellar

Marilyn Cuellar, a Cambridge, MN artist, works with graphite to render detailed botanical and architectural studies and well-considered portraits.

Marilyn’s artist statement:

The Details of Life
I find my vision in the details of life. My art brings out the subtle details in its subjects, creating a picture of life more particular than the fleeting glance with which we normally look at the world.

Perception
The representational drawings I create are rich in depth and character when viewed from a distance. Viewed more closely, emphasis on details and texture create an abstract inner-life.

Technique
I draw with graphite, using a palette of white to black and all of the tonal variations between. This allows me to explore complexity in texture and shape in seemingly simple images. It is the effect of light and the shadows it creates that define my images – not lines.

Vision
My artistic touch is the final element in the process. When I view an image and apply the pencil to the board, it is my vision of the image that is brought to life.

When you look closely at my work, mark every detail. That is where the life of my art truly is.

Marilyn's notes on the work:

Ukrainian Women Series - Maria and Inna
Graphite on Archival Board

The faces of these women, Maria and Inna, reflect their strong characters and difficult lives. With the draping of their babushkas and pattern of clothing, a softness is added; and the contrast of complementary textures in the clothing enhances the lines etched in the women’s faces. Both women invite the viewer to pause and engage in conversation, especially Inna (on the right) whose gentle eyes are always seeking out the viewer, at any angle. Both women reside in a rest home in Chigirin, Ukraine.








Slice of Autumn Series #2
Graphite on Archival Board

Using the image of the maple tree framed by our front window, realism and abstraction combine in this view of just a slice of autumn leaves. As the piece can be hung vertically or horizontally, a vertical presentation suggests a “water/flowing” view while a “land/grounded” view is suggested by a horizontal presentation.
























Daru Mother and Child
Graphite on Archival Board

This young mother and child (Mariama and Rokey) look at the world from different vantage points. From the Village of Daru, The Gambia, West Africa, Mariama was our daughter’s closest friend while she served in Daru through the Peace Corps. My husband and I visited the village in 125 degree F. weather. When Rokey was born, Mariama gave her the same name as my daughter was given in the village. The delicate features of Mariama’s clothing tie mother and child together. Three elements are at work in this drawing: design, texture, and the life portrayed in the faces of the subjects.


The artist holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and takes part in a local mentoring group to shape her artistic vision. She exhibits her work at juried shows throughout the Midwest, often winning honors including multiple Best of Show titles.

Works by Marilyn Cuellar are on view at The Grand Hand throughout the month of February.

Our January Featured Artist: Barbara Evan

St. Paul painter Barbara Evan’s works in oil are composed with intuitive line and form and are typically rich with color. The artist holds degrees in English from the University of South Dakota and in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota. She maintains a studio in the Lowertown neighborhood and is a regular participant in the twice-yearly St. Paul Art Crawl: her images are regularly selected by jury to promote the event. Barbara is a member of the Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota (W.A.R.M).

About her current work, the Barbara states, "Before starting a painting I set myself an elusive problem, like seeing if three unlikely colors can work together, or seeing how many layers I can build up and still see through to the first one, or finding out what a pile of lumpy stone-shapes would look like, or all of these at once. I work in terms of time, watching intently, feeling and seeing the different effects of deliberation and speed. If I hit a dead end I might wipe out large sections, then use what remains as a basis for the next version. Gradually – and sometimes after dozens of layers and wipeouts – it turns into something: it has a certain combination of formal balance and emotional content that reflects an inner, inarticulate part of me. My work is perhaps a kind of inchoate writing."

Some of the paintings on view throughout January at The Grand Hand, along with the artist's notes on the work, include:

Garden (pictured above): I deliberately set out to make something beautiful, which usually means ending up with a mess. That happened this time too, but I kept at it until this painting emerged. I love how a few faint lines (like the barely noticeable pink streaks along the bottom) are terribly important, and some of the bold strokes, which could have ruined the whole thing, fit right in.



Straightened Curly Leaf is the gradual abstraction of a curly leaf Aralia frond. There are several other versions. One was full of brilliant colors (Bold Curly Leaf). Then I painted over it with beige (Muted Curly Leaf) and, surprisingly, that made it glow. This one is more controlled, hence the name, but it has its own kind of mystery.


Silly Girl is based on a tiny sketch from several years ago. Stone shapes or perhaps crystals float in the air, with a delicate figure holding things in place. They are stones or heavy clouds, ponderous but suspended in a field of bright, cheerful washes of color. Silly girl is strong enough to not worry about appearing silly.


Untitled started out as a black, gray and white boulder on a solid white background. People who didn’t expect to like it, liked it. It looked heavy and real, even though it wasn’t much more than a line drawing. But it sat there for a couple of years, too tempting to leave alone, so I tried adding paint. After several disasters, a wipeout, and finally several layers of insubstantial circles, it turned into this painting. A black circle sits in the center, against all the rules, right where it belongs.


Entrance was difficult. They are almost always difficult, but this one more so because I was trying to show language emerging from layers of shapes that alluded to letters or symbols. I couldn’t do it. It was becoming a doodle, and doodles don’t count as art. Finally, I just let it be a really intricate doodle that’s also a kind of puzzle or a snarl. It’s kind of a free-form mandala, with simultaneous agitation and stillness. Entrance has two meanings, of course.

Most of Barbara’s paintings have a documented history because she takes photographs along the way. Earlier versions of her works may be available as small booklets or prints.

December's Featured Artists: Barbara Keith and Chuck Solberg

Barbara Keith is a glass mosaic artist based in Lanesboro, MN. We've loved her landscapes and animal studies for years - her latest charming series of small (8" x 8") cat portraits captures a range of feline moods.

"During the time I was working on these cats," Barb explains, "a kitten showed up at our very rural home, probably dumped with it's litter mates on the road. So now Ollie has become part our our family! It was so much fun to be working on these cats while the new kitten and I discovered happiness with our new situation. Cats have such a universal appeal, and I decided to give them universal names, translating 'cat' into a number of languages." (Gato is pictured above.)


The artist also crafts fun bird ornaments that have flown into the gallery this season!

Click HERE for more on Barbara's work.






St. Paul’s Chuck Solberg is a nationally recognized clay artist and, with his keyboard, serves as The Grand Hand’s always popular “house band.” Chuck’s work in wood fired stoneware and porcelain is included in the permanent collections of the Weisman Art Museum, The Minnesota Historical Society, the University of Wisconsin and numerous private collections. He was awarded a prestigious Jerome Grant for his work with sagger firing. As a musician, Chuck has toured with Luther Allison and played with BB King, Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry.




See an expanded array of Chuck's work at the gallery through December and hear the artist in action with his keyboard midday on Saturday, December 11 and during Guys' Night, Thursday, December 16 from 5-9 PM.

Click HERE for more on Chuck's work.

Your Grand Hand Staff

Susan Clayton is the Grand Hand gallery manager and has been on staff since October 2004. She is a former curator of art at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, where she earned an MA in Art History and Art Exhibition. Susan’s academic research focuses on Minnesota artists and arts institutions.























Linda LaNasa came to The Grand Hand as a longtime collector of Minnesota craft. Linda is especially knowledgeable about our local artists and their work, and has a knack for finding the perfect hand crafted piece to enhance your home, your wardrobe or to give as a gift.

Joanna Scavone (left) recently launched and now coordinates the gallery’s online shopping services. She is a painter and a graduate student specializing in arts and cultural management at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.

Brad Homan brings his gifts for organization and “getting it done” to our gallery space. He is a packaging specialist at General Mills and is also a patent-holding inventor!

Rachel Nusbaum (right) is a print artist and a recent graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She coordinates the gallery’s offerings in woodblock, linocut and etching and our great selection of greeting cards. For more on Rachel’s work, visit www.rachelnusbaum.com.























Jan Painter, a photographer, art collector and neighborhood resident, has been a helpful friend to the gallery since it began and pitches in behind the sales desk when we need her most. (Jan is wearing pieces by her friend – and gallery artist – Lori Bacigalupi.)

Tessa Somermeyer is a life-long lover of craft who, since childhood, has been visiting exhibitions and artist studios with her mother, Jan Painter. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. (Tess’s scarf is by gallery artist Randy Darwall.)























Click here for a profile of gallery owner Ann Ruhr Pifer.

Handcrafted Holidays 2010

Our annual Handmade Holiday bazaar is now open! We’ve stocked up on fresh finds and perennial favorites and have a wide selection of ornaments, jewelry, prints, and pottery as well as work in fiber, glass, metal and wood. We’ll be adding new goods throughout the season, with plenty of options under $60. Find the perfect handcrafted treasure for everyone on your list as well as treats for your holiday home and wardrobe. The Grand Hand offers gift-wrapping, shipping and corporate gift services.


Holiday Events at The Grand Hand:

Jewelry Trunk Show: Loeber + Look
Friday, December 3 - Sunday, December 5
Husband and wife artists Ken Loeber and Dona Look, whose studio is located in Algoma, WI, have collaborated to create their contemporary, clean-lined, 18 karat gold and sterling silver jewelry for almost 30 years. Ken - trained as a sculptor - brings his knowledge of metal techniques to the work while Dona, a birch bark basket maker, contributes her skill with fabrication. In 2008, the artists were featured in the PBS documentary series Craft in America.

Grand Meander
Saturday, December 4; 10 am - 6 pm
Enjoy a day on Grand Avenue during this leisurely, family-friendly holiday event featuring carolers and trolley rides while Santa and his reindeer spread holiday cheer along the avenue. At The Grand Hand, we’ll have holiday treats and live music from potter and one-man “house band,” Chuck Solberg. For further information, see www.grandave.com



Needle-felting Demonstration: Karen Engelbretson
Sunday, December 5; 2 - 4 pm
Gallery artist Karen Engelbretson will answer that burning question "How do they DO that?" about needle-felting. Karen will talk about the needle-felting process, and do a short demonstration. Karen is the creator of KJE Felties, our beautiful felted bird holiday ornaments, which will also be available for sale.

Guys’ Shopping Nights
Thursdays, December 9 and December 16; 5 - 9 PM
We’ll have salty snacks, brew and plenty of staff on hand to help you choose your gifts, wrap them on the spot and ship if needed – you’ll be done with your list and avoid the last minute rush!

NEW! Online Grand Hand shopping: check it out HERE

From the Fire

From the Fire will be on view at The Grand Hand from October 16 - November 14
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 16, 5-8 PM
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Saint John's Pottery in Collegeville, MN, we'll present work in clay from Richard Bresnahan, artist-in-residence, and former apprentices Stephen Earp, Kevin Flicker, Sam Johnson and Anne Meyer. Saint John's University alumnus, designer and artist Willie Willette, has crafted a tea table from local elm as a companion to the clay that will be in service at a tea ceremony with Patricia Katagiri, Saturday, October 30 from 2-4 PM. (Pictured above, Richard tends the Johanna Kiln at Saint John's.)

See our events page for more information.

Autumn ...

In St. Paul, we're enjoying a beautiful Minnesota fall with summer-like weather and gorgeous new work from our artists. The Grand Hand started September by featuring graphite drawings from Bly & Rowan Pope, twin brothers and fellow artists who create highly detailed, labor intensive work. "Media Mike" Hazard stopped in to photograph the pair, above.















On and On (September 11 - October 10) featured influence, iteration and innovation in clay and painting from artists Ta-coumba Aiken, Robert Briscoe, Butch Holden, Jim Grittner and Jason Trebs .














October brought the inaugural national celebration of American Craft Week (October 1-10.) Grand Hand customers had a chance to participate in a Ceramics Makeover, trading up from imported mass-produced pieces to artisan work.

October's Featured Artist is Kathleen Clair, an El Paso oil painter who formerly lived in St. Paul and recalls local scenes in her work.

For more information on Grand Hand events, see www.thegrandhand.com

SUMMER SALE through August 31

Great prices on beautiful art. 20-70% off works by Lisa Elias, Tom Homan, Todd Reed, Sarah Graham, Patrick Meyer, Jemerick Art Pottery, Kerry Vesper, Vernon Leibrant, Jerry Kermode, Hippo Handcrafted, Steven Levine and more. Hurry in, items are one of a kind!

Francene Christianson Portrait Event this Saturday and Sunday

Join us this weekend, August 14 and 15 from 2-4 pm for an artist talk from painter Francene Christianson.



Christianson has developed her own brand of portraiture immortalizing vignettes based on photos, primarily focused on the period from mid-20th century through the 1970s. Reflecting on her family collection of slides and black and white photographs, she began using these childhood memories as inspirations for her painting practice. "I started these paintings for me," she recounts, "and found that other people connected to them just as strongly."

'Landscape' now through September 5

'Renewal Stone' by Jeremy Newman and Allison Ciancibelli

Don't miss the Landscape Show! Ten Minnesota painters look to topography for their subjects while glass artists from the West Coast incorporate landscape references into their pieces. This exhibition celebrates the American terrain and beyond with work in paint and glass. Click here for more on the show and upcoming exhibitions.

Jewelry Sale 6/29-7/11!

At The Grand Hand Gallery we only have a couple sales a year. Hurry in for the best selection, quantities are limited and many items are one-of-a-kind.

Save 25 to 50% on jewelry by Cheryl Rydmark, Ford and Forlano, Terri Logan, Karin Jacobson, Baharal + Gnida, JL Walsh, Cynthia Jones, Sharon Schafner, Erika Sturm, MIO Studio, M.A.D.E, JacQueline Sanchez, Wiwat Kamolpornwijit, and Bee Design.

Artist of the Month Florence Hill

New paintings in from our June artist of the month Florence Hill. Pictured 'Brittany 92'

New Arrival: Brenna Busse Sacred Cirlces series

New 'Sacred Circles' dolls in from Brenna Busse. Pictured 'Sacred Circles: Seeking Wisdom'.

New Arrival: Jason Trebs!

New beautiful functional pots by Jason Trebs.

For The Book Lover

New book mugs in from Marion Angelica!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Show dad you care with a handmade gifts this Father's Day! Art for every dad in all price ranges. Pictured are gifts from $30 to $825. Stop in for help picking the perfect gift and complimentary gift wrapping.

Now on view ...

So Much Soul at The Grand Hand - the latest work in clay from Dick Cooter's new kiln, David Ekdahl's

one-of-a-kind hand carved totems and exhilarating canvases from painter John Olympio.

Come in, enjoy the exhibition, and find your "soul mate" work of art through July 18th!

At the opening reception: potters Warren MacKenzie, Dick Cooter, and Peter Jadoonath

David Ekdahl with his Bellhop totem

John Olympio and Grand Hand associate Linda Lanasa