Jay Stratton spends a lot of time studying trees as part of the process of creating wood sculpture. Once he decides upon a shape for his creation, he laminates pieces of wood together to define that shape. After that, he uses a variety of tools to carve the wood. Stratton explains, "Then, it's on to sanding, sanding, and more sanding until I achieve my required essence for the piece. I strive for an organic feel, sensibility and movement in my work to make the wood 'soft' and flowing." In addition to sculpture, Stratton creates bowls, boxes and furniture.
Judith Eastburn is a landscape photographer who uses traditional methods of exposing film and printing in the darkroom. Her gelatin prints are toned with selenium for permanence. She states that trees are a favorite subject. She enjoys the expressive gestures found in branches and "marvels at the leaning and twisting trunk formations that record the forces that shaped them." She finds that "even in decay, the textures of bark, wood and fungi are beautiful."
David Murray's large scale oil paintings reflect landscapes constructed from memory and imagination. "They are meant to be ideals and transcend nostalgia or aesthetics to become an icon," Murray explains. "The only evidence of humans is the patterns and alignments of natural forms within the work. These forms corroborate our need to leave a mark in the world and participate in the elusive vastness of it all."
All three artists are inspired by and respond to nature in their own way to create unique reflections of our natural world.
Don't miss this is exhibit just because you don't have a plane to catch-the lights in the gallery are always on and the airport offers free parking for the first hour. Meet a friend for lunch and enjoy the art! Quad City International airport gallery is easy to access with one hour of free parking to allow plenty of time to browse the exhibit.
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development, and celebration of the arts and humanities. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, Quad City Arts Partners and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency) and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. This gallery and exhibit is generously sponsored by the Quad City International Airport.
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