In this issue of Art Connection, discover what draws certain artists to focus on nature as their subject, get to know sculpture artist Bryce Pettit and how his career has progressed over the years, and finally, discover some artful gifts for the upcoming holiday season! Enjoy!
Art connection By the Celebration of Fine Art
Vol. 1 Issue 2 Fall 2022
the wonder of nature CAPTURING THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO NATURE
THE ART OF GIFT GIVING THIS SEASON
editor's letter
It’s funny, spring is known as the time of renewal and rebirth, but somehow it is fall that always puts a pep in my step. Perhaps it is because we are coming out of hibernation here in Scottsdale after months of heat. We start to emerge from our shelter and appreciate the slight briskness in the air and the stunning skies as we shift into the comfortable pace of fall in Arizona. For us, it is also when we begin to bring to life the epicenter of the place where art lovers and artists connect. Just after Thanksgiving, we begin the transformation of the empty lot into the place where art lovers and artists connect. We know that in just a few short months we will feel the creative energy coursing through the “big white tent” as we welcome artists and art lovers to discover new and wonderful works of art. Fall also conjures up our appreciation for nature and wildlife, which is the heartbeat of our existence. We love how artists are able to capture the expressions and the moments that nature provides to us, the viewer. It gives us an opportunity to hold on to the bits of natural inspiration all around us. We invite you to see the world through the eyes and hands of some of our most gifted artists as they bring to life the natural world around us. Whether through landscapes, interpretations of animals or the play of light and shadows, you will find inspiration in the works of art from the likes of Bryce Pettit, Heidi Rosner, David Jackson and Trevor Swanson. We also turn our attention to the upcoming holidays and gift giving. One of the most personal gifts we can share is the gift of art. Something carefully selected that came to life under the deft hands of an artist and creator. In this issue, you’ll find some inspiring ideas of gifts sure to make an impression on your loved ones. Enjoy all the flavors this season has to offer and don't forget to get out and explore. We were fortunate to kickoff the fall season with a trip to Wyoming to catch the annual Buffalo Bill Art Show and visit the Grand Tetons, then hop over to New Mexico for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (the balloons are works of art in their own right!). We look forward to seeing you in just a few short months!
LIFE AND NATURE HARMONIZING
~Susan and Jake Potje
Issue 2 | Fall 2022
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Contents
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MARTIN BLUNDELL What draws Martin to paint landscapes and how he got into this art form.
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THE WONDER OF NATURE We all have an innate connection to nature, but what compels artists to recreate it in their work?
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THE GIFT OF ART: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Give the gift of art this season! Inspiration for anyone on your list.
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FROM THE ARTIST STUDIO: A CONVERSATION WITH BRYCE PETTIT See what draws wildlife artist Bryce Pettit to animals and expressing stories through them.
ART CONNECTION DISCOVER NEW AND CONNECT
CONTACT US Celebration Of Fine Art 7900 E. Greenway Rd, Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.443.7695 | info@celebrateart.com celebrateart.com
artist spotlight: martin blundell
"The interest in the landscape is a chance to share the dramatic beauty of the land and sky, and to remember the feelings and emotion that accompany our interaction with it.” MARTIN BLUNDELL, LANDSCAPE ARTIST
but finishes with a palette knife––a process he implores to eliminate detail. “The paintings have a graphic quality that I think is a tendency held over from my early printmaking work,” Martin said. “I was making images that involved autobiographical information and references––random images collaged from memory and life. The work was personal and invited open-ended interpretations.” Of course, Martin also considers the formal qualities of each piece–– composition, complementary color relationships and classical aesthetics. But the ultimate goal is to portray the expansive and powerful presence of the landscape and its inspiring impact. Often, he accomplishes this through scale. Other times it means setting a piece aside for several months then revisiting it––scraping, sanding and overpainting––to reveal something truly transformational. “It seems incongruous that paintings don’t effortlessly become admired works,” Martin said. “I have pondered the value of failure in success, and subsequently don’t give up on paintings. Many times those that are lost are found and transform into my most meaningful paintings.”
Having traveled throughout the western United States and Canada many times over, Martin Blundell was captivated by the quiet power and stillness of sunrises and sunsets, atmospheric changes during storms, and unique landforms of the high desert, mountain valleys and rural regions. His admiration of these picturesque scenes eventually beckoned him to recount them in paintings.
But Martin didn’t want to simply portray landscapes through traditional representations. He wanted to connect people with familiar memories, experiences and emotions, while also revealing something new in a contemporary way. “I describe my work as the intersection of reality and memory, a depiction of reality, affected by memories, feelings and emotions,” he said.
He achieves this by retracing his travels many times over––both in memory and first-hand experiences. This helps
him form a deeper connection to the
landscape and create strong images that can only develop through the passage of time. Though Martin often uses references––photos and field drawings––to start a piece or adjust compositions, he typically finishes pieces based on memory and emotion. Similarly, he may start with a brush,
Watch Martin's interview here.
Artwork: October Fields By Martin Blundell.
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the wonder of nature
Image courtesy Kirk Randle
Nature has long been the muse of many artists. The source of beauty is endless. Whether it’s the way the shadows and light play against each other, the vibrant colors married with the softest pastels or the unending textures in the flora and fauna, the natural landscape brings the senses to life. The animals and wildlife provide yet another deep source of inspiration. From the tiniest of creatures to the most magnificent beings, their shapes, sizes
the natural world and sharing it through their dedication and talents. What a great way to bring an Aspen grove or brown bear right into your home. What draws these artists to nature and to capture these amazing moments? Their reasons are as unique as their work, but one thing most have in common is the sense of peace and connection they experience when in nature. I’m compelled and drawn to paint scenes and settings from nature because that is where I find myself most at peace and in touch with the world. I grew up in a family that always enjoyed the outdoors and that love passed strongly to me. I also trevor swanson: have a sense of wonder about the depth of variety and interesting things that share our world. I feel fortunate that I’ve had opportunities to travel the globe and experience firsthand so many incredible things. There is a magic in the moments of observation, whether it’s a chipmunk, a grizzly or an elephant, that makes me feel alive and connected to something more. It is these
moments that become some of the most interesting, and sometimes challenging, to portray and recreate. connected to something more." ~ trevor swanson I spend a lot of time outdoors. I love to hike around my neighborhood and in the local McDowell Mountain Preserve and that is often the starting point for a series of pieces. I have always been an "outdoor" person. I'm passionate about flora and fauna, love hiking and gardening and am a lover of all things desert. I'm also a bird nerd. Since I spend so much time appreciating nature, it is a simple transition for me to express my love of the outdoors in my art. "there is a magic in the moments of observation...that makes me feel alive and heidi rosner:
and even the way their fur lies or feathers display, stokes a sense of curiosity and awe.
There is a certain sense of peace that nature brings. And, thankfully, many artists are gifted at capturing the best of
"Undaunted" by Trevor Swanson
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Issue 2 | Fall 2022
cathy sheeter:
Nature is my happy place. It is the place I go to decompress, find myself, and soothe my soul. There is something about being in nature that just centers me. When I can’t be out in nature, I like to surround myself with its beauty within my own artwork and other nature artists’ work. I have specifically had a connection with animals and wildlife since I was a small child. I suppose perhaps it is in my DNA. Both of my parents are animal lovers and my father was a wildlife biologist. Animals and nature have really been the only subject matter that I have ever truly wanted to create.
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Of course, capturing the beauty of nature and expressing that through a work of art in a way that connects with others on an emotional level is often the most challenging part. It's a process of capturing just the right moment and determining how best to tell that story in a powerful way.
"Watch Over Your Shoulder" by Cathy Sheeter
david jackson:
One of the challenging things that I enjoy is how to capture the proper and most effective lighting to create the magic of the moment!
Barbara rudolph:
One of the most challenging things about portraying nature in my art, is also the most fun. I desire to capture a feeling or a fond memory by placing my birds into a fun and often unexpected place. The challenge is to work my birds into my composition to help tell a story. Some of the challenges of nature art is trying to do it justice. Nature is perfect so trying to capture that level of beauty in a drawing can feel daunting at times. I often combine many reference photos that I have taken in different locations into one artwork. Trying to make all the pieces work together (lighting, size, angles, etc.) can be a challenge. cathy sheeter:
"The Royal Garden" by Barbara Rudolph
drama of our sunsets is so hard to replicate in all their magnificence. -------------------------------- The challenge, incidentally, is also what reaps the greatest reward for these artists and the viewers. It's when the "magic" comes together on the canvas to create the feeling of being there. It's feeling the energy of wildlife or the warmth of the sun on your skin or the scent of the desert after rainfall. For these artists, when they see viewers transported to another place through their work, they know they've achieved what they set out to do.
"when someone connects with a painting...and it takes them to a different place...I love to take them on that journey." ~ Heidi Rosner
heidi rosner:
Capturing the spectacular colors and the light of the Sonoran desert. The
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heidi rosner:
When someone connects with a painting of mine because of their love of nature or the desert or the creatures I paint, and it takes them to a different place where they have memories or an enjoyable experience––I love to take them on that journey.
david jackson:
The rewards are when I can make it come together on canvas in a way that I and the viewers can be a part of the magic of the painting. And you can feel like you are there or have been there or want to be there. In “Golden Glory”, I want viewers to feel the fresh golden glow of sunlight coming through the stand of Aspens and smell the freshness of the morning. The most rewarding thing is when someone connects with the work on an emotional level. Often people have a story that goes with that connection. Like they raised a baby squirrel and it became their pet as a child, or the loss of a loved one who had a passion for a specific animal––often they feel that loved one brought them to that work of art. Sometimes it feels like I was drawn to create a specific work for that person to find down the road. cathy sheeter:
"The Desert Duo" by Barbara Rudolph
"Desert Landscape" by Heidi Rosner
from someone is “I feel like I have been here". What that says to me is that I have been successful in taking the story that I watched play out somewhere in the wild, and sharing that moment. Every painting has a story and comes from a trip to research and study not only the animals but the habitat. During the process, I am traveling down memory lane and reminiscing about the adventure and to have someone feel the chill I am depicting on a winter scene is amazing. I hope that my work brings a smile and a pause from my viewers. A reminder to take a moment to look around and enjoy the beauty around us.
trevor swanson:
What I want most of all and love to hear
"Side Kick" by Heidi Rosner
for more about each of these artists, click here.
"Golden Glory" by David Jackson
"King in Autumn" by Trevor Swanson
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Issue 2 | Fall 2022
THE GIFT OF ART The season of gift giving is upon us. And for most, there’s no greater feeling than presenting someone with a meaningful gift you know they’ll be able to treasure for many years to come and perhaps even pass along to their future generations. Art, whether large or small, three dimensional or something for
for the wall, is a wonderfully powerful and lasting gift with near endless options for all. So, if your gifting list could use a little artful inspiration, we’ve got you covered. From turned wood to felt, ceramic to canvas, and metal to stone, here are some heartfelt selections anyone would love to own.
for the romantic
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For the well-appointed table
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"ARt is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness." ~ Anni Albers
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1) "HeartFelt" in Sunset and Route 66 by Sundie & Brad Ruppert $450 each; 2) "On The Horizon" by Elizabeth Butler $6,800; 3) "American Beauty" glass lace bowl by Lee Wright $850; 4) Happy Quails salt & pepper shakers by Jenny Foster $150 per set; 5) Succulent Blush cups with saucer by Emily Randolph $280 set of two and Succulent Blush dessert plate $320 set of four; 6) English walnut wood bowl by Joseph Deru $350.
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For the fashion forward 7. 9.
For the METAL LOVER
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For the NATURE LOVER 12.
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7) Brooches by Diana Ferguson $570 each; 8) Rubellite Tourmaline by Paul Farmer $4,500; 9) "Dance Partner" earrings by Isabelle Posillico $3,600; 10) "Silver Woman" by Veronica Sandoval $1,800 11) Shard Cuff by Michael McRae $625; 12) "Shop Nest" by Carolyn Thome $2,195; 13) "Fall in the Tetons" by Kirk Randle $24,000; 14) "Hidden Falls" by Becky Pashia $4,200.
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Issue 2 | Fall 2022
For the TRANQUILITY SEEKER 15.
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For the modernist 18.
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15) "Harmony" by Adolfo Girala $3,600; 16) "The Road I Walk" by Jon Linton $3,500; 17) "Albero Sottile" by Shari Lyon $4,300; 18) "Primaries" by Colin Branham $6,500; 19) "In The Clouds" by Loren Yagoda $16,000 each.
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For the Traveler-adventurer
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For the animal lover
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20) "Black Cranes" by Karen O'Hanlon $2,100; 21) Turquoise-Feather saddle by Lisa & Loren Skyhorse $14,000; 22) "The Theater" by Gregory Sievers $6,500; 23) "Big Dog" by Jenny Foster $3,800; 24) "Sleepy Head" by Curt Mattson $1,900; 25) "Band of Brothers" by Tammy Tappan $9,250.
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Issue 2 | Fall 2022
from the artist studio: A CONVERSATION WITH Bryce Pettit
It
doesn’t take long into a conversation with sculpture artist Bryce Pettit to know he is passionate about nature and wildlife. His passion and reverence for the natural world are also captured in his powerful works of art. His impressionistic representation brings to life everything from birds to bears and shows their power, strength and beauty. His works of art range in size from the smallest of creatures to larger- than-life-sized mammals and birds and can be found in collections and public installations across the US and beyond. Bryce grew up surrounded by nature. His deep love for the world around him and his desire to create art has always been closely linked. When he entered college, he studied biology and the natural sciences followed by graduate studies in ecology. Eventually, his passion for art became undeniable and he focused full-time on an art career. “I find the inspiration for my work in the natural world, but my sculptures are not just models of animal subjects. Each piece has an underlying story and is imbued with feeling and emotion. My work is meant to teach and inspire, both about the animals and about ourselves. The amazing diversity of fur and feathers, limbs, bodies, beaks, hoofs, and claws gives me endless elements with which to create. Through its great variety, I feel like I can use the animal form to convey any message.” ----------------------------- Humans have long been fascinated with animals. In fact, this fascination has been depicted throughout history––seen in Ancient cave art to modern-day sculptures and paintings. Research suggests that animals offer humans a direct connection to nature, which could explain the attraction and interest. Over time, humans began to discover similarities between themselves and animals. This deepened the curiosity and also led to attributing human traits,
characteristics and emotions to animals, further solidifying the connection. As a result, animals have served as a powerful storytelling medium throughout human history. “I can tell any story using animals as the medium,” said Bryce. “The amazing diversity of animals in the world gives me an endless palette with which I can explore artistic compositions and express any idea.” Though Bryce has been sculpting for more than two decades, he found his stride when he began creating bronze sculptures of various wildlife to convey stories or emotions. In fact, he often will start with an idea he wants to share then look for an animal that will best represent that concept. “Sometimes the animal is chosen for its popular iconic representation,” Bryce said. “For example, an eagle often
evokes thoughts of patriotism. I can build on that built-in feeling of majesty to express a feeling of power or strength. In contrast, I can use the softer shapes of a fox to tell a quiet story or the whimsical appearance of a jackrabbit to express fun.” Bryce also pairs certain animals based on their symbolic representation to tell a larger story. For instance, in his sculpture “Thinking Like a Mountain,” he grouped a moose with an eagle, bear and fish to convey the full mountain ecosystem, and the need to care for the whole. “The title comes from a concept introduced by writer and conservationist Aldo Leopold in which he discusses the importance of not focusing on single aspects of the environment but valuing all the components in order to maintain a healthy whole,” Bryce said.
“I find the inspiration for my work in the natural world, but my sculptures are not just models of animal subjects. Each piece has an underlying story and is imbued with feeling and emotion.
Watch Bryce's interview here.
Issue 2 | Fall 2022
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"Grand Slam"
"Thinking Like a Mountain"
"King of the Forest"
The medium is the message Early in his career, Bryce was drawn to bronze. His curiosity prompted him to deep dive into the medium, learning the science and industrial mechanics of bronze casting and metallurgy, the branch of materials science and technology that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metal. Though he’s experimented with other metals, he always returned to bronze for its versatility, lack of constraints and what it adds to the story. “Casting a sculpture in a material such as stainless steel gives it a completely different look,” Bryce said.
“In this sculpture, the moose represents the forest; the eagle, the air; the bear, earth; and the trout, water. All are important parts of the mountain ecosystem and thus to best care for any species, you must think of the whole–– think like the entire mountain.” Creating connection Though Bryce has an idea or story in mind when he creates a piece, he wants everyone to have their own unique experience with it––to feel something. Whether that’s their personal story or experience they bring to the piece or the story he had in mind while creating it. “I think that people can sense if something was created with feeling and authenticity,” he said. “The artwork somehow exudes that feeling and people are drawn to it in a way that they can’t always explain. This sense of depth is what creates the connection to the piece of art and makes it meaningful.”
as well as the choice of patina for each piece is just another tool that I can use to accentuate the feeling I’m expressing in the piece. A sculpture that is meant to be fun will be finished in brighter colors and a sculpture meant to have a quieter feel will be done in soft and warm tones. I like to let the underlying message of each sculpture dictate the patina and finish which is why you see such a wide variety of patinas on my work.”
“Bronze is warm and has a softer feeling. Stainless steel gives a more modern feel and sharper look. The use of different materials
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Issue 2 | Fall 2022
comments We recently asked our Facebook community what they are most looking forward to with the return of the annual Celebration of Fine Art (now in its 33rd year!). Here's what they had to say:
get your tickets here!
Seeing my favorite artists at work and meeting new ones. Bringing different friends to see the show, having lunch there and making it a great day. I used to fly in to see the show when I lived in Denver and now that I live in the Valley, I love going multiple times a season. I should really work there. @Julie Mason
I love seeing all the different art work and meeting the artists. It gives me inspiration. @Barb Munday All my dear artist friends who inspire me to be one of them some day. The DaVinci sandwich and the desert landscape which we all knew I would miss when we moved away. The list goes on… @Mimi Miller My celebration family and old and NEW collectors! @Shari Lyon
Reconnecting with the wonderful artists and employees! Bringing friends and family to the finest art celebration on the planet! And of course enjoying the exceptional creations produced during the 10 weeks of pure enjoyment! @Frank Racioppo All my art friends and their new creations! @Suzy Almblade Getting back together with my beloved peeps! @Heidi Rosner
Love this event. It is really fun to meet the artists––and to see
some of them at work. @Carol Hiley Fitzgerald
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Save the Date! The Celebration of Fine Art returns January 14 - March 26, 2023 Same location! (The Loop 101 & Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ)
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