John Carollo's Work with Watermedia Takes on New Dimension with Silk

John Carollo's watermedia paintings are generally considered somewhat unusual due to his extensive use of color and motion in the compositions, but the technique itself has always been based on traditional watercolor-on-paper methods. In 2011, an opportunity arose which allowed John to branch out into a different, but related medium - painted silk.  The project involved painting 126 silk flags for a marching band and you can read more about that opportunity and its unique challenges here.

During the several month course of the work, John got a handle on what makes silk painting different from paper painting (mainly the absorption rate), but also found that much of his established technique transferred well to the fabric, often with very smooth blending and atmospheric effects.

Working outside, due to the size of the pieces, and hanging the silk on a line to dry created a moment of inspiration, which John describes as follows:

The Rapture

"A set of the flags was drying on the line when late afternoon sun peeked over the nearby roof and suddenly illuminated them from behind. The colors became startlingly vivid, almost electric. Close to the richness of stained glass while maintaining the flows and blends that had been painted in. It was a total lightbulb moment, and I realized that I could incorporate this material and effect into art pieces."

John had been experimenting with 3D work, largely constructed from painted, cut paper and wire and other mixed media since 2007, as prototypes for large-scale works for transit stations, atriums and the like. While that work was progressing, including into the 2010, 9' tall The Rapture, which will be shown in Mount Dora, a limitation of the pieces was the fragility of the paper construction.

The Reach

The silk provides the possibility of a more durable material, which can also be backlit to great effect as it is formed into dynamic, sweeping shapes. The Reach, which was completed in February, 2012 with partial funding from a United Arts of Central Florida Artist Development Grant is John's first creation of a silk-based piece. Featuring wire frame construction and internal backlighting, it was premiered in Bradenton, and will also be in Mount Dora, where it will be joined by a dramatically larger and more ambitious piece, as well as the silk portion of a collaboration with Marsha De Broske.

Here is a video that documents the painting of the single butterfly wing for The Reach. Watercolor artists will note John's extensive use of a "bloom" technique to create some interesting effects in it.

Marsha De Broske on Creating a Bronze Look with...Fabric

Marsha De Broske is well known in the Central Florida area as an accomplished bronze sculptor, but those who have not seen her work in a while may be surprised to learn that she has extended her style to other, lighter weight materials as well.

An example of the Marsha's interesting use of Powertex

One of these that will be featured prominently in the Mount Dora exhibition is Powertex fabric hardener, a substance which can be used to coat figures made of wire and fabric. When carefully painted, it can have an appearance almost like bronze. Marsha describes why she enjoys working with it this way:

"Powertex allows me to make quick sculptures that have great movement and gesture. I love the feeling and look you can get from this material. They can be abstracted or detail can be added.  You have time to move the pieces and change their interaction with others before it sets.  It can look like bronze but it is not involved with the time consuming process of the lost wax method."

Here's a short clip of her demonstrating the sculpting process with Powertex from one of our Bradenton events.



 

The Figure As Vehicle - Mount Dora Center for the Arts - January-March, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Carollo • Marsha De Broske Present The Figure as Vehicle

Mount Dora Center for the Arts • Mount Dora, FL 

January 11 - March 2, 2013

OCTOBER 17, 2012 - ORLANDO, FL - Orlando artists John Carollo and Marsha De Broske will present their collaborative show of figurative artwork at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts in Mount Dora, FL. The exhibition will run from January 11 - March 2, 2013 and feature an opening reception on Friday, January 11. Additionally, the artists will be in the gallery presenting demonstrations of their techniques and answering questions from guests on Thursday, January 24 and Thursday, February 21, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The show will be on display during the 38th annual Mount Dora Art Festival, February2-3, providing an opportunity for the thousands of festival attendees to enjoy it.

ARTISTS’ SHOW DESCRIPTION:

The Figure has been drawn, painted, sculpted, carved, photographed and videotaped. It has been depicted from cave drawings to the present, used as a focal point of contemplation from ancient sculpture through Renaissance sensuality, to modern abstraction. Meaning, emotional connection and invitations for thought, connection and understanding are often reflected through its shape, positioning or setting.

Our figures move beyond form to become vehicles for conveying messages to the viewer. They can be a voyage between worlds or time - gestural and stately, relaxed or straining with tension. Though we work in different mediums, a binding through line we share is the invitation each of our pieces offers the viewer to find a personal connection and interpretation with our work. Visitors are invited to contemplate various moods as they enjoy artwork displayed on the walls, windows and even ceiling, including the premiere of a dynamic 15’ collaborative piece, showcasing the unique abilities of both artists, specifically created for the Center for the Arts.

John Carollo

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

John Carollo is a noted abstract watercolor artist, working in 2D with paintings ranging from small size to very large scale, as well as 3D with unusual watercolor, painted silk and mixed media installations, a new one of which will be spotlighted in this show. Working in an expressive style he calls “Controlled Chaos,” his work has been featured in The Albin Polasek Museum,  the City of Orlando Stage Gallery, and numerous galleries and venues in Florida and Georgia. He is a 2012 and 2007 United Arts of Central Florida grant recipient, aiding the continuing development of his work and the presentation of The Figure As Vehicle exhibition. Learn more about John at www.NakedEyeStudios.com or at www.facebook.com/nakedeyestudios.

Marsha De Broske

Marsha De Broske is an accomplished sculptor working primarily in bronze, whose work has been recognized and selected for display in numerous galleries and public art venues, such as the Museum of Florida Art, the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience and the Grand Bohemian Gallery. She received United Arts of Central Florida grants in 2007 and 2004 and has work in the permanent collection of the Crealde Sculpture Garden in Winter Park. Learn more about Marsha at www.MarshaDeBroske.com.

ABOUT THE GALLERY:

The Mount Dora Center for the Arts, located at 138 East Fifth Avenue • Mount Dora, FL 32757 is a multifaceted community center providing fine art gallery exhibitions, education programs for all ages and levels, quarterly Art Strolls and the Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival, which brings together nationally acclaimed artists for a weekend-long arts experience. Gallery hours M-F 10 am - 4 pm. Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Vist www.mountdoracenterforthearts.org or call 352-383-0880 for more information.

Media Contacts:

www.figureasvehicle.com • facebook.com/figureasvehicle • twitter.com/figureasvehicle

The Figure As Vehicle and artwork of John Carollo is funded in part by a 2012 Artist Development Grant  from the United Arts of Central Florida. www.tinyurl.com/artistgrant

The Figure As Vehicle - Bradenton, FL March & April, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Carollo • Marsha De Broske Present The Figure As Vehicle

Dancing Crane Art Gallery • Bradenton, FL • March 2 - April 28, 2011

JANUARY 21, 2012 - BRADENTON, FL - Orlando artists John Carollo and Marsha De Broske will present their collaborative show of figurative artwork at the Dancing Crane Gallery in Bradenton, FL. The show will run from March 2 - April 28, 2012 and feature opening receptions on March 2 and April 6 during the First Friday events in the Village of the Arts. Additionally, the artists will be in the gallery presenting demonstrations of their techniques and answering questions from guests on the Saturdays, March 3 and April 7.

ARTISTS’ SHOW DESCRIPTION:

The Figure has been drawn, painted, sculpted, carved, photographed and videotaped. It has been depicted from cave drawings to the present, used as a focal point of contemplation from ancient sculpture through Renaissance sensuality, to modern abstraction. Meaning, emotional connection and invitations for thought, connection and understanding are often reflected through its shape, positioning or setting.

Our figures move beyond form to become vehicles for conveying messages to the viewer. They can be a voyage between worlds or time - gestural and stately, relaxed or straining with tension. Though we work in different mediums, a binding through line we share is the invitation each of our pieces offers the viewer to find a personal connection and interpretation with our work. Visitors are invited to contemplate moods of Jubilation, Inspiration, Transformation and Contemplation as they move through four distinct viewing areas, displayed throughout the entire gallery. An additional space features smallers works and a variety of gift items created by the artists.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Let Your Passion Out - John Carollo

John Carollo is a noted abstract watercolor artist, working in 2D with paintings ranging from small size to very large scale, as well as 3D with unusual watercolor, painted silk and mixed media installations, a new one of which will be spotlighted in this show. Working in an expressive style he calls “Controlled Chaos,” his work has been featured in The Albin Polasek Museum,  the City of Orlando Stage Gallery, and numerous galleries and venues in Florida and Georgia. He is a 2012 and 2007 United Arts of Central Florida grant recipient, aiding the continuing development of his work and the presentation of The Figure As Vehicle exhibition. Learn more about John at www.NakedEyeStudios.com.

Renewal - Marsha De Broske

Marsha De Broske is an accomplished sculptor working primarily in bronze, whose work has been recognized and selected for display in numerous galleries and public art venues, such as the Museum of Florida Art, the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience and the Grand Bohemian Gallery. She received United Arts of Central Florida grants in 2004 and 2007 and has work in the permanent collection of the Crealde Sculpture Garden in Winter Park. Learn more about Marsha at www.MarshaDeBroske.com.

ABOUT THE GALLERY:

The Dancing Grane Gallery is located in the unique artists’ colony Village of the Arts at 1019 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34205. Situated near Downtown Bradenton, Art Center Manatee, South Florida Museum and the Bishop Planetarium, the gallery showcases unusual artwork in its multi-room interior and large garden. The entire space will be utilized for The Figure As Vehicle. Learn more at www.dancing-crane.com • 941.744.1333

Media Contacts:
www.figureasvehicle.com • facebook.com/figureasvehicle • twitter.com/figureasvehicle

The Figure As Vehicle and artwork of John Carollo is supported by a grant from the United Arts of Central Florida.