Green Lake’s Trees Showcased in Art Show
via Christine Olson Gedye
Green Lake’s trees will be the focal point of a local art show that is kicking off this Saturday. The show, Arboreality, features local artist, Christine Gedye’s paintings. A Greenlaker since the mid 1990s, Gedye relocated to Green Lake (from the Midwest) after a visit to Green Lake that made her fall in love with the area.
via Christine Olson Gedye
Christine’s artist statement describes her inspiration behind the series:
“Visually, trees inspire, amaze and entrance: who doesn’t admire the majesty of well-formed oak, the way wispy branches frame a view, or how a row of cypress recalls the rolling hills of Umbria or Provence? Even a poorly-pruned parking strip tree sometimes exhibits an appealing, jester-like quirkiness.
But I think trees reach us at a deeper level, as if our subconscious knows they cleanse the very air we breathe, as well as provide shelter, fuel, food, shade. Many outlive us by decades—centuries, even—earning a certain wisdom along the way, apparent in their gnarled trunks and vast canopies that mirror equally hard-working, invisible root systems.
On so many levels, trees reflect what is best in humanity and symbolize our highest aspirations: To give generously, and receive humbly. To be firmly rooted, and always reaching for the light. To survive storms, adapt to changing seasons and conditions, and grow stronger and more beautiful with each passing decade.
To translate this feeling of reverence into paint is a humbling exercise. In most cases, I have simplified color and context in order to glorify what I find most enchanting: the sculptural structure and graceful, intricate branches of a bare tree. Zoom out to tree-filled horizons composing a view; zoom in and find dew-dappled twigs and jigsaw-like bark. A single tree can be a source of dozens of compositions and endless lessons—in painting and in life.”
The show is at the Fountainhead Gallery March 5-29; opening reception Saturday, March 7, 5-7 pm.
Fountainhead Gallery: 625 W McGraw St, (206)285-4467
