Blog

David Ottinger

In a speech from the spring of 2016, I tried to sum up the essence of what I feel every artist tries to accomplish. I stated, “Only that which redefines the definition of the word has any chance to become that which it pretends to define.”

It is certainly no simple task to change the definition of a word. However, every great artist throughout history has done just that. Jackson Pollack, Camille Pissarro and Leonardo Da Vinci changed the definition of painting. Donatello (Donato di Nicocolò di Betto Bardi) and Donald Judd and Kara Walker changed the definition of sculpture. David Octavius Hill and Edward Stieglitz and Cindy Sherman changed photography.

As a student I was enthralled with two topics, art and psychology. At times I try to bring the two together in the same conversation. Though I taught Figure Drawing, Painting and Art History for decades, I am still enchanted with the idea of bringing psychology and painting together in a way that tries to define the moment when an individual makes a decision or comes to a realization about a dilemma or idea.

It is the search for that indefinable idea that intrigues me the most and of course, is the most elusive.

Jane Linders

Jane Linders is an award winning photographer whose prints are in numerous national and international collections. Linders has exhibited her work everywhere from her home town in St. Louis to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. She is a tireless imagemaker who mines the oddities of roadside America.

After several years of traditional photography, I began to experiment with infrared photography because I enjoy the otherworldly quality of the image. My photos are not an in-your-face kind of intensity, but a gentle, matter of fact, I am here and I have always been here kind of statement, that builds the more your look at my image. Infrared photography broadened my photographic notions and expanded my creativity. I like how beautifully infrared light is reflected and absorbed by different surfaces. This non traditional photography allowed me to capture traditional subjects in a novel and interesting way. My major influence is the work of William Eggleston, who creates art from commonplace subjects and finds beauty in the banal and mundane.

Christine Ilewski

Christine Ilewski lives in Alton, IL. She received her BFA from the Univ. of WI-Eau Claire, did masters work at Lindenwood Univ. and SIUE where she completed K-12 teaching certification. She taught in the U-City school district. She has been the Visting Artist for Liquitex for 20 years, bringing a materials and methods workshop to university campuses around the midwest.

Her studio work is primarily acrylic with multiple mixed media elements. She describes her current work: “My work has always been “personal.” My work has reflected my experience as a woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter; a domestic, intimate life. Landscape has almost always been the background to my narratives, but in my most recent work it seems to have become my center…a place of reflection, a still point from which everything else revolves. These landscapes are bubbling up from a subconscious stream, a “river” of relationships. With a studio overlooking the Mississippi, the mighty river runs through all my work. “

She is also the founder/director of the nonprofit Faces Not Forgotten (www.facesnotforgotten.com) , a memorial project of portaits of young gun violence victims. Christine was awarded the 2013 Critical Mass Stimulus Grant for this project and has exhibited the project throughout St. Louis and the campuses of UMSL, Rutgers, Northeastern and Blackburn universities. BBC America did a piece on FNF in 2017.

Her studio work can be seen in the IL state Artisan shops, the Museum of Contemporary Art, New Harmony, Ariodante Gallery NOLA and many private collections. www.ilewski.com 618-806-6747

This group show will run from January 26 through March 9, with a reception on Sunday, January 26, 12:30 to 2:30.

I guess that I am now on the library circuit in the St. Louis area. I am happy to announce that my infrared images of St. Louis and surrounding areas will be on exhibit through September 28, 2019 at the St. Louis Public Library. Big thanks to Bridget Hurd for the opportunity and the support.

"Invisible Light"
St. Louis Public Library
3309 South Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118

September 1 through September 28, 2019

Exhibit my infrared landscape photography in a library? Why not? I was returning some books to the local library when I noticed an empty case in the lobby of the library, so I inquired about exhibiting. The librarian said that someone cancelled at the last minute and she offered to let me exhibit my photos. Although it isn't a prestigious gallery space, I had nothing going on, so I immediately went home and gathered some infrared landscapes suitable for the exhibit space. While I was arranging the exhibit at least 5 people wandered by and inquired about the photos and my process. The way I figure it, nobody is going to see my photos framed and sitting in a box down my basement.

I titled the exhibit "Dreamscapes"
Bridgeton Trails Library
3347 McKelvey Road
Bridgeton, MO

August 8 through August 26, 2019.

I am honored to have my infrared photo of a victorian bridge located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri in the "Hot Shot" piece, page 6 of the April 2019 edition of Photo Weekly magazine. They wrote a little blurb about my photo, but it is in German, so I don't know what it says. I do like seeing von Linders in print though. lol.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center to host Faces Not Forgotten - Honoring St. Louis children killed by gun violence by Jane Linders, Ain't I American - How we view ourselves and others in relationship with our country by Donna Burch and The Awakening Project - Empowerment of women through authenticity, body positivity and self-actualization by Marissa Southards.

Faces not Forgotten opens and headlines this exhibit and will only be with us for the month of January. We are planning to be open for a special 1/21 MLK Jr. Day viewing. We are very honored as this is a national touring project that will hopefully find a final home in Washington D.C. after a National Mall unveiling.

Ain't I American will be on display January and February before moving to the Ethical Society in March. The Awakenings Project will be on display January - March. Please call 314-353-3050 for more information.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center
3113 Gasconade
St. Louis, Missouri 63118

Opening reception Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 7pm to 9pm

Art in the Park returns to Francis Park in St. Louis Hills on Sunday, Sept. 30, when 70 artists will come together to showcase their creative wares amid live music, tasty food and kids’ activities in one of St. Louis’ most popular parks. Admission is free and open to the public.

Art in The Park
Francis Park
St. Louis Hills
10am to 5pm

Hygge (pronounced "HOO-gah") is the Nordic art of coziness. The concept is from Denmark and involves comfort food, hot drinks, real fire places, warm blankets,traditions, candles and fluffy pillows. Long before I knew there was a word for this concept, I have been practicing hygge with my family for years. Our tradition is called "First Fire". When the first cold snap of autumn brings frost to the leaves, our family gathers around the hearth, we light a blazing fire and hunker down with warm blankets, popcorn and beer to watch a movie. "First Fire" kicks off our couch potato season for the winter of snugly movie nights. Our living room is small and cozy and the warmth from the fireplace can almost drive you out of the room. The Danes have known of hygge for years and are known to be one of the happiest people on the planet. They rank in one of the top slots, year after year in the World Happiness Report. Perhaps they are on to something? The notion of slowing down and reflecting in the winter months and achieving a life balance can lead you down the path to happiness. There are many books on the subject, "The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living" by Meik Wiking is a good start.



Certainly the decor of a room can enhance hygge. Cozy pillows, farmhouse chic and warm earth tones can help you create an inviting environment. Simply changing your couch pillows and throw rugs along with putting out a few candles is an inexpensive way to achieve that hygge. Go ahead and snuggle in for the winter.

Pantone announces 2018 color of the year: Ultra Violet. This sophisticated, vibrant color pairs perfectly with green. Look for this color popping up in home decor for 2018. Perhaps it is an ode to Prince? Or maybe this year, Pantone missed the mark and should have picked Burnt Orange, the color of POTUS.

The Gretchen Brigham Gallery is pleased to announce a new art show, "Intimate SCAPES", the work of Christine Illewski-Huelsmann, Jane Linders and Jane Martin. The opening reception is on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 2 to 4pm. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments and live music by Raw Earth. This exhibit will run from Dec 6 through Jan 21, 2018 at Union Avenue Christian Church , 733 N. Union Blvd, St Louis MO 63108. The gallery is open daily, except Saturday. It is best to call 314-361-8844 to verify daily times. Free an open to the public.

I am honored to have two of my embroidered cyanotype botanical prints in the upcoming SOHA Holiday Gift Show. This annual seasonal show celebrates fine art created by dozens of St. Louis artists in a variety of media and price points. You may purchase treasures on a cash and carry basis while sipping a signature cocktail and help celebrate the season.

Opening reception is December 2,2017, Saturday , from 6 to 10 pm.

SOHA Gallery
4915 Macklind Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109

Can't make it to the opening reception? Call 314-407-5202 and make an appointment to see this exciting holiday show.