How to Go
What: Paintings, Laine Bachman; Ceramics, Jean Ann Bolliger
Where: Rosewood Gallery, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering
When: Continues through Oct. 8
Opening reception: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12
More information: (937) 296-0294
It’s a circus out there. At a three-week show of oddities at Rosewood Gallery in Kettering, you’ll find a bearded lady, a sword swallower, a toxic wriggler and a big mouth. If you’re curious about what’s under this big tent, bring an open mind and a sense of humor. Laine Bachman of Columbus and Jean Ann Bolliger of Middletown are artists of like minds when it comes to outlandish imaginations.
“I have been looking forward to this exhibit since it was scheduled a year and a half ago,” gallery coordinator Amy Anderson said. “Both artists have an amazing way of presenting playful subject matter with a maturity that highlights their excellent craftsmanship.”
Bachman is presenting playful, detailed watercolors reminiscent of what you saw as a child visiting a circus, and also what you didn’t see. Her circus characters explore themes of love, masculinity, femininity, strength, isolation and death. A “fortune teller” sees a skull inside a crystal ball. Elaborate details in rich hues include old cards, wood grain and an intricate border.
Her “Smoke and Mirrors (I Ain’t Got No Body)” depicts just that — a lady in a cowboy hat with a circus pole for a body. In another work, a two-headed snake is wrapped around a young woman, ready to strike. “Snake Charmer” does not appear worried and is surrounded by bugs, butterflies and a bunny rabbit.
“Illusion, dangerous feats and the marvelous people and acts can take us to a place of escape, wonder and inspiration,” Bachman said. “Creating my circus has reminded me of different places and roles I have experienced in my own life.”
She received her bachelor of fine arts degree in painting from the Columbus College of Art and Design, and also studied at Miami University and the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
Bolliger also studied at Miami University and received her bachelor of fine arts degree in ceramics from the Oxford campus. Her ceramic sculptures have been exhibited at the Fitton Center, the New Hampshire Institute of Art and Middletown Arts Center.
Bolliger’s ceramic characters not only charm the snakes, they become snake-like themselves. Women’s bodies appear above bulging, serpentine forms in three of her works. In “The 13th One,” a woman with snake-like hair emerges from a half pipe, half caterpillar form. Bollinger further explores her invertebrate theme by animating structures like fire hydrants.
“As far back as I can remember, the worm has fascinated me,” Bolliger said. “When I began the worm series, I was also looking at fire hydrants and water towers. They were such neat beasts above the ground, with unseen, taken for granted, subterranean roots. It was a natural step... to play with the movement and form of the worm as pipe.”
Contact contributing arts writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.
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