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Fall Into Abstract
Fall 2003

Abstract art can reach our subconscious or intuitive mind and open us up to new approaches and ideas. Sometimes a piece of art appeals to us visually even if we aren't sure "how" or "why" an image holds a particular attraction. Representational art has the luxury of recognizable subject matter to attract attention. Abstract art is thought of as being more challenging for artists and their viewers. The artist needs to find a way other than a distinctive subject to attract and hold attention. This allows abstract artists to approach their canvases with a "breaking the rules" mentality.

Fall Into Abstract is the latest exhibit at the William W. Parker Gallery. Here we feature three painters and one sculptor who triumph over the challenges that are presented by abstract art and help us, the viewer, explore the realm of abstraction. Each of the artists has their own methods for capturing the viewers' attention. All of the pieces in this show, through use of color, line, texture, movement, and shape, create an energy that pulls the viewer into a visual dialogue with the artwork.

Calvin Edward Ramsburg

Calvin Edward Ramsburg of Frederick, Md, had been painting for several years before he first really attempted an abstract painting. His early work was done all in watercolor. After moving to acrylic paint, he began drawing, using bright colors, and organizing the shapes more so than he had with watercolors. He now combines his line drawings with bold uses of color to create the dramatic scenes in his paintings. Ed uses a lot of symbolism in his work that seems initially to be obscured by color. Then with further exploration the lines and shapes begin to merge and connect, beginning to piece together imagery within the larger composition.
Karen Hubacher

Karen Hubacher is an abstract artist from Alexandria, VA whose passion for art has spanned many years and mediums. She began with watercolors and then progressed into being a successful printmaker. After attending a workshop with Boston abstract painter Wilfredo Chiesa, she was inspired to paint with acrylics. In her current work she has managed to incorporate her printmaking techniques with mixed media and acrylic painting. "Eastern Shore Latitudes," Karen's latest series, uses planes, angles, and textures to reflect landscapes and aerial views of her drives to the shore. Her work explores geometric relationships in space, form and bisecting lines.
Margaret Kennedy

Margaret Kennedy's accomplishments do not start or end with her passion for expression in painting. Her studies led her to gain a Masters in art history, fine art, and divinity. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows for 35 years throughout New York, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and Washington DC. Margaret lives and works in Burkettsville, Md. She has received much acclaim for her work over the years, including many awards and most recently a grant from the Pollick-Krasner Foundation. Her current work focuses on the use of acrylic paint, chalk, and collage to create large dramatic abstract scenes. When first looking at Margaret's canvases, viewers are confronted with bright fields of color. With further exploration, glimpses of figures, landscapes objects emerge from the canvas, compelling viewers to experience line, movement, colors, shape and form.
Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith of Boonsboro, Md is the only sculptor in this show. His work acts as the three dimensional connection between the viewers, the space and the movement throughout the paintings. Jeff's art is "found-object" sculpture; he assembles objects like metal, wire, screen and wood. He starts with a pile of his found pieces and begins to fit them together in an intuitive manner. Jeff feels the act of instinctive assembly comes from an inner child and that the adult aspects come out when the piece is finished. The assemblage is created without a predetermined idea. His sculptures come from childhood memories, fairy tales and often an architectural impression.