Two local artists explore ‘Spirit’ in solo shows at Seacoast Art Association
EXETER — “I believe there is profound value in the process and enjoyment of the Arts, says North Hampton’s Inger Gregory about her show “Exploring the Beauty and Mystery of a Spiritual Path,“ which opens in May. “As a former art educator, I firmly believe that creativity and imaginative thinking should be actively supported in education. The arts are one of the best means to deepen understanding of diverse cultures, build empathy and respect for all people. Over time, the arts can reveal the intentions, the thoughts, the very souls of individuals, communities and nations becoming the metaphorical mirrors of life offering the ‘Gifts of Civilizations’.
“I also believe that individually, every artist ‘dips their brush into their own soul.’ I find this quote such an affirming statement that eliminates the need to compare individuals and their unique modes of expression. By tuning into ones thought process and recognizing the patterns that repeat, can help to reveal one’s authentic self.”
Gregory is a former Art Educator, now retired and enjoying creating artwork from her home studio in North Hampton, N.H. She has always considered herself an advocate of the Arts, and has served on various Boards of Art Associations. Currently, she serves on the Board of a not-for profit, entitled Artists Building Capacity as World Citizens.
Using the medium of alcohol inks, much of her current work is inspired by the beautiful spiritual metaphors found in the Writings of the Bahai’i Faith. Her work has evolved over the years from a desire for realism to more abstract modes of expressing the “awe and beauty found in life.”
Janice Olenio-Michienzi also explores spirit in her show of acrylic works, “Dryads: Spirits of the Trees.” The Seabrook artist says, “In the ancient tales of Greek mythology, it is believed that a peaceful nature spirit who lives in trees takes the form of a woman and is a guardian spirit who simply guards the trees which they inhabit. The Greeks also believe that the spirit of the trees can speak with animals that use the trees as their homes.
“After high school, I attended Northeastern University, Boston, to become a Radiologic/Mammographic Technologist, married, had two children, and worked over 40 years in that profession. That left only a little time to devote to my creative side, but I always found time to paint or craft and give myself some 'take me away' time to relax. Now that I am retired, I am free to indulge in all my passions.
“When I was 27, I took a class in Tole painting which piqued my interest to continue. I paint in oils and acrylics and have also done a bit in pastels. I love to bring serenity to my paintings and love to paint animals. Painting is only one way I express myself with my God-given gift of creativity. I also love crafting, and I always have multiple projects going on. Gardening and garden design are also a passion, and I am happy that it is seasonal, so I can devote my time to creative expression, whether it be with paints and brushes, paper crafts, embellished decoupage, fabric design, or working with seashells.’ Janice also currently has a pair of paintings, "Havana Nights," on display at the SAA's Exeter Inn spring show.
See these two May Body of Work shows at the Seacoast Artist Association in downtown Exeter until Sunday, May 29. Please join them for a Second Friday artist reception on May 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Parking is free. See more at seacoastartist.org and follow them on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Two local artists explore ‘Spirit’ in solo shows at Seacoast Art Association
