MARCELLUS — Thematic circular designs strikingly rendered in black and white along with fantastical paintings created with bright colors and bold linework are currently on display at Baltimore Woods Nature Center. These two intriguing styles are the result of individual interpretations of nature by distinctly different artists.
The exhibit, titled “Unique Perspectives,” is composed of the work of Marlene Roeder and Amy Cunningham-Waltz. The show runs through April 23 and the public is invited to view the exhibit in person by pre-registering for a select Monday or Saturday through the website, baltimorewoods.org, or by calling 315-673-1350. A virtual exhibit can be accessed through the website for those who prefer to enjoy the exhibit from home. All the artwork is for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the mission of nature education at Baltimore Woods Nature Center.
There are common characteristics of the artwork produced by Roeder and Cunningham-Waltz including their love of nature, their attention to detail, and their wonderful line work. It is clear though that each of the artists brings her own ideas to her process.
The “Circles of Life” by Marlene Roeder beckon the viewer to look closely and find the details that are cleverly integrated into the circular designs. Her “Circles of Life” began when the artist was creating zentangles, that is, bold black and white designs, with her granddaughter. This enjoyable activity developed into a more complex and thoughtful process, leading her to make depictions of a variety of subjects including the Adirondacks, apple varieties, flowers and more. Friends suggested that they would be fun to color, and so in addition to her wall art, she offers coloring books. Twenty percent of her sales are donated to fight human trafficking.
Marlene Roeder describes her creative process as having three stages. The first is “Looking”, when she takes in the big picture of her surroundings and then focuses on individual elements, such as plants or animals, to include in her work. The second phase, “Loving,” involves the photographing of her chosen elements, and then studying them through drawing and research. At this stage she comes to love what she has learned. The third and final stage is “Lining,” when Roeder concentrates on the line qualities of her subjects and merges them into the “Circle of Life” designs, which are rendered in ink. Some are also hand colored using pencil.
The paintings of Amy Cunningham-Waltz often begin in the natural world, with her imagination, sense of design and desire to tell a story in her own way, soon taking over the process of making.
“My paintings,” Cunningham-Waltz said, “are a fantastical interpretation of something that caught my eye or appeared in my yard or just came to me in a moment of inspiration.”
Part of the fantasy aspect of her work is achieved by simplifying the essential shapes in her subject matter, thereby abstracting it, and so her work in this exhibit has been subtitled “Abstracted Nature.”
Additionally, her color choices, although they may relate to reality, are often altered as well. They are bold and bright, commanding our attention. The artist would tell you that she finds color to be fascinating, and it is a great motivator for her in her process.
Finally, Cunningham-Waltz describes herself as “obsessed with pattern” and her work leaves the viewer with no doubt that this is the case. Sometimes subtly painted in subdued colors, and at other times rendered in black, her patterns recall the work of global entities while enhancing her contemporary designs. Her inspirations come from henna and tattoo art as well as motifs of indigenous cultures such as the Maori, Native Americans. and the Celts.
Both artists offer cards and prints in addition to pieces ready for hanging on a wall, and Marlene Roeder has coloring books as well. Roeder’s work is framed in black with glass, or in the case of a large piece, plexiglass. The works of Cunningham-Waltz are mounted on black board and finished with a UV protective coating.
Submitted photos
Baltimore Woods is hosting an art exhibit featuring the work of Marlene Roeder and Amy Cunningham-Waltz.
Submitted by Karen Jean Smith
Gallery Coordinator
