Transformation into Art

Evening View of the Blue Whole Gallery

    

 Transforming

Found Objects & Wood into Art

     During the month of July the Blue Whole Gallery will feature three artist members whose work transforms everyday objects and the elements of natural wood into art that has meaning and beauty within itself. First and foremost they are "One for all and all for One" as they seek in their own individual way the creative and natural expression of their view of life.

     Who are they?  First:  Robert "Bud" Bowling a mixed media artist who strives to use natural and found objects to convey meaning and relate to people that everyday objects have a story to tell.  Second:  Carl Baker transforms wood into objects of artistic expression, revealing colors, intricate patterns & shapes. He captures the natural edge of burl, at the same time releasing the beauty & potential within the wood's hidden soul. Third:  Christian M. Speidel whose wood work focuses on animal caricatures and realistic birds in flight, or human torsos that show the inner beauty and instinctive allure of wood's natural grain, movement, and color.

Robert "Bud" Bowling

   In Robert's words " I strive to use natural and found objects in my work and enjoy the challenge of combining texture along with various mediums for embellishments.  From concept to construction I find satisfaction in being a part of creative transformation."  Along with this effort by Robert, he also tells a story within his assemblages that relate to the theme being viewed.  This can be seen in the following examples of his work:

"Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall"

 

"No Strings Attached"

"Keys"

    

     Turning wood for Carl Baker is a means of artistic expression and a passion to reveal wood's colors and shapes capturing the natural edge of a burl or the intricate patterns found within the wood itself. But Carl goes a step further by turning wood into an artistic piece that is so evenly thin and delicate it can be admired for its nature and lightness even more. Carl pushes the envelope and excels in exploring the woods inner soul releasing its potential beauty.  It becomes a work to be enjoyed by touch and sight.  Carl has truly turned wood into works of art.  This can be seen in the following pieces.

"Nesting Bowls"

"Eagles Nest"

"Shore Line Head Trip"

   Christian M. Speidel, a native of Wisconsin, works with indigenous woods and exotic timber species bringing out the special characteristics that wood, as nature's living canvas, can only show.  

  Christian's woodworking skills create three-dimensional works of art using lathe turnings and sculpting techniques to bring out the inner beauty that each piece conceals within itself.  His work includes fine wood vessels, bowls and sculptured pieces that are turned on the lathe or hand carved.  Such skills help him to explore and express the natural warmth and grain of wood in a unique manner.  The scope of his art work includes animal caricatures to human torsos revealing the inner beauty and internal elements that wood grains reflect in both color & movement.  Below are examples of his work. 

"Leap 1"

"Our Lady of the Wood"

"Art of the Hunt"

     The work of these three artists can be viewed and enjoyed on July 3, 2015 from 5 to 8 pm. and throughout the month at the Blue Whole Gallery where their creative efforts will be on display in the Gallery's windows.  Take advantage of this array of diversity and see how everyday objects and natural wood are transformed into works of extraordinary beauty of shape, form and construction.

     All three artists, Robert "Bud" Bowling, Carl Baker and Christian M. Speidel will be present along with their art work at the Blue Whole Gallery on First Friday, July 3, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m.

They welcome your contact:

Robert "Bud" Bowling: Phone: 360-808-1645 

Carl Baker: at carlandj@msm.com
or cell phone: (360)-731-9279

Christian M. Speidel: at CSPEIDEL@COX.NET
or Phone: (360)-457-6401

Wishing you all a very  

Happy 4th of July 

Weekend!