Myra Clark + Art

April 1 - May 28

Blackfish Gallery and the Newport Art Center present

“Creative Diversity Abides”

A group show of the Blackfish artist collective

Runyan Gallery, Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport OR

It takes years to draw like an ant, having first tried out the idea in 2009. Last weekend, I was dimly aware that I had gained (at least in the moment) a mindless attentiveness that allowed me to meander around the drawing and take it all in while putting it all back out there. It was also an absolute head twister to utilize mark making as a vocabulary tool while hanging on by my fingernails to making the drawing itself. The experience reminded me of learning to write an essay or a poem, and since I have learned how to write, I know that I can progress even more with drawing. It’s never a done deal.

Feeling refreshed by my studio time today. The only thing was, I needed to regrind my ochre pigment - it was full of lumps (aka rocks in the lingo) and simply wouldn’t disolve in the egg temper, mixing so poorly that I couldn’t get close to the needed skin tones for the icon on which I am working. Very cleverly – imo but not exactly my husband’s! – I repurposed our small kitchen mortar and pestle to get the job done. Regrinding was just the ticket (thank you, Fr. Jon!), and things are going much better.

Here’s a review of the J. S. Show at the Modern I in Edinburgh. It captures what I found to be the sensibility of the contemporary group show I saw there. Saville is new for me - I was stunned. When her figures became  too disturbing to look at (happened quite soon), I would begin examining her marks in paint and charcoal Instead. They were disturbing too. I couldn’t get away from these monumentally scaled, nude women. Their very flesh, so malleable and yet so solid were hard to remain with, but so compelling you had to stay. Her work will stay w me a long time.

 i also saw an amazing Rembrandt show the same day. I was especially gathered into his ink drawings. I’m inviting him into my studio and drawing immediately. I’m just on my phone so will post more notes later. 

I have three shows in July! I hope to see you at one or all of them.

June 30 - August 11

Verum Ultimum

5th Annual Living Mark Exhibit

An international open juried call

Opening June 30, 6-8 

My piece "Pussy Got Pisssed" has been included in this exhibit, and was chosen for the cover of the show's catalog! (sumi ink, small orange latex gloves, staples on wood; 24"x24")

 July 5 - 28

Gallery 114, Thurs - Sun, noon-6

Dwelling in Possibility

Annual member exhibit

Opening July 5th, 6-9 p.m.

My piece "Tangle" will be in the show (ink on paper, 36" x 50")

 July 8 - September 9

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, NW 19th and NW Everett

Mary Magdalene Re-Imagined

Juried group show

Opening and artist panel, July 8th

Responses to the show:

I had middle and high schoolers at the gallery last Friday evening, and they talked about the fragility of sanctuary, and how the only true sanctuary is in the heart. (Oh, Children). Another student, from PNCA and on a different day,  took note of my "interesting use of idolatry" at one point. I have to admit that caught me by surprise, and the ensuing discussion was super interesting and great. Love students!

This last Saturday, a woman started crying when she reached the chairs ("Playtime"). She has a 14 year old son she is trying to keep in school and wonders how she can keep working on this when schools are  no longer sanctuaries for children.

Several other people found the chairs ("Playtime") most disturbing. One person noted that in his tradition a rock would symbolize returning to the earth. Another said that in her Jewish tradition a rock was placed on a grave for remembrance. Another said it was hard not to think of the rocks as weapons given the shell casings of the other two pieces.

"Empty Shells" has been one of the most engaging for people I have talked with. Many also like looking through the speakeasy door in "Narrow Door," like the embroidery a great deal and have a hard time with the nimbus. I feel in good company, as the piece keeps going in and out of focus for me at many levels, and the metaphors have become increasingly nuanced.

Farewell to my installations ("Narrow Door," "Playtime" and "Empty Shells"), as well as Lauren Carrera's wonderful creation "The Revelation: Everything That Rises Must Converge." Sigh - everything has now come down from the exhibit. Yes, it may re-emerge at other sites, but at Gallery 114 it had its own site specific identity. Once work is installed, it becomes its own thing, it goes its own way, never to be the same again if there is change in site, situation or context.  

The give and take with visitors during the Sanctuary show and what we have shared with each other has been an enormous gift. Rarely have I experienced such revelations from those who have come to see my work.

Sanctuary Events

Gallery 114 • 1100 NW Glisan, Portland, OR. 97209 • 503-243-3356 http://www.gallery114pdx.com/ • Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 12-6pm or by appointment

Thursday, February 1, 6-9 p.m.

Opening Reception Thursday, February 1, 6-9 p.m.

February 3, Saturday, 4-5 p.m.

Featuring a short screening of clips from her award winning documentary “Finding Bosnia,” Ivana Horvat explores how different her childhood would have been had she and her family not left war-torn Sarajevo. This interactive presentation will prompt consideration of war and identity as it explores the questions it raises about the notion of sanctuary.

February 11, Sunday, 1-2 p.m. 

Variations on themes of sanctuary and revelation in poetry and prose: Readings by writers Liz Harlan-Ferlo, Brian Manning, Jane Salisbury, Deborah Schauffler, Robin Schauffler, and Peter Young. 

February 22, Thursday, 4-6 p.m. 

During a colleague's show at Gallery 114 (the collective of which I am a part) there were several people considering purchasing her paintings. One couple also asked me if I had anything they could see, so I brought up a piece on my computer, and also emailed some other images.  Last night, I took the piece they were interested in over to their house and we looked at frames and placement of the art. They loved it, put a deposit down on the work and I'm going ahead with the framing for them. It was the first time I have been asked to visit someone's home and to be part of all the decisions about framing and placement. I felt so honored, and so happy with the process.

I think that's how it's done, how a gallery makes things happen. So very pleased to be part of Gallery 114.

 Cheers,

December 6, 2017

Here's a shout-out to my mom, who at 88 years old has spent the past year knitting hats for community members to receive in December. These are people who come to the Friday Night Dinner that Grace Memorial hosts every week; many people who come are without housing and living outside. Community members all receive holiday gift bags during December with basic items like hats, gloves, scarves, toothpaste, etc. Warm hats make a big difference - it is really getting cold out. My mom has done this for the past three years.