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Shaped by Nature: Ceramics and Prints in Dialogue with Nature

Arturo Araujo

Vachon Gallery | September 20-October 20, 2023
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm

RECEPTION & ARTIST TALK: October 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

RSVP for the reception is appreciated, but not required. You can RSVP here.

Welcome to 'Shaped by Nature: Ceramics and Prints in Dialogue with Nature,' an exhibition where two distinct yet interconnected worlds of art converge. This collection explores the profound connection between art, nature, and the human experience through the juxtaposition of low-fire ceramics and multimedia prints.

In the ceramic show, the touch of driftwood becomes a vital and transformative element of the creative process. The clay takes on new life through the pressing of weathered and gracefully contoured driftwood, shaped into organic forms that reflect the essence of the trees from which the driftwood originated and the landscapes they once belonged to. Each ceramic piece becomes a testament to the imprint of the driftwood's journey, carrying within it the intertwining narratives of human intervention and the inherent beauty of nature's design. The touch of driftwood infuses the clay with a sense of wanderlust and the mysteries of the natural world, inviting contemplation of the interconnectedness between art, the elements, and the life cycles.

Meanwhile, in the printmaking show, the transformative power of flowers and the forces of nature take center stage. Through intricate layers of printmaking, each piece captures the essence of resilient blooms and the ever-changing landscape. These prints become visual symphonies, evoking the healing energy from the natural world. They reflect the duality of turbulence and serenity, chaos, and order, inviting viewers to embrace the profound interconnectedness between humanity, flowers, and the elemental forces at work. These works testify to the enduring beauty that blossoms despite life's challenges.

Both mediums—ceramics, and printmaking—share a common thread: the profound influence of nature on art and the human experience. This show invites you to explore this interplay, celebrating the intricate details, textures, and narratives that emerge when art and nature converge. The exhibition is a tribute to the transformative power of creative expression, offering solace, healing, and a renewed appreciation for the enduring beauty in the delicate dance between ink and earth, clay, and driftwood.

Join us on this tactile and visual journey, where the beauty and resilience of the natural world intertwine with the creative expressions of human hands. As you immerse yourself in 'Shaped by Nature: Ceramics and Prints in Dialogue with Nature,' may you find solace, hope, and a renewed connection with the world that has shaped us all.

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Born in the Caribbean Sea in Barranquilla, Colombia, Arturo Araujo moved to the United States in 2001 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Seattle University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts, and an MFA from the University of New Mexico. He teaches art at Seattle University and works in his studio, Inside River Studio. Inspired by nature, Araujo combines etching, relief, and digital media in his work.