Back to the Picture

Back to the Picture Gallery Presents:

Intimate Worlds:  Landscapes, Portraits, and Operas

March 5 through April 2, 2011

Artist Reception was Saturday, March 12
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Accompanied by Kippy Marks-thank you Kippy!

934 Valencia Street @ 20^th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 826-2321

Back to the Picture welcomes artists Christine Cariati, John Mickelson, and Joel Peirano, reunited in Intimate Worlds: Landscapes, Portraits, and Operas. The trio of artists have exhibited at Peirano’s Atelier during San Francisco Open Studios, and found their works to be complimentary and compatible. In gouache, watercolor, and photography, the artists invite the viewer to explore worlds of color, detail, expression, and the cycles of life.

Christine Cariati - Operas

I love opera, it is an engrossing, emotionally powerful, multi-layered art form that combines sets, costumes, acting, dance—and, of course, music and singing. The drama in opera often hinges on a moment of significant change in a character’s life—whether it is reconciliation, abandonment, enlightenment, despair, love or death.

I also sense these dramas unfold when I walk out into my garden—stepping into a deep, ongoing narrative as the birds, insects and flowers go about their dance. In the Imaginary Opera paintings, I combine the narratives of the human world with the natural world—which is often represented in my work by birds. Birds also embody the music in opera, and the resonant emotional power that music, the melding of human voices and the symphony of nature evoke in us. In these paintings I portray these brief moments of inspiration, exchange and transformation—and my hope is, that the viewer can hear the music.

John Mickelson - Landscapes

In these photographic studies I am drawn to the organic structure, pattern and beauty of botanical subjects. Challenging the confines of focus through lens manipulation, my desire is to transcend the existing landscape and create new altered imagery evoking a meditative sense of place.

Joel Peirano - Portraits

My work arises from the desire to capture emotion and expression: their mystery and power have always intrigued and fascinated me.

I search for the common sensitivity between my work and the viewer.

I use opaque and transparent acrylics, oil pastels, varnishes and washes in super-imposed layers, arranging them according to their affinities and resistances, letting the colors speak.

Back to the Picture welcomed artists Christine Cariati, John Mickelson, and Joel Peirano at the Opening Reception to Intimate Worlds:  Landscapes, Portraits, and Operas on Saturday, March 12, from 7-9 pm.  Kippy Marks accompanied the reception on his violin with original scores, delighting the full house in attendance.  Special thanks to the exhibition artists, to Kippy Marks, and to all who attended!

Visit Intimate Worlds now.  The exhibit runs through April 2.  Reasonably-priced original artwork, made by your neighbors…shop local, and cherish art!