September 2008 Archives

John Copley's show, "Landscapes/Landscape(r)s is on display from September 26th through October 31st.  John has shared some of his thoughts about his work with us. 

Q. What inspires you?

A.  I can view almost anything as a subject. I have done a series of several very detailed paintings of wooden boats, a subject which requires carefully controlled work. I also paint much more impressionistic depictions of landscapes, where I can more freely convey emotions rather than do the strict “reporting” the boats demand. I was inspired to paint the landscape(r)s series by the lovely play of light across the figures as they worked. I am contemplating a series involving bicycles and urban streetscapes, but my favorite subject matter remains the open Michigan farm landscape and the depiction of places and spaces that may not exist much longer as time and the march of development takes its toll.

     I enjoy being able to work in many different media, and produce results which reflect not a studied predictable result, but one which allows me to paint any way I think will convey my reactions to the subject, and showcase the years I have spent and the skills I have learned doing many different types of work, although they all involve painting at their most basic level.

 

Q. What types of work have you done?

 

A. I began about age 4 or so painting myself Prussian Blue, and never really looked back. I took as many art classes as I could throughout my elementary and secondary school years and graduated from the U of M Art School in 1969. To make a living I took up the task of producing street signs and painting crosswalks and the lines in the middle of the streets for the city of Ann Arbor. Zeke Mallory and I opened a graphic arts studio in Ann Arbor in 1972, named Crow Quill Graphics, which we ran successfully for 10 years, doing all manner things such as signs, logos, window lettering and murals, some of which can still be seen around town. I have done several murals and paintings for the U of M residence halls which can be seen on my website- www.johnacopley.com.

 I was an apprentice scenic artist (summers mostly) from 1965 – 1970 where I learned the basics of painting scenery backdrops in dye. I resumed this career in 1984 for a local theatrical studio until I was “laid off” in 2001. During my tenure there I regularly painted 1000 sq. ft. backdrops in dye and acrylics, and added display painting for industrial and auto shows to my résumé. After the untimely end to my scenic art career, I returned to studio work, and had my first one-man show in the summer of 2007 at Domaci Gallery in Rogers City Michigan.

 

Q. And now?

 A. I hope to just continue to enjoy painting. I worried, as I’m sure many artists do at their first show- will they like it? Will they “get” it? Will they see what I see? Will they see what I want them to see? So far I have been very gratified by the positive response people have given my work.

 

I get so wrapped up in the experience of creating these paintings. The act of creating is what is important to me, what temporarily satisfies me, and what keeps me painting. 

Landscapes/Landscape(r)s: An exhibition of recent works by John Copley will be featured at The Side Door Gallery from September 26th through October 31st. An opening reception will be held on September 26th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Dexter Kids ArT Calendar 2009 ArT show, Sept. 29th though October 19th.
ArT Advocates  promotes art throughout Dexter Community Schools by fundraising and organizing events.  They have published a calendar featuring student artwork on each of the monthly pages.  The artwork selected for the 2009 calendar will be on display at Dexter Picture Frame Co.  and a reception for the participating artists will be held on Friday, October 17th from 6 - 8p.m.

ART WALK, Friday, October 17th & Saturday, October, 18th

Ninth annual tour of galleries, exhibition spaces,& artists & craftspeople's studios in Ann Arbor, Dexter & Ypsilanti.  The Side Door Gallery is participating and showcasing the work of John Copley.  Other fine artists featured at Dexter Picture Frame Co. are Jan Ruvido Stebbins, Gerry Volgenau, Valerie Mann, Barb Yerace, and Emil Weddige.  Visit www.annarborartwalk.com and download your copy of the participants with map and locations. Please visit our fellow Dexter  gallery participants, Daisy Lake Gallery and Artistica.

November 1 through November 30

Room Full of Questions, an exhibition of india ink paintings by Tracey Gallup from the her new book, "A Roomful of Questions"   Tracey will be at the gallery on November 28th to talk about her work, sign books and to read from  "A Roomful of Questions"

December

Kim Krumrey