Artworks Gallery Presents:
Kimberly Varnadoe: “Contemplating the Elements”
and
James Gemma: “Exploring the BOLD in Abstraction”
Exhibition Dates: August 27-September 29, 2023
Artists’ Reception and Gallery Talk:
Sunday, September 17, 2-4 pm. Talk begins at 2:30.
Also open for:
Gallery Hop: Friday, September 1, 7-9 pm
Art Crush: Friday, September 21, 7-10 pm
James Gemma,” Exploring the Bold in Abstraction”, showcases digitally created art prints on archival paper and inks, as well as acrylic paintings on wood panels. His work is contemporary in nature and explores unique combinations of strong colors and bold shapes to express his abstract conceptions. This work uses both hard edge and geometric approaches as well as a surprising diversion. This exhibition also includes two black and white prints, which express the ultimate in strong contrast.
After graduating with advanced degrees from The Ohio State University and careers as a university professor and consumer research professional, Mr. Gemma studied art and printmaking at Salem College (under Kimberly Varnadoe), and at Wake Forest University. He also has participated in multiple art workshops at Penland, the Huntington Museum of Art, and the Sawtooth Center for Visual Art. Mr. Gemma served four years as board member of Associated Artists of Winston Salem. As Marketing Chairperson of that group, he created the Practicing Artist Series of lectures and critiques, bringing the participation of nationally known artists to Winston-Salem. He is currently a practicing artist and has been a member of Artworks Gallery in downtown Winston-Salem since 2009.
Jim Gemma, “Strata Various” and “Converging/Diverging”
Throughout history, the Elements of fire, earth, air, and water have been used as powerful symbols to convey ideas, emotions, and narratives. Depicted in a wide range of artistic styles, the elements provide inspiration and are used to explore themes such as love, loss, transformation, and the passage of time.
Kimberly Varnadoe, “Contemplating the Elements”, utilizes oil painting as a direct response to a personal passage through emotionally conflicting times. Creating spontaneously as a meditation process, Varnadoe focuses on the natural elements as a basis for understanding oneself, the natural world, and the human experience. The Elements remind us of the natural world’s beautiful complexity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of the elements can inspire a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By appreciating and respecting these elemental forces, we can cultivate a sense of wonder, curiosity, and reverence for our world, enriching our lives and inspiring us to forge meaningful connections with the people, places, and ideas surrounding us.
Kimberly Varnadoe received her BFA in Painting from the University of South Alabama and her MFA in Printmaking from the University of Memphis. She currently works in oil painting as a meditation practice and explores automatic mark making. She enjoys experimentation and feels that art is most alive during the art creation — the final work of art is the record of the process. Varnadoe is a retired Art Professor from Salem College where she mentored artists for more than 25 years. She has been a member of Artworks Gallery since 2003, serving on the board and serves on the boards of Associated Artists of Winston-Salem and DADA, the Downtown Arts District Association. She is a Founding Artist of Artfolios, an online fine art gallery, where her work can be viewed online. She maintains a studio with the Culture WS collective in Winston-Salem.
Kimberly Varnadoe, “LIVE•GROW•FEEL•CARE” and “FLOW”
This exhibit is free and open to the public.