2018 Evanston + Vicinity Biennial

Across The Board (Part 1) by Lisa Goesling

I am so pleased to be a part of the 24th Evanston Evanston + Vicinity Biennial juried by Sergio Gomez, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, Aron Packer, Owner and Director of Aron Packer Projects, Chicago and Therese Quinn, Associate Professor of Art History & Director of Museum and Exhibition Studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago. 

It is one of the Midwest's largest juried exhibitions, drawing gallerists, curators, collectors and art lovers alike. 

The opening reception if on Friday, August 31st from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and the exhibition runs from August 31st to September 30, 2018. 

UPCOMING EXHIBITION: INSPIRED RESPONSE

Moving On by Lisa Goesling. Part of Inspired Response.

Across The Board by Lisa Goesling. Part of Inspired Response. 

The Nature of Design - Movement. 1 of 1 Digitally Colored Print and Original Art. by Lisa Goesling. Part of Inspired Response. 

Spontaneous Combustion 38 by Lisa Goesling. Part of Inspired Response. 

Across The Board

Across The Board by Lisa Goesling

Detail of Across The Board by Lisa Goesling

Across The Board has been been running around inside of my head for some time...I finally made it happen. One of the key aspects about my art is the amount of movement I can develop through line. I began this piece by deciding that it would be a total of eight feet wide. (This is the first of two sections, the other one is still in the works.)

My goal is to create an intimate conversation with the viewer so I try not to work too large. I designed this hanging 'sculpture' to glide in and out from the wall. It reaches 21" high by 96" wide, allowing the viewer to take their time as they engage with each individual piece. The content is filled with images from nature along with abstract shapes. Each panel was created by drawing with an X-ACTO knife into boards made of India Ink and clay. The magic happens when I drag my knife through the layers, slowly but surely patterns begin to emerge. Values are achieved by varying the pressure with my tool, and textures by painting with acrylic artist color. I hope that you see something new in Across The Board every time you view it. 

Thank you Bruce Starrenburg Photography, www.bstarrenburg.com, for doing a beautiful job of capturing my art. And thank you, Gemini Builds It, www.geminibuildsit.com, for your constant attention to building the structure that supports Across The Board. 

SOLD

Detail of Larger Than Life Orchid

I had decided not to sell this piece because I was rather in love with it. But gallery owner Cynthia Burr of Vivid Art Gallery in Winnetka, IL said that a collector had been thinking about Larger Than Life Orchid for over a year and would love to purchase it. 

It is now hanging in the perfect spot in their home. 

Larger Than Life Orchid by Lisa Goesling

BWAC: SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Awarded by Assistant Curator, Metropolitan Museum of Art

I had no idea that I'd received a Special Recognition Award for my piece, Uprooted 2,through the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition BLACK & WHITE show. But there it was, just waiting for me along with a check in my mailbox. Thank you Alison Hokanson, Assistant Curator, Metropolitan Museum of Art! I am truly honored!

Uprooted 2 by Lisa Goesling

IS SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION REAL?

Is Spontaneous Combustion Real? by Lisa Goesling

Artist and friend, James Deeb, came up with a brilliant solution to the frustration a lot of us are feeling about the present state of our nation. He answered the question, how can artists spread kindness amongst the chaos? James organized an exhibition that gives artists a platform to make a difference through their art. I donated Is Spontaneous Combustion Real? to the upcoming 'Unpresidented' Art Auction in Chicago on Friday, October 27th, 2017. 100% of the proceeds go to Heartland Alliance. They make a huge difference in the lives of refugees and the LGBTQ community.

Just a little background about Is Spontaneous Combustion Real? I created my own rendition of a 'Wall' on the bottom of this piece. On the left side there are rain drops running into a raging flood depicted in the undulating shapes of the half dried up leaf. The tree like structure on the top left side represents the roots of hate that have taken hold, as a snake like shape winds it's way through everything. Knowing that we always need to find a balance, I incorporated elements of beauty throughout. 

Completed Commissions

Keys Trees by Lisa Goesling 

Keys Trees, above, is a compilation of different trees that I came across during my artist residency with The Studios of Key West. There was so much to take in, like Sea Whips in the ocean swaying back and forth in the waves, (they appear in the background black on black) and so many others, all filled with textures and patterns that practically begged me to draw them!

Detail of Keys Trees by Lisa Goesling

I am constantly fascinated by leaves eaten away by insects and time. They evolve from solid shapes into lace like forms, so delicate to the touch that they require special handling while bringing them to life on the page. This piece, Almost There, captures the passage of what was into what is. Completing the bottom leaf meant that the base of the art has weight allowing the top leaves to float above. The textured surface of the background adds contrast to the smooth ink and fine lines.

Detail of Almost There by Lisa Goesling

My Residency through The Studios of Key West

My home for away from home, 607 Ashe St., Key West Florida.  

I was given this marvelous opportunity to spend a month down in Key West, Florida, USA. Before too much time elapses, I wanted to share some of my favorite experiences with you. 

Not having any real idea of what to expect, I ventured down to the Keys on March 16th. I had heard a lot about Duval Street and all of its craziness so I was anxious to check it out, and what better day than March 17th, St. Patrick's Day? To say it was lively and alcohol induced would be an understatement, however I later learned that it wasn't exclusive to St. Patrick's Day. Bars lined the street from one end of the Island to the other, interspersed with good food, galleries and crazy crowds. Needless to say, the people watching was amazing, especially towards Mallory Square where the cruise ships dock. Every night they'd gather around to watch a variety of street performers swallow fire, play music, paint and generally entertain the public. It is a terrific place to watch the sunset with hundreds of your closest friends! 

I loved that all I had to do was walk ten minutes away and I was in this peaceful oasis that I called home. The flowers and trees were in bloom and I was constantly bombarded by scents from all of the blossoms on the trees. My backyard was covered in flora making it the perfect destination for quiet respite. It was where I started my day with a cup of coffee surrounded by new friends and where I ended it talking about how we spent another day in paradise.

The backyard of 607 Ashe St. 

My Studio space within my home. 

When I wasn't out getting inspired by all of the beauty, I was spending quality time within my studio. It was a fabulous space filled with good light and plenty of room to work on multiple pieces at one time. Admittedly, it was a little rough to be indoors when the beach and all of the interesting places were calling me, but I really needed to create art for some commissions I'd gotten right before I left town. 

Pretty clear that this would be hard to resist!

Taken while on a sunset sail on the America 2. 

One of my favorite people that I met down in Key West was my friend, Bree Ann. She was a walking encyclopedia of all things Keys and taught me a lot about all of the plant and animal life native (and not so native) species to that area. Bree spent every afternoon at the ocean collecting subjects for both her art, and mine. She is a wonderful artist and enjoys taking found objects and introducing them into her art. Bree Ann sent me home with a large box filled with goodies, it will continue to inspire me for years to come! 

A sample of my collection of Sea Whips, Coral, Sponges and yes, even a Donkey Tooth (towards the front right of the frame) that washed up from another Island that was home to a slaughterhouse! 

Part of being an Artist in Residence meant being invited to all sorts of wonderful events. The Studios of Key West housed three galleries within their space, in my estimation it is the best option for viewing quality art on the Island.

The Studio of Key West: 533 Eaton St., Key West, FL USA

The Studios of Key West also has a theatre on the second floor where talented musicians and artists of all kinds perform. I was able to witness some powerful musical performances by Seth Glier and Catie Curtis, both new favorites of mine! Not only were they talented, they were also so darn sweet! Catie stayed in the upper level of my home with her tour manager Christa and I have to say, we had some pretty deep, meaningful conversations during the short time that they graced 'my' home. The night before I left I was able to watch/listen to a magical show, Key West Reverie, that took place at the Key West Garden Club at Fort West Martello Tower on the ocean. Directed by Wendy Taucher, it included guest artists from every discipline; musicians, dancers, singers and poets, it was amazing! Stan Spinola, who played the French Horn beautifully, also stayed with me for a few days. He was so much fun to be around! I wish that he lived next door so that we could catch up every morning. Stan plays the horn for the Miami City Ballet, the Philharmonic Symphonia in Boca Raton and in Austria during his summers. It was such a treat drawing in my studio and listening to Stan practicing upstairs on his horn. 

Inside one of the Galleries within The Studios of Key West. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the person that made it all possible for me to come down, Erin Stover Sickmen. Thank you Erin! And of course, my partner in crime, fellow artist in residence, Michele Van Maurik from Toronto, Canada. Michele was given the house next door and was filled with the same wonder. We would take two steps and say, oh wow, grab our phones and shoot a flower or a gecko that just passed our path. There was a cemetery down the block from us and we'd walk or ride our bikes and watch the iguanas slink around, popping their heads out of tombs and sneaking back in again. All of the graves are above ground due to sea level and the iguanas have made them their homes. They are prehistoric looking and so unlike anything you'd come across on a city street in Chicago. 

We ate well, our favorite was 'bien', on Eaton and Frances, right nearby our place. People would wait in a long line just to get some of their Cuban/Caribbean food. We overheard one person saying that it would be their last meal, I sort of agree! 

There was a cast of characters that I met along the way, each one of them touched my heart. Craig Berube-Gray, a former Artist in Residence who moved down to the Keys with his family after his residency. He sculpts these large installations from every day life, like huge popsicles, etc. And Tory, our neighbor on one side, and all of the wonderful young men who lived in the house next door along with their little puppy Ruka, (who I am told is not little anymore) and their beautiful cat, Burt Reynolds. Helen Harrison, a fabulous sculptress who lived/worked nearby, creating these stunning pieces all inspired by nature. And last but definitely not least, my friend, Gretchen Mills. Gretchen took my workshop offered by The Studios of Key West. She is a fabulous artist, (was a Marine Biologist at one time) and owns a Yoga Studio in Key West. From the minute that we met you could just tell that we were going to be fast friends. Gretchen is busy teaching her own workshop in India right now for a group of her yoga students. 

I am home now, plugging away on a 20" x 20" Black Scratchboard, Keys Trees. It incorporates a few of the different trees that grow throughout Key West. Here is the inspiration and my work in progress.

I sincerely hope that all of you get the chance to visit this magical place. 

Type of Palm Tree. 

Leaf from tree.

'Hairy' tree. 

KeysTrees: work in progress. 

Spontaneous Combustion #38

Spontaneous Combustion #38 by Lisa Goesling

After eating grapes, I looked at the vine and thought, the movement of a bare branch is absolutely stunning. So I started to draw the shape of the vine and used the negative space as a jumping off place for the textures and patterns. My new series, Spontaneous Combustion,   incorporates both my love of nature and my love of design. The details force the viewer to come in close. Leaves and flowers abound mixed with all sorts of patterns that intertwine inviting you to keep searching for more surprises. 

Detail of Spontaneous Combustion #8 by Lisa Goesling

Captivating Art: LISA GOESLING-written by Renee LaVerne Rose

Finished Draft by Lisa Goesling

 http://emagazine.acs-mag.com/acs-magazine-septemb…/…/228-229

For those of you who haven't heard of Renee LaVerne Rose, it won't be long before she becomes a household word. Renee is a powerful supporter of artists worldwide, Director of ACS Gallery, Chicago, and Founder, Publisher, and Editor-In-Chief at ACS Magazine. Her ability to understand what drives an artist comes from her passion for creating her own art. Renee's generous spirit is what led her to interviewing me for ACS Magazine's September/October issue. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Renee!

HUMAN NATURE: Lisa Goesling & Len Upin: Opening, Friday September 5th, 5:30-7:30 pm

Moving On-Completed

Moving on by Lisa Goesling

Detail of Moving On by Lisa Goesling

Another Detail of Moving On by Lisa Goesling

My mark making took me on a journey from creating what I thought would be a vertical piece, to one that worked best horizontally. The only thing I planned was to use both found objects and abstract designs...from there I just trusted what would happen as I dragged my X-ACTO knife across the board. From a composition standpoint, I wanted to keep the eye moving yet invite the viewer to stop when landing on something interesting. Subtle textures support the bolder shapes as they glide across the page. The hint of a dragonfly's wings, circular shapes forming a wasps nest on the lower right, even little people that I love to draw, hidden in the gap above the shell like structure on the left. I enjoy completing a piece that looks well thought out even though I simply allowed it be flow. 

UPCOMING SOLO EXHIBITION

The Makings of a Bird's Nest

Bird's Nest by Lisa Goesling

After coming upon a fully intact birds nest outside of our home, I marveled at how such a tiny creature can create something so complex? I searched around for similar materials and the idea of deconstructing a bird's nest was born. I thoroughly enjoy pushing the boundaries of any medium to discover what happens, so I added elements like natural materials, a small painting on canvas and drawings throughout the scratchboard surface. I am constantly thinking about the hierarchy of layers, in this case I covered the background with subtle black lines drawn with an X-ACTO knife and filled in with black ink. As I began to build this piece, I imagined the viewer looking down into it, just like I had done when first discovering the bird's nest. The entire scratchboard forms the top of a 32" high pedestal which is 22"x22" around. 

The End of the Story

Orchid Bud by Lisa Goesling

This single Orchid Bud, no larger than a dime, really intrigued me. There was nothing particularly grand about it when viewed through the naked eye, but once I placed my magnifying glass between my eye and this bud, something truly unexpected occurred. An undulating structure, more brain-like than flower appeared, filled with an array of colors that weren't there a minute ago.

After hours of capturing the twisted layers that formed this tiny bud, I finally had it framed and put on display. 

Normally that would have been the end of it. But not in this case, in this case I knew that there was more to the story. 

Back to the drawing board, I introduced the evolution of an orchid, contrasting the buds tight shapes with the suggestion of a fully realized flower. 

Uprooted

Uprooted by Lisa Goesling

It's fascinating to me that roots hidden deep below the surface of the Earth can mimic what rises above them. 

Complicated systems of 'branches' weaving in and out, soil still clinging to their armature even though the roots were removed from the ground weeks ago. The only thing that has shown signs of passing are the leaves, still attached but twisted into something very different from their previous incarnation. 

A Single 'Shroom

A Single 'Shroom by Lisa Goesling

I am not sure how many hours went into this piece. It's been breathing in my studio for a while. There are always questions lying somewhere in my subconscious, do I leave out some of my subject, if so, how much? Does it tell the whole story without the whole mushroom? Is it necessary to add color? Is it more powerful black and white? What about the background, add a soil like texture to contrast the smooth lines? Every artist constantly deals with editing questions along the way, knowing that each choice takes them down a different path. Since I don't sketch my art first, I never really know which direction I am going until I know that I have arrived. 

Multiple Lilies

Multiple Lilies by Lisa Goesling

My goal is to tell nature’s stories. Fine lines form these delicate buds giving us no indication of what surprises await. Then suddenly we are greeted with a burst of energy of brightly colored petals, some upon closer inspection are filled with every color in the rainbow. These powerful images soon evolve into shriveled up silhouettes complete with their own mysteries. They twist and turn creating a beautiful ending to their compelling story. 

Bark

Bark by Lisa Goesling

I've walked past this incredible tree for twenty-five years. Eastern Cottonwoods have been known to live up to 300 years; who knows how many people have stopped to marvel at this majestic beauty right by the creek, with its deep fissures and subtle colors. I always knew that some day it would become my muse, now is that time. I finally dove in after photographing it from every angle and studying it up close. Capturing the complex structure of the bark with it's multiple layers, sent me on a journey of deep discovery into form and pattern. Bark is one of several pieces that will ultimately make up my birds nest cube 'sculpture'. 

Mushroom in Progress

Mushroom by Lisa Goesling

This is just a rough shot of my Mushroom Art. The form is so complex complete with textures and repetitive lines, what a pleasure to draw! It's prehistoric abstract shapes mimic creatures found under the sea. This Mushroom will be a part of my Close To The Sun series. The gills, wide, thin sheets like plates, radiate in all directions from the stem.