-Crowell Art Gallery at Moore Free Library, 23 West St., is now featuring artwork by Maisie Crowther’s “On the Edge,” including watercolors and multimedia works, through Friday, July 31.
A reception takes place Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.
“Water, in all its states, is the inspiration for my painting,” Crowther says in her artist statement. “The interaction of water as river, ocean, ice, or fog with other elements of earth, fire, and air, is the focus of my study of watercolor.”
She continues: “Painting is a conversation between the changing land or seascape, and the artist who entertains the challenge of rendering the fluidity of nature in a permanent ‘frozen moment.’
“The question that brings it to mind, of course, is the importance of water […]. Water is essential for life,” she writes.
Memories frozen in water
She spoke about when in the 1980s her family went out West, spending time at Lake Powell in Arizona and sailing down the creek.
“I think my older siblings liked to go to the beach, and I tagged along,” says Crowther, the youngest of four siblings. “My mother was very happy to have babysitters that could take me places, and the beach was one of the favorite places.”
She emphasizes her relationship to water and the connection to where she lives in her forest on Ames Hill.
“I think we’re very lucky in Vermont. We haven’t had too many droughts,” Crowther says. “We have to be careful how we use [water] and how we keep from polluting it.”
Making a splash
Crowther studied painting, drawing, and printmaking throughout her schooling and continued learning these media.
She has advice for new watercolorists.
“Play,” she says. “Use your brushes as part of your whole arm, or whatever is holding them. Sweep the paper, dot, and line; find a rhythm to the strokes. Use different tools, and don’t be afraid to leave white paper.”
She continues to give advice about when someone should start showing their work: “Right away,” Crowther says. “Don’t be afraid of critique.”
Interacting is also invaluable for artists, she adds.
“As I have learned from my students, art brings community closer,” Crowther says.
The Crowell Art Gallery is located within the Moore Free Library at 23 West St. in Newfane. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This Arts item by Alyssa Grosso was written for The Commons.