New Exhibition in October October 05 2017
In the feature gallery:
BJ Lantz
Versatility
On View: October 7-28, 2017
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 7, 4-7 PM
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Inspired by her love of nature, BJ creates ethereal landscapes and serene abstract paintings by scratching deep into the layers of oil paint and cold wax, providing a glimpse into the hidden layers underneath. Her technique of blending colors and textures evokes an atmospheric, glowing quality that invites quiet contemplation. BJ states, “I realized recently that a lot of my work - even the non-representational landscapes - has a sense of solitude, but for me, that solitude translates to serenity, tranquility, and peace.”
This exhibition is aptly named Versatility, a term that relates to one's ability to change and move freely in many directions. In one way, this is a reference to her openness to changes in style and technique over time but it also relates to the versatility of the process itself. BJ explains, “My work often goes through complete transformations, often several times in the same piece. The versatility of the medium allows me to treat the work differently at various stages of the process.”
While color palettes, textures and subject matter may vary from one painting to the next, as a whole, this exhibition represents a cohesive survey of BJ's newest work.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
BJ Lantz has made a living as a professional artist for the majority of her life. Spending her first 20 years as a graphic designer, BJ now dedicates her time to her fine art career and also maintains a successful art licensing business in giftware and home decor.
BJ studied abstract painting under the tutelage of Fred Samuelson, Flora Bowley, Judy Wise, Patricia Balwin-Seggebruch, Mary Beth Shaw and Suzy Pilgrim Waters. She then studied cold wax abstraction with Rebecca Crowell and Lisa Pressman at Cullowhee Mountain Arts at Western Carolina University, as well as with Montana based mixed-media artist Pamela Caughey.
When she's not designing, painting, traveling or being bossed around by three rather spoiled cats, BJ can be found either in a rowing scull on the river, riding her lime-green bicycle, or enjoy lazy days with her husband of 30 years on their sailboat “Adios” in Florida.