Lisa Manes-James: Unfolding
Solo Painting Exhibition
October 5 – October 28, 2016
Reception: Friday, Oct. 7th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Arts Visalia is pleased to present a new series of paintings by Lisa Manes-James in an exhibition titled Unfolding. Having previously exhibited in group shows at Arts Visalia, this is her first solo exhibition locally and an impressive one at that.
Included in the exhibition are fourteen paintings of medium and large scale, beautifully showcased on Arts Visalia’s large gallery walls. Firmly rooted in the abstract expressionist tradition with a strong sense of color harmony and a richly textured layering of brushwork, the paintings featured in this show are quite striking.
Manes-James notes that the title of the exhibition, as with the titles of several of the paintings, was drawn from the works of the poets Rainer Maria Rilke and Mary Oliver. Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet, a series of letters which emphasize the importance of seeking an understanding of life through experience and creativity, is cited as of particular importance for the artist. Describing the show she says, “Unfolding refers to my own development as an artist and the opportunity to reveal these works as part of my personal and continual artistic journey.”
She continues in stating, “My art references the natural world, based on observation, in which nature is seen as a reflection of the human condition. I am inspired by the physical and sensory qualities of natural environments and my emotional connection to these places and atmospheres. My painting process is a free expression of my feelings, resulting in non-objective abstract explorations.”
Originally from the Central San Joaquin Valley in California, Lisa Manes-James holds a BA and a teaching credential in art from California State University, Fresno and an MFA in painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. After residing in the Northern San Francisco Bay Area for six years, Lisa recently relocated to her hometown of Visalia where she works in her studio.
She has exhibited her work in solo exhibitions in San Francisco and Mill Valley, and in juried group shows in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Recently she was commissioned by Imagery Estate and Benziger Family Wineries in Glen Ellen, California, for a wine label. Lisa has taught art in California public schools for 14 years and has instructed abstract painting workshops at Healdsburg Center for the Arts in Healdsburg, California.
Lisa Manes-James: Unfolding will be on display at Arts Visalia from October 5th through October 28th, 2016 with an opening reception to be held Friday evening, October 7th, from 6 to 8pm in connection with the First Friday events organized by the Arts Consortium. Admission is free and open to the public. Generous sponsorship for this exhibition has been provided by Bueno Beverage Company and the Planing Mill Pizzeria.
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