about the exhibit
West Nebraska Arts Center, with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, is pleased to present a solo exhibit, Mystik Earth, by artist Lauri (Slater) Matisse of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Executive Director, Donna Thompson, says, “We have been planning this show for some time now. Lauri’s work is so unique and makes such a statement. When we were selecting pieces for the show, it became apparent there would be challenges because of the sheer size of the artwork. The Main Gallery is such a flexible space though, and I felt we could make it work. They are even more impressive now that they are hung and lit. I hope everyone will come by to enjoy her work and meet Lauri and her family Thursday night. They will be glad they did.”
The show opens Thursday, August 3rd, with a reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guitar music by Sherri Sides. Hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments will be served compliments of Questers chapter #1346 and the North Platte Valley Artist Guild. All are welcome.
Award winning visionary architect, artist and author, Lauri Matisse works with light and expressive use of line. She was influenced by French Impressionism, especially Degas and Van Gogh, but also drew from the intensity of German Expressionism. She draws inspiration from nature, people, architecture and religious themes. The one word she uses to describe her work is ‘trans…’ moving through, transforming or transcending; also having a transparent or translucent effect. “In my art, I hope to transport the soul of the viewer through their own perceptions to elevate and enhance their own life’s creative process.”
Lauri works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, pencil, charcoals, pastels, print-making, sculpting, new genre, installation and performance art. Her favorite mediums are oils, watercolors, and etching. Her favorite method is impasto style painting. Her works are enjoyed by private collectors in the United States, France, England and Singapore and have been shown in museums, such as the Armand Hammer Museum, galleries, religious institutions, cafes and colleges. She attended University of Nebraska 1979-1983 BS in Architecture; Architectural Association of London 1983; Santa Monica College, CA. 1987-1997 Studied Art ; UCLA Extension 1994 Studied Art.
Lauri has shown her artwork in solo shows at Architecture College Gallery, University of Nebraska 1982; Prebica Cafe, Marina Del Rey, CA.1997; First Lutheran of Venice, CA. 1999 and 2001; Johrei Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2002; Slave Gallery, Venice, CA. 1999 & 2004; Parioli’s, Solana Beach, CA. 1999; Christopher John Art Gallery, Santa Monica, CA. 2008; Amore Vino, Torrance CA. 2012; Mariner’s Cafe, CA. 2015; Two upcoming shows 2017; Princeton, NJ. Currently exhibiting at Fayetteville Underground Gallery, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Group Shows: Armand Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA.; 1999; Galerie St. Jacques, Paris 2010; Christopher John Art Gallery, Santa Monica, CA. 2006; Praire Studios, Scottsbluff, NE.; Western Nebraska College 2014; Moving show with Bamboo for Ecological Living Publication Germany, Peru 2007 Public Art: 2nd Place Winner: Los Angeles River Gates, Reseda California 2010
Architecture: 3rd place winner: Ambulatory Medical Center: Published in Visionary Bamboo Designs for Ecological Living 2007;
Illustrated Children’s Book: Princess Picklehead 1987; Taught Art Enrichment Classes for 6 years.
Lauri says, “I consider myself a Process Artist. The process to me is more important than the finished work, which lines up with my one word that describes my work, ‘trans…’ moving through, transforming, transcending, and having a transparent or translucent effect. Through the Arts, I process life.
In this body of work, which I called the Mystik Earth Series, I spread dry wall and acrylic gel with my fingers, using the movement of the mixture to create a 3-D effect on canvas or wood. I waited for it to dry and crack, then with oil, varnish, turpentine and linseed oil; I, then, painted the 3-D surfaces allowing the paint to drip to express tears and emotions that went into the work. I had been working with homeless and troubled youth in Venice Beach, California for about 15 years prior to the work. I began with an eight foot high Statue of Liberty in September of 2000 to convey the experiences I had which reminded me of ‘huddled masses yearning to be free’. The painting turned out more apocalyptic than I intended, so I set it aside. For the next 12 months, I proceeded to make the subsequent pieces. As I worked I poured out prayers for the persons I had worked with and the world. After 9/11, I made the piece Rain as a memorial to the lives lost.”
Mystik Earth can be viewed August 3rd through 27th, 2017. Visit the gallery Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Gallery admission is FREE and open to the public.
special thanks
Thank you to volunteers Vicki Schmitt, Vic Bentley, Jan Durnin, Phil Thompson, and Karen Mecklem for their assistance in the gallery this month.
Thank you to the North Platte Valley Artist Guild and Questers Chapter #1346 for providing the reception refreshments.
