VISUAL ARTS

Laurie Simko and Laura Gawlinski, long-time members of the artist community at Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios, present Metaphorically Speaking, works that explore ‘paying attention’ and connecting to the intelligence, wisdom, and beauty that the natural world offers. Gawlinski said that a walk on a dirt road provided, in a piece of mica, the ‘glint’ of inspiration for her works in the show. “One side of the stone was smooth and golden and glass-like. Turning the rock in my hand, I saw the layers. Each layer of golden transparency came together to make the stone that was this mountain we were walking on. These works are about noticing the little things, the layers, and how they are all connected in something greater.” She responded to this insight with works in fabric, fiber, and encaustic paint. Simko’s works combine photography, digital collage printed onto canvas, and oil painting. “I strive to pay attention to what’s meaningful and significant in every day. The recent loss of my parents has spurred a surge of exploration, creativity and appreciation of the metaphorical aspect of birds,” she said. “In this series I have tried to capture the interconnection and oneness that we have with the natural world. Each piece synthesizes a combination of media – oil paint, pastel, photography, gold-leaf, and digital collage. Vibrant color is also a key element in my work.” Gawlinski, a resident of Andover, has a background in interior design and has been studying and creating art all her life; she is completing a bachelor’s degree at Lesley University. Simko, who lives in Chelmsford, has a BFA from the California Institute for the Arts, and has worked in drawing, pastel painting, and soft sculpture in addition to the techniques contributing to the works in the current show. Metaphorically Speaking shows in the Loading Dock Gallery at Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Avenue, second floor of the A-Mill, from July 28 to August 29, 2010. There will be a reception for the artists Friday, August 6, from 6 to 9 pm. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 4:30 pm. For further information about the exhibit or the gallery, visit theloadingdockgallery.com