Andrew Hungaski Shows Us "A Tangible Vision"

"I look upon a photograph as a souvenir. A visual record of an actual moment pulled out of time, recorded on film, or digitally, and printed on paper, a tangible vision.

As a youth I was always, and still am, thrilled to capture an image, take it home and add it to my collection of memories.

Pictures that were once primitive observations evolve. Now, hopefully more often than not, reflecting a refined sense of vision, wherein the essence of the image is contained and properly composed, evoking feelings of emotion, atmosphere, or lyricism. I don’t necessarily feel that a photograph has to be a “work of art,” to be successful.  Beauty is in the mind of the beholder.

Once the image of these primitive observations is printed, ideas evolve swirling in my mind as to what can be done to them. Some have been turned into silk screens, and vice versa a sculpture made of found objects becomes a photograph; drift wood and manufactured wood combined become a sculpture; watercolors and gauche are used as I without thought, without idea paint; an image evolves and it is named, title is given to the piece. 

Whether you’re a good photographer or artist or not, even a beginner is capable of producing a work of art, sooner or later, given the law of averages. It is most important to have fun and enjoy the journey." 

- - Andrew Hungaski  

 

Andrew’s works have a sense that you were there once before, perhaps another life time, or even a visit to the place. His black and white photographs have a foggy, smoky aura not a definitive which is the essence of making it a dream like happenstance. His antiqued or sepia photographs have an essence of old photography, a time of when the camera was first used. Both styles bring you into two different worlds, two different dimensions that welcome you with open arms.

Andrew Hungaski’s photography and art shows us how the mundane and human nature can be extolled into a work of art just by being respectful and using common decency without arrogance and without ego tripping us up.


"Headless Woman" by Andrew Hungaski

The subjects lend to curiosity whether human or objects, coercing without forcing one to be so curious.

Just by looking into an open space in hedges creates the passers-by to curiously stick their head in to see what it is, what is happening. Some call it nosey, others may say “Mind your own business” or “Don’t get involved” and walk straight away from it and those who have that curious streak will always find a moment that will call out to them, taking risks; the old saying “Curiosity killed the cat” however, “Satisfaction brought him back”.

"Ship" by Andrew Hungaski





 

 

 

The oddity of mundane objects becomes center stage. Each telling us something; and it is up to you to know and understand what it is they have to say; each of us walking away with a different meaning. Driftwood, baubles, lobster tail, oh my. . .Still life objects become alive making more of a statement then images of people in a park, at a picnic, a boat sailing down a river or run aground. What say you “Three Monkeys”? “See no evil?”; “speak no evil?”; “hear no evil?” bringing us back to the silence of the people staring into the lens a familial sense, a respect for everyday life and the means for which help us live our lives without arrogance without ego.

Andrew Hungaski’s works will be on display at Sobobo Gallery during the month of June.

Do join us on Thursday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for Andrew's exhibit reception. Meet Andrew Hungaski and learn about his techniques. An addition to the venue is Addison Thompson, saxophonist, who will be on hand enlivening the evening with his music.
 

SMASHING WORLDS HITS SOBOBO!

Tonight is the night! Visit SoBoBo and meet the creators behind Smashing Worlds! Their reception begins at 7:00 pm! See then!!!!

"Smashing Worlds believes that everyone has the capability of a great artist. Art is a stimulation, a visual and emotional mental game, with many feelings and influences. What one sees as finished, practice, or not even art at all, another ...sees an opening for creation. By drawing, sketching, writing, taping, pasting and painting, and then trading those artistic statements to other group members, Smashing Worlds creates a beautiful organized noise.

The members of Smashing Worlds have been creating colorful, eclectic mixed media art pieces for over a year. However, each member had a variety of artistic experiences before they came together. From formal art training and long hours sketching, painting, and sculpting, to simply filling in coloring books and creating murals on windows and walls. Five individual experiences, styles, and personalities came together to form the organized chaos of Smashing Worlds.

The group is currently working on sharing their collaborative art and music with the community and encouraging others to embrace their own artistic side. With many open collaborative projects and works in the making, Smashing Worlds continues to create art for all eyes and ears of all ages to enjoy.

There are no ideas left unthought-of, no technique unused, and no sound beat left unrecorded. Smashing Worlds will continue to arouse the visual and emotional mentality of all who come in contact. We also hope to continue to collaborate with artists of all natures."

--Smashing Worlds

Come On A Walk To Remember...

Put on your WINGS, your WHEELS or hang on to the RUDDERS of your boats or planes and join in the Walnut Beach Art Stroll!

Firehouse Gallery's opening reception for the new exhibit "Wings, Wheels and Rudders" will begin at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 12th. See the amazing modes of travel! Choose one and travel down the Avenue and enjoy pizza at Alfa's Pizza, or a snack and drink from The New Town Deli.

Make a STOP at SoBoBo Gallery where you will go on an amazing walk through Milford, Providence, Nova Scotia, The Valley, Paris, Madrid, and New York.

Richard Stephen, John Iorio, Arlene Capozzi will take you through Milford; Patricia Brundage will take you on a misty trip to Nova Scotia; Michael Voytek will bring you to Providence; Beth Pite will take you to Paris, Madrid and New York! Rosemary McClain will take you to Ohio, and The Valley. Karen Macker brings you on an excursion through the woods. Charles Bell brings you through a lens of a cardboard camera and pinhole photography.

Marshall Cetlin will bring you from shores to the heavens as does D'Antonia. William Ahern takes you on a modern contempory trip as does Joan Shapiro and Matt Roe.

Smashing Worlds takes us on a different ride...it can be through the city or even a small town....you decide where you are as you view their art on brick walls!

Elizabeth Wright brings you to Block Island and a space to sit back and enjoy the fruits of the vine. Lakshmi brings hot coffee. Paul St. Onge brings peaches picked fresh from the tree. Andrea Roth-Moore brings watermelon and wine. Karen Macker brings pears. Hedi Minow-Pike and Betty Geller bring kiwi and raspberries....all delightfully teasing your palette! Rick Senft and Richard Stephen bring you to the table to rest.



After resting at the table enjoying food and drink head down to Alfa's Jolly Jug to pick-up the drink you desire. Continue down to Broadway and turn right to Wild Expressions and Collected Stories. Pick up one of Tyyne's beautiful designs to dress your table! Pick up a book to read. When you are done visiting head across the street to Taste & See what will satisfy your cravings!


It truly is a walk to remember!

Loretta Mack, December's Artist Intertwines Surreal Worlds

"I think the quote by Wassily Kandinsky …

"The true work of art is born from the 'artist':
a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation.
It detaches itself from her, it acquires an autonomous life,
becomes a personality, an independent subject,
animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being”

...reflects my inner emotional landscape when I am creating my abstract and fantasy pictures.
My belief system is based on the Chinese philosophy of Chi; the vital energy force of Yin and Yang (male/female, positive/negative,) which flows through everything in creation. When we are in harmony with the natural energies around us, we become aware of and feel the oneness of everything.

I use the colors of the Chakras, as well as, form and movement to express this life energy and duality.

"Chi" - oils - by Loretta Mack

Red: Is related to security and survival.
Orange: Home of creativity and sexuality.
Yellow: Is the seat of our emotions.
Green: Represents the heart.
Blue: Communication.
Indigo: Connected to the higher self and psychic abilities
Purple: Home to higher spiritual realms.

These pure colors sizzle with energy and movement and they lift my spirit and revitalize me with new enthusiasm.

Inspiration for my fantasy pictures happens when a shape, color or image catches my attention and …just like in a Rorschach inkblot test, I “see” a story waiting to be painted. To quote another of my favorite people; the Queen in “Through the Looking Glass;” "Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." "

--Loretta Mack

Loretta Mack, surrealist, delves into the energy's field pulling out a scenario that she puts onto canvas. The energy envelopes her, her mind begins to envision a scene, and as just as mystical as Chinese philosophy is, a creation is formed. The connection continues as one views her work. You can see and feel the energy enveloping you. You don't get 'sucked' into the painting, the energy just surrounds you and you for that moment it is as if you meld with the energy seeing why Loretta created what she had.

During this surreal time in our lives, a surreality, global warming and the economic issues affecting us; having a grave effect on some, you feel as if you need to get lost in another surreal place to counter it, to balance hoping to find an answer to our woes. Loretta has that ability to balance us in the twixt and tween of things. Some might move with the energy while others question the work, but it does give one a harmonious balance so the surreal world we are living in is perhaps more comfortable and seems clearer so we can find the path to leave it bringing more sensibility and direction to find whatever wealth it is we need.

"Gargoyle" -oils - by Loretta Mack

Energy is almost misty, wavy, invisible but can be felt and yet Loretta seems to have been able to capture it defining it. The vibrancy of each color, the defined "outline" that encompasses it - capturing it in a cage so to speak. It shows we can harness it, we can control it, we just need to know how to. That is what Loretta is teaching with each work. By harnessing this "surreal" form we can do anything.

"Gypsy" - oils -by Loretta Mack

Loretta's pastel paintings take the mystical energy, the mystical legends and puts them into human form from Pan to Atlas and Adam & Eve. Stunning portrayals of beliefs from different philosophy traditions - mythical, biblical, transcendental, spiritual and scientific.

"Ladies in Prayer" - oils - Loretta Mack

Loretta will be exhibiting her work at SoBoBo from December 1st to December 31st. SoBoBo Gallery is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. SoBoBo Gallery hours are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Noon until 6:00 pm. A must see!

Holiday Festival at Walnut Beach will be taking place on Saturday December 10th beginning at 2:00 pm. Carolers will be strolling up and down the Avenue, Glitter Henna Tattoos by Painted You, Taste and See, a gourmet cupcake shop will be on hand to take holiday orders and a tasting of their sumptuous confections, Walnut Beach Creamery will also be giving out samples of Holiday Flavors, Alfa's Jolly Jug will be hosting a liqueur tasting with holiday flavors, a tarot card reader will be Wild Expressions, ornament making will be at Firehouse Gallery - hang it on the tree for the Christmas Tree Lighting that will be taking place at 6:00 pm. A lot of fun and good times!

So, join us Saturday, December 10th as we celebrate Loretta with an Opening Reception starting at 6:00 pm. This event ends an exciting day of activities starting at 2:00 pm.... Then meander down the Avenue to SoBoBo and meet Loretta. See you then!

"Joyce Densmore a Jewelry Engineer"

"My work background is chemical and mechanical engineering, but I've always had an artistic side to balance my engineering - whether it was sewing, smocking, painting porcelain dolls, watercolors, or designing jewelry. With my jewelry, I started working mainly with pearls. I love the organic look and feel of different types of pearls mixed with just about any stone. I branched out to working with copper, brass and sterling after taking a metal-smithing class - cold working metal -- bending, hammering, cutting, rolling (I have this very cool rolling mill!) - I find that metal work is a good blend of art and engineering."

--Joyce Densmore

"Tiger's Eye" - by Joyce Densmore

Even though Joyce has a rigid scientific background, her engineering abilities have created jewelry that is elegant yet precise, has an air of sophistication yet methodical, and can be casual yet orderly. You can see her mind working as you put on the strand of pearls, or the "waves" she creates out of copper and sterling silver using iridescent iris tube beads accenting the piece. Her choice of hand carved bone designs add that exquisite oriental flavor to some of her works.

"Sign of the Winter Palace" - by Joyce Densmore

"Gold Reflections" -by Joyce Densmore

As she chooses what beads, whether faceted tiger eye or faceted onyx, she wants to use her analytical minds eye begins to flow from a mathematical formulae to the fluidness of design. Methodically placing each bead on the wire, without thought, creating a piece of jewelry that catches your eye. Some balance equally, some balance asymmetrically all on purpose but yet without thought as the analytical envelopes the flow converging to form on unique yet sublime piece.

"Gia's Gold" - by Joyce Densmore

Joyce has an old world stature about her, with that she carries a sophisticated air that flows when she enters a room. It is that sophistication which is seen in her work, the impeccable, precise tooling that completes each piece.

Joyce Densmore is exhibiting her work at SoBoBo until the end of November. If you truly don't know what gift to get someone, perhaps you should stop in, see her work. You will know her unique, yet sublime designs and it is guaranteed you will not know which one to choose.

SoBoBo located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford is opened Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Noon to 6 pm.


Join us on Thursday, November 10th as we celebrate the last Art Stroll of 2011. The opening reception at Firehouse Gallery begins at 6:00 pm.

October's Artist: Elizabeth B. Wright - A Breath of Fresh Air

"I have always been an artist, but my training for life has been diverse. Currently a certified art and social studies teacher, I teach high school sociology and psychology. Leaving a full-time teaching load has ended a career of teaching civilizations and world cultures. This is OK but what to do with all of those artifacts?

My work is every day and that is my view of art, every day, everything I see, the colors, the sentimentality, the message even though private. Every day I fight the urge to stop important activities and just paint, or cut up photographs, or run around and gather materials and to just begin something meaningful to me that must be created, at that moment. I am often compelled to create something from my heart that speaks volumes, at least to me. Never enjoying painting as an assignment or theme, I express my love for a vibrant whole by attacking in layers of richness, then pattern and then trying it all together with my beloved photos. Is it collage? Perhaps. But to me it is a work of art, mine. When someone falls in love with one of my works I find exhilaration and a special connection that person.

My life has also been centered in social work, clinical and outreach. Having worked in those agencies serving women and children, my feminist vein is always highly charged. I consider myself a community activist. My art has a voice and if noticed or heard, that is my reward. I am very sentimental, philosophically positive, an activist, feminist, and usually full of "great ideas." Translating this into art makes my paintings full of stories, history and possibilities.

Time has limited my constant involvement in many areas. At this time I am dedicated to reviving the visual arts of the MFAC, and then, revisiting a commitment to open space preservation in Milford. I know that I am on the right track when little ones paint just for me, little presents of paint on paper, because they know!"

--Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright, a multi-faceted woman, has an exuberance for life, this is the precursor to her art. Her creations show this exhilaration, her exuberance, her zest for life and her love of art. For to her, art is an expression that leads everyone to a different world, a different place that only the imagination can take you if you allowed it to.

The fluidness she has in each piece creates your mood for you. One can see the movement through the strokes of the paint. In one painting it is as if the wind is blowing leaves around and you find yourself grasping hold of your sweater as to protect yourself as the wind blows by. In her still life series you can see the veins in the vase, the thorns on the roses almost smell the scent of each flower.

"Sweetheart Bouquet" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

The vibrancy of each color she uses reflects the energy she carries with her and can be felt when she enters a room....like a rush, a breath of fresh air!

"Old Chair" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright's concerns for the environment is shown in her work, the open space she strives to protect for others to enjoy in the future. She meticulously labels each tree she paints with its correct name making sure the viewer knows each and where these trees are found. You know you have connected with her energy that somehow absorbed into each brush stroke, each painting when your senses go reeling as you look at it.

"Island" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Because you find yourself in the exact spot where she stood painting them, taking in the scents of the surrounding foliage, flowers, grass, water, and air. Oh, the open space how precious! And that is what she wants you to feel, to accept whatever message is being given to you...

Ms. Wright's work is filled with messages, each piece just as multi-faceted as she. There is much more to her than what is seen. Her art work reflects this as well. The only way to experience this is to join us as we celebrate her -- Thursday, October 6th - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm -- meet Elizabeth Wright and learn more...

Elizabeth B. Wright will be exhibiting her work from October 1st through October 31st at SoBoBo Gallery. A must see to truly understand...An opening reception will be on Thursday, October 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in conjunction with October's Art Stroll and Firehouse Gallery's opening reception for their new exhibit "Four Seasons." An added event...enjoy the horse and buggy rides that will be available by Maple View Farms from Orange, CT.

SoBoBo Gallery is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. Gallery hours: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday please call for an appointment.