Randy Bacon Photography Studio & Art Gallery Presents: “The Colony”

Tuesday, January 29 2008 (12:03PM) | Posted by Kathryn Vicat-Dlabach (UDA) | Downtown

"The Colony" is an exhibition of mixed-media art work by Nikki Howell with over 40 new photographs from Randy Bacon as well as new sculptures from Jacob Burmood.
Randy Bacon Photography Studio & Art Gallery will host an opening reception, Friday, February 1, 6-10 p.m. for artist Nikki Howell. The reception is FREE and open to the public as part of the First Friday Art Walk. MSU sculptor, Jacob Burmood, will exhibit new sculptures and Randy Bacon will have over 40 new photographs on display. Howell’s mixed media art work helps her to accomplish the idea of telling a story. She feels by using mixed media, including many found objects, it’s easier for her to accomplish that goal. Howell says, “What better way to create art about life than to use things that are found in everyday life.”
Howell ‘s process includes a research period before she begins her art projects. She likes to study the symbols she uses in her work and see how they connect with what she wants to accomplish in the story in her art. Howell is continually fascinated with the differences in people and this is reflective in “The Colony" “ She connects this fascination with her interest in the symbols that she uses to create work that is very personal, accessible, warm and poignant.”
After living in a variety of US states, Howell recently moved back to Springfield from CA. After completing a B.A. in Visual Arts from California Baptist University, The Colony” represents part of that journey: “No matter where I have lived, I have found that people essentially are the same at their core. This show is representational of the people I have begun to build a life with here in Springfield. My hope would be that my work in “The Colony” will exempify the unique traits in the people represented in the work. “When I create art, I want people to feel conneted to my work, not just look at it and think it looks nice or pretty,” says Howell. “A good way to explain this feeling is a quote by Poet John Donne once that said something like no man is an island entire of himself, but part of the main, part of a continent, part of the whole. I really like this quote because that’s how I’d like people to view my work.”
Gallery co-owner Shannon Bacon says, “Part of of the appeal of Howell’s work is that when you take it in, it is a complete process, not just a glance. It makes you feel good, like you are at home. With its vibrant colors mixed with warm neutrals it gives you the feel of the earth…it’s cozy and comforting. I think people will be fascinated by the work because it is something to be studied and leaves the viewer with a feel of “I want to know more about this art”, I’d like it in my home.
Nikkie Howell's work will be on exhibit thru the month of February. Jacob Burmwood's sculpture’s will show thru the end of March. Join the gallery every month to see a fresh collection of Randy Bacon's photography. For more information, call 868-8179.