In a new group show presented by Gallery Wild in Jackson, Wyoming, prominent artists feature paintings and mixed media works that depict winter scenes from the region, and more specifically, scenes that involve snow. Gallery co-owner Carrie Wild describes the show, titled Snowscapes,as a “collection of works inspired by the vivid tapestry of colorful winter landscapes, wintering wildlife that call the valley home, and the joy and playfulness that come with snow-filled adventures in this winter wonderland.”
Silas Thompson, Solstice, oil, 24 x 28”
Artists in this showcase include Aaron Hazel, Amber Blazina, Nealy May Riley, Luke Anderson, Patricia A. Griffin, Jason Williams, Carrie Penley, Bridgette Meinhold, Taryn Boals and Carrie Wild, among many others.
Painter Silas Thompson features his distinct style involving thick brushstrokes and noticeable texture in the piece Solstice,which pulls inspiration from his home in southern Idaho near the Sawtooth Mountains. “Snowscapes are particularly enjoyable to me because they serve as a platform for storytelling in ways that some of the other seasons don’t. They convey immense emotions to viewers,” the artist explains. “They are not always enjoyed by viewers because winter can be a divisive season for those who prefer palm trees and beaches...But for viewers with connections to fireplaces, ski hills and snowshoes, snowscapes can call upon deep emotions.”
Nealy May Riley, Snowscape, mixed media, 16 x 16”
For Solstice, depicting a snow-laden, forested landscape, Thompson shares, “This is a perineal stream that I have fallen in love with over the years. It flows out of a lower section of the Sawtooth National Forest near my home. I have made several trips during every season up this creek but it is the most beautiful during winter. It takes snowshoes to get in and it is utterly untouched during the cold months.”
Caleb Meyer, New Day, oil, 36 x 60”
Artist Caleb Meyer notes that in his show work, New Day, depicting the Tetons, is an attempt to capture the awe that large snow-covered peaks can inspire. “I know there’s absolutely nothing like seeing the real thing, but if a painting can capture a small piece of the creative power we see around us, and put life back into perspective, even just for a second, then I think the painting is a success,” he says. “The world can be cold and harsh, even dangerous, yet so epic and beautiful at the same time. I think that is a theme that runs through these paintings.”
Aaron Hazel, Bluebird, oil, 36 x 36”
Meyer is also drawn to the transitions created by dawn and dusk, illustrated beautifully in New Day. “The fading colors, the saturation and mood are elements that make trying to capture these moments so enjoyable,” he says.
Thompson’s hope for viewers of the show, running from February 14 to 24, is that they’re able to tap into memory or have an emotional response. Meyer also expresses, “maybe it seems incongruent but I hope these snow paintings create a feeling of warmth. It’s interesting how the coldest season can somehow be the most heartwarming.”
An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. —
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