May 05 - 29 2017
Deep Time An Art Odyssey, Gretchen Butler Exhibit

Deep Time An Art Odyssey, Gretchen Butler Exhibit

Presented by Gualala Arts at Gualala Arts Center

The Deep Time series was sparked by a gnarled oak’s silhouette beneath a crescent-moon. Butler’s painted version shows the oak’s oxygen molecules mingling with stars. You can’t tell where the tree ends and the cosmos begins.

Her show features Mariana Trench sea cucumbers slouching in muck for 6-9 million years. They are youngsters compared to pelicans that have been gliding off-shore for 30 million years. Reaching further into the dim past, Neon Dream melds millions of years on a single surface with fanciful stromatolites turning Earth’s early atmosphere from murky gases to blue sky.

Butler’s painting process is messy. Images emerge in a dream-like fashion from goopy, chaotic gobs of pigment smooshed with hands, textured papers, plastics, fabrics. Scratching through layers of paint is sometimes spontaneous, sometimes meticulously precise.  Although paint is thrown, slopped, or arranged with split second decisions, Butler studies hap-hazard blobs and marks for hours, days or months before deciding what to cover up, which areas to transform, tweak or reinvent.

Beginning with a vague notion, she has learned to enjoy the drama of not knowing the outcome, not knowing what to do next. Staring with “soft eyes” rather than critical scrutiny opens new possibilities. Colorful design and varied textures evoke feelings, surprises, questions.

For more art and blog stories spotlighting local artists and life off-the grid, see gretchenbutlerwildartcafe.com

Admission Info

Free event.

Phone: 707-884-1138

Dates & Times

2017/05/05 - 2017/05/29

Location Info

Gualala Arts Center

46501 Old State Highway, Gualala, CA 95445