New Art at the Airport Features Aquatic Paintings, Fiber Tapestries and Baskets
The latest Quad City Arts’ Art at the Airport – on display through April 28 — presents aquatic paintings by Brian Buckles of Waterloo, Iowa, fiber tapestries by Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, Davenport, and coiled fiber baskets by Kelly Hanson of Moline.
“Underwater Blues” by Bettendorf native Brian Buckles.
Brian Buckles was born and raised in the Quad-Cities, yet has had a lifelong fascination with marine life and sharks.
“The cruelty of shark finning and the unsustainable fishing practices that are threatening the survival of many species are the inspirations for my work,” he says of his aquatic paintings. “Because most people won’t see these animals in their natural habitat, I use canvas and oils to bring the sea to life for the viewer with the hope of inspiring others to learn more and engage in protecting these amazing animals.”
Buckles, a 2002 Bettendorf High alumnus, had his marine art exhibited last August at Bereskin Gallery & Art Academy, Bettendorf. You can see more at www.brianbucklesartwork.com.
“Hues from the Edge” tapestry by Rowen Schussheim-Anderon of Davenport.
Rowen Schussheim-Anderson presents “Color Field Tapestries” — tapestries woven out of wool, linen, cotton, silk and rayon, for which the objective was to produce color field tapestries, inspired by Abstract Expressionism artists such as Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and Clyfford Still whose canvases, devoid of figurative forms, used color to express emotion. Weft threads intersect warp threads, creating an image by changing colors of yarn.
She explains, “While using centuries’ old techniques, I introduce new elements and incorporate new materials. Several techniques are used to push the boundaries of traditional tapestry such as incorporating feathers, glass beads and other reflective materials to heighten contrast. Texture and color are integral components.”
A woven fiber basket by Moline’s Kelly Hanson.
Kelly Hanson has always liked working with different fibers and creating pieces that were also useful. She was introduced to the coil stitch weave at a class and she now builds unique baskets with color schemes that can either pop against the natural jute or complement it.
“Coil stitch woven baskets have been utilized by many different cultures throughout history,” Hanson says. “Though the methods have changed a bit with different tools being available, I like being able to connect to history while also creating something different and new.”
These three artists incorporate their views of the world into their own art forms. In addition to the gallery at Quad City International Airport, Moline, the artist’s works can be seen and purchased at www.quadcityarts.com/art-at-the-airport.html.
Art at the Airport in the airport gallery is easy to find — just across from the gift shop and restaurant and right before the security checkpoint. The gallery never closes, and you will pay just a dollar for parking.
