This series that I have titled Mothers’ Hands, is one that has been simmering in my mind for several years. It finally made its way into my studio and now, onto gallery walls. Each painting arose from distinct memories of my Mother and her hands. The majority of the materials for this exhibit have been sourced from vintage papers that I inherited from her. I have included in each painting an image, photo or print (visible, semi-visible, or not) of my own Mother’s hands. I also started each painting with mono-types that I printed onto her meticulously written lesson plans, diagrams, sketches, class quizzes and answer sheets, school newsletters, letters home, 1940s era magazines, children’s books and more, to create my own collection of specialty papers to incorporate into each of this show’s paintings.
Growing up I had a huge fascination, love and admiration for my Mother’s beautiful hands that worked hard raising eight children and caring for a family of ten with amazing aplomb and efficacy. Lovingly teaching, guiding, chastising, nurturing, supporting and inspiring along the way. There are so many more memories and paintings waiting their turn to be brought to life but, for now, this is the beginning.
If you step up closely, you’ll discover a multitude of layers, colors, marks, drips, lines, words, drawings, images and delicate nuances that reveal themselves when you come near and peer into the paintings. These elements create a woven tapestry of emotions for me and perhaps invoke memories of your own.
Born and raised in Aloha, she studied art in high school, where her teacher, Judy Vogland, taught her to paint and draw, and work on the potter’s wheel. From there, her love affair with clay began.
After high school, she attended Southern Oregon University in Ashland and graduated with a degree in applied design, and then studied graphic design at the University of Oregon. Candace was a graphic designer in Portland for many years. She studied ceramics in Italy and has taken courses at the School of Arts and Crafts in Portland.
With her background in graphic design and love of clay, she has been able to apply new and distinctive techniques to her art, utilizing words, images, and textures to create one-of-a-kind work. With her art, she aims to bring beautiful, positive, and joyful items into existence for contemplation and thoughtful giving by sticking the balance of creating pieces that are useable but have a whimsical twist.
Candace’s love for her work is visible in her current pieces after William Morris. She hopes to share that joy with people through her art.
Growing up I had a huge fascination, love and admiration for my Mother’s beautiful hands that worked hard raising eight children and caring for a family of ten with amazing aplomb and efficacy. Lovingly teaching, guiding, chastising, nurturing, supporting and inspiring along the way. There are so many more memories and paintings waiting their turn to be brought to life but, for now, this is the beginning.
If you step up closely, you’ll discover a multitude of layers, colors, marks, drips, lines, words, drawings, images and delicate nuances that reveal themselves when you come near and peer into the paintings. These elements create a woven tapestry of emotions for me and perhaps invoke memories of your own.
A professional artist for over 35 years, Jill was influenced early on by the vibrant art scene in New York City. Deeply inspired by feminist and women’s arts and crafts, including quilting and embroidery like the Gee’s Bend quilts, and decorative art. The ideas central to her artwork are the importance of love, and deep respect for the planet and each and every life.
Her paintings are filled with whimsical details, such as cats, dogs, and birds with unusually colorful hair, fur, and feathers.
Mayberg is self-taught, but has studied at various colleges, workshops, and residencies. Her contributions to art education and stewardship are many, with board memberships with Art in the Pearl and the Local 14 art show, both in Portland. She also volunteers to facilitate art projects at various workshops with children and donates art for school scholarship programs, art education funds, library funding, animal rescue and various women’s causes.
Some memories last a lifetime. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1927, Norma was 5 when her father left the family. Her mother, a refugee from Ukraine, was unable to read or write English. At a very young age, Norma helped manage the household affairs.
However, she had always wanted to attend art school. When she had her own family, she encouraged her children to use art to express themselves. Mark Kenzer, her son, says, “One of my fondest memories was spending time with my mother while she painted. She might have spent hours, even days, painting if she didn’t have a family to care for.”
Norma expressed herself with sketches in charcoal that were finished in oils. Mark remembers the way she put together her palette. “You see, Mark, suppose I want to create a color I don’t already have. I take a bit of this and some of that,” she said. “If I want to draw out the yellow from it, then I warm it up by adding a little of this.” The color slowly changed; not in the ordinary way he learned in school, blending two primary colors together, but in the manner hues change in the world. We hope you enjoy the paintings her son brought in for viewing and purchasing.
