On Saturday, February 25th, Skidmore Contemporary Art (D-2) held an opening reception for artist, Jennifer Bain. A wonderful show, where the art leaped off the canvas and onto the walls of the gallery.

An eclectic group of people gathered to celebrate the artist, who was there greeting her fans. Since Skidmore is located at Bergamot Station, there were many visitors perusing the galleries that night. Wine and refreshments added to the art party vibe, along with laughter, stories, meeting new friends and seeing old ones.

You can also read more about the opening as well as other events at Bergamot Station in my column “Talk of the Town” from the Santa Monica Mirrot. http://www.smmirror.com/#mode=single&;view=34146

Jennifer Bain’s art uses contrasts and dualities within a botanical theme. Her larger works are rendered on Kaolin clay (fresco-like) covered panels whose soft ivory background is strongly reminiscent of parchment and vellum of the past. Intended as anod of reverence to botanical artists such as Maria Sibylla Merian of the 17th century.

Bain talks about her creative process, “The genesis of each painting differs. I might begin with an idea, specific image, or even simply a color or form (usually from an older work of mine). With this simple beginning I develop the content, paying close attention to shifts in meaning and emotion created by the inclusion and juxtaposition of image and shape. I keep rich sources of imagery to draw from around me, including botanical illustrations, photographs, drawings, graphics, textiles, hand printed papers, and of course my own past works. Also important to this blend are botanical forms I draw and cut out of Mylar (rigid polyester).”

She explains her passion for the art, “The magnetism of painting for me is the mystery of creating ideas, mood or context from images. Since I’m fascinated by many different kinds of visual information, my work is a fusion of all that I see.”

Skidmore Contemporary Art opened in Malibu in 1998. In 2009, the gallery relocated to Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. Owner and curator, Lia Skidmore has been an art dealer and advisor to art collectors for over twenty-five years. 310-828-5070;  http://skidmorecontemporaryart.com/