Beyond the Surface: Life Works in Painting and Assemblage

Lewis Buck’s Beyond the Surface: Life Works in Painting and Assemblage at the Fine Art Museum, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee through Dec. 15.

To finally see the work of an unsung hero featured in his own retrospective is such a rich experience. You might recall my mention of Frank Lobdell and his retrospective in a previous post, well, right here in Western North Carolina, I find Lewis Buck being similarly celebrated for his dedication to art making.


“Little Known Bird of the Inner Aisle,” assemblage, Lewis Buck, 1978.

Buck has been painting, without pause, since the 1940s. Viewing this deeply thoughtful selection of Buck’s work gave me clear insight into recent art history, Buck’s sharply intelligent mind, and his curious soul.

Buck is a master of assemblage or the “glued and screwed” approach to painting. He uses anything at hand, old Adirondack chairs, roofing shingles, aprons, lace trim, burlap, saw blades, wood pieces, netting, etc. Nothing escapes his sharp eyes. I would suggest that Buck has taken inspiration from Picasso, Braque, Klee, Burri, Diebenkorn and Kenzo. Make no mistake, these are not homages to aforementioned artists; Buck’s work carries his own sophisticated vision.

Many artists find it difficult to title work, I hear it all the time. In fact, many times, I’ve done it too; artists have long and laborious discussion over a work’s title. Not so with Buck, this man loves word play. Could it be the echoes of that English Lit degree? I would love to hear him discuss his title choices.

Buck, now 83, and his wife, Porge, currently reside in Black Mountain (what is it about Black Mountain?). They moved to Asheville in 1983 and immediately began to shake things up in their Montford home. Since galleries were hard to find, they opened one, --in their own home. This gallery provided a place to showcase their work and the work of other local artists. The Buck’s worked for many years as fomenters of change; their neighborhood’s growing pains could find no relief.

See this show: Fall hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The museum is closed during holidays included on WCU’s academic calendar. For more information, contact Martin DeWitt, founding director, at (828) 227-2553 or mdewitt@email.wcu.edu; or Hillary Brett, assistant curator, at (828) 227-3591 or hbrett@email.cwcu.edu.

Further reading on this enriching experience:
The Asheville Citizen Times

Mountain Xpress

Mary's First Report from Asheville, NC

My recent move to Asheville has been unexpectedly filled with fantastic finds. I wasn’t’ sure about blogging and art reporting; in fact, I was looking for an excuse to discontinue and now I find I am so very engaged by the work I’ve seen and the people I’ve met, it just feels right to pass this information along.

So, dear reader, I will dash here and there and not limit my reporting to Asheville Art Happenings. I’m sure as time goes on this blog will become more WNC-centric. Hey, just come along and let’s see what happens.

Frank Lobdell, Living Legends of the Bay Area
Marin MOCA, Novato CA

Frank has long been a hero of mine and I cannot begin to explain how thrilled I am that the home of my former studio, the complex that houses the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, is hosting a show of his work from 1980-2008.

Frank Lobdell has been painting for over half a century and still goes to his studio everyday. He is the consummate artist, respected by peers and admired by students and collectors. He continues to draw and draw and draw until the composition comes together and meets his approval.

Over the years, his imagery has become sparse and color has taken on the primary role. Lobdell has developed his own language and you see him use it to communicate his deeply held beliefs and feelings. His work imparts joy and is rich in the iconography invented by Frank Lobdell.


Gabriel Shaffer, If you Want Blood
The Satellite Gallery, Asheville NC

Imagine this—I attend my first opening in Asheville and find I can’t stop looking at the work and when I did tear my eyes away from this complex, deeply layered, engaging work, everyone else in the gallery seemed equally enthralled. It’s been a long, long time since I noticed people actually looking at artwork. It was an opening I intend to savor.

Shaffer twists biblical themes, unhinges a cityscape and sets all animals in the kingdom free. We are not always sure what lies beyond our first glance. Each time you look at a Shaffer work you will discover something new, the imagery is never fully apparent from your first look. You must consciously use your eyes and your brain to explore this work.

Of these paintings and constructions, says Gabriel, “I incorporate a lot of paperwork salvaged from various sources, such as abandoned buildings, hospitals, factories, houses, dumpsters, flea markets and any other means I might come upon them. I am fascinated by where I find these materials and I feel it gives them an extra power when I reincarnate them through the paintings.” I must add that his craft is finely honed; these works are exquisitely rendered.

Recently, Gabriel has joined the fine Atlanta Gallery, Mason Murer; you can expect a show early next year.

Pop on over to The Satellite and have a good, long look at this intriguing, mind stretching work.

Michael Hofman
Hofman Studios, Asheville NC

My first art purchase here in Asheville was spurred by a visit to Michael Hofman’s lovely studio. His hand-built porcelains are impossible to resist; the glazes are jewel like and stunning. Hofman’s signature use of antique lace sets apart this work and gives it a timeless appeal.

So, if you happen upon some fantastic lace, send it Michael’s way as he is always looking for that certain piece.


Lynn Boggess, New Paintings
The Haen Gallery, Asheville NC

I guess Boggess doesn’t even have time to name his shows as the work simply flies off the walls. I’m not kidding, the show was mostly sold one hour into the opening. A great testament to the following this great painter has developed here in art-smart Asheville.

If you love oil paint, go see this show. It’s rich, it’s luscious, it’s dreamy, it's masterful, it’s all the things you expect in a good painting. I am curious to know how long it takes them to dry as Boggess loads the paint on with a cement trowel. –really!

A look at this plein aire work feels like a refreshing walk in the woods where you can feel the cool stream and smell the evergreens. He has taken you there just as surely as he was there.



Mary Farmer, Mark Pomilio, and Donovan Widmer,
Life and the Machine
Yavapai College Art Gallery, Prescott AZ

If you find yourself near Prescott, AZ please stop in and see my show. My work accompanies the work of Mark Pomilio’s pictorial representations of geometric equations and Donovan Widmer’s small sculptures.


















Musical Picks
Music is always happening around here; it’s just wonderful. In the past few weeks I’ve heard Ruthe Foster, Chris Issak, and Lucinda Williams.

Do yourself a favor and listen to these selections: The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster her new album is due in 2009, also busy working on new songs, Chris Issak and his great band, (I hear they have a new television show in the works) and Lucinda Williams’ new album, Little Honey, has already garnered 4 stars. Don't miss out!