"This is the West" ... historic and traditional, current and contemporary. Here at Sorrel Sky Santa Fe, we are keenly anticipating this two-person show featuring new works by Maura Allen and welcoming Jim Rey, currently represented at Sorrel Sky Durango. Join us to see the West through the eyes of these two distinct artists. Maura Allen portrays the American West with a contemporary, cinematic quality. Jim Rey captures a bygone era, preserving a way of life. The opening reception with the artists is from 5:00-7:30 pm on June 1, 2018, at the gallery’s downtown Santa Fe location, 125 W Palace Ave. The show will continue throughout the month of June.
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Oh My Darling, Clementine by Maura Allen[/caption]
Maura Allen devotes time each year to travel, visiting various locations, reestablishing her personal connection with the American West. Recently, she spent time in Wyoming and at a private ranch in Northern Denver, discovering and collecting visual lessons for future contemplation. Upon returning to her studio, she transforms these journeys into stunning paintings that embody her beloved West. At this show, Allen introduces several new works of varying sizes and shapes, including a pinwheel circle series with a bold, recurring Western element. Other imagery will include barrel racing cowgirls, as well as Native American themes. “The West we live - and the West of our imagination - is what I paint. Like the great tales of the West, my work is part rugged, part romanticized.”
Introduction to the Saddle by Jim Rey
Jim Rey has spent a lifetime living the ranching experience, and close to five decades depicting those experiences with his paintbrush. Turning to his own memories, and continually exploring new ranches and landscape locations, infuses Rey’s work with a tangible authenticity. He strives to visually demonstrate what he cares about, sharing a thought and his own way of looking at things in the final image. The pieces presented at this show will focus on the “Haptic” approach in his work, as he uses his fingers to create a natural line of movement, energy, and flow, all coming from the touch. “Using the touch of my fingers in addition to brush strokes allows me to be empathetic to the subject and results in a painting that is created based on feeling.”
Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery looks forward to this show with much anticipation. “Maura and Jim are both so devoted to expressing what they see individually as “the West.” Each approaches their creative processes so differently, with a distinctive style and method. Yet each conveys their deep love and appreciation for their surroundings, what its future and history mean to them, with imagery that clearly states, “This is the West”.
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s visionary approach to Western art allows both new and experienced art enthusiasts the opportunity to select from a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry. Founded in Durango, CO in 2002, Sorrel Sky Gallery opened its second location in Santa Fe, NM in 2014. Representing several acclaimed and renowned painters, sculptors and jewelers, including Kevin Red Star, Star Liana York, and former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse, among others.