Spotlight: Jekyll Island Arts Association
Saturday, June 28th, 2008Delightful driftwood carvings and beautiful watercolors will be the focus of the next exhibit at the Jekyll Island Arts Association’s Goodyear Cottage, located in the Historic District. Creator of driftwood critters, Philip “The Fish Man” Simmons and painter Bob Fisher will display their creations from June 30 to July 31 in Goodyear’s popular gallery.
Philip Simmons combines 35 years of graphic design skills with his love of nature and devotion to recycling to create unique driftwood creatures. His work begins with gathering driftwood from the coast of North Carolina, then deciding what creature he sees in each piece. He “liberates” fish, birds, whales and other creatures by adding hammered copper, tin, leather, other scraps of found materials and finally painted glass eyes. Little carving is done on each piece, which is one-of-a-kind, named, dated and signed. His critters are bound to make you smile! They have appeared in Southern Accents and Country Home magazines as well as in museums, galleries and gift catalogs.
Brunswick resident, Bob Fisher joined the the Glynn Art Association and took a watercolor class in 1997 as a result of years of enjoying his visits to Washington, DC galleries and museums during his lunch-hours. Inspired by watercolors by John Singer Sergeant, he now “understands that art is the timeless communication of feelings, attitudes and emotions.” He finds the flow of paint on wet paper to be both captivating and liberating at the same time. His background in science, engineering and education has contributed nicely to his art, and his use of linear and aerial perspective brings realism but does not overpower his impressionistic shapes. A regular teacher at the Glynn Art Association, he also enjoys plein aire painting.
You’re invited to see this exciting exhibit and meet the artists at a reception on July 6 from 1 - 3pm in Goodyear’s gallery. Visit the gallery and shop anytime during regular hours, Mon - Fri 12 - 4pm and weekends 10 - 4pm. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. 912-635-3920
