DeBlois Gallery | Out of the Ordinary | October 5-27, 2024

Opening Reception Saturday, October 5, 5-7 PM

*Art Trolley and Gallery Night Thursday, October 10, 5-8:30 PM

Out of the Ordinary, Extraordinary Artists’ Talk October 20, 2-4 PM

Our October exhibit features the work of clay sculptor Kerry Cudmore, painters Eddie Hall and Nick Williams, and photographer Philip Hopper. The show’s title, Out of the Ordinary, suggests the ways in which these four artists make use of unusual techniques to inspire viewers to see the extraordinary in things that might seem mundane.

About her work, Kerry Cudmore explains: “My art has opinions. I use hand-built ceramics to explore social themes: misogyny, sexual harassment and misconduct, abortion rights, bodily autonomy, and incongruity and contradiction—calling attention to the seriousness and ridiculousness—between what we think and feel versus what we’re willing to share with others. In so doing I am visually representing what should be obvious.”

Eddie Hall tells us: “If you start looking, you would be surprised how many windows you find discarded by the side of the road. I keep finding myself coming back again and again to the visuals I can achieve by experimenting with acrylic paints on reclaimed windows. Using this medium, I can present bold colors and delve into the interplay between matte painted surfaces and glass. I find true enjoyment in the process and challenge of working the unique character of each window into the piece itself. These works have allowed me to take discarded things and hopefully transform them into items of beauty.”

Phil Hopper has spent a lot of time taking documentary photographs in zones of conflict, including Northern Ireland and the West Bank. In contrast to the war zone documentary work, the images he displays in the DeBlois show – including landscapes, scans of seed pods, egg casings, and more – serve as a counterbalance in his life, and especially in his life’s work as an artist.

DeBlois member Nick Williams says “I love spending time in the nature around Aquidneck Island and attempting to recreate those moments in my studio.

Though the title is Out of the Ordinary, the October show’s theme is Unusual Techniques, so I really laid into my use of epoxy and had fun with it. I add layers of epoxy resin and paint onto the work to give the piece depth and motion. By adding some shadows and overlapping images between layers of epoxy, I can really maximize the depth of the ‘water’.”

Follow us on social media for specific dates, times, and artists featured in these events. 

Website: www.debloisgallery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debloisgallery/

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  • DeBlois Gallery – Our 40th Year!
    134 Aquidneck Ave,
    Middletown, 02842
    (401) 847-9977

The DeBlois Gallery is located at 134 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown and is open 1-5 PM Wednesday through Sunday. All welcome; ample, free parking!

*DeBlois Gallery will be participating in the Newport Artists Collective Gallery Trolley Tours departing from Perrotti Park (near the Brenton Hotel) on Thursday October 10, 6-8:30 PM. For more information on stops and times, email debloisgallery@gmail.com.

 

Kerry Cudmore – Veneer – Stoneware
Kerry Cudmore – Veneer – Stoneware

Kerry Cudmore – Veneer – Stoneware

Eddie Hall – Sierra – Acrylic and gesso on reclaimed window

Phil Hopper – Cucumis-melo – Archival ink-jet prints

Nick Williams – Rapids – Acrylic and epoxy on canvas