Grizzly Tea. Hal Brindley, artist
By Julie Ann Bell
Creating art is its own kind of adventure—pulling together the ideas, supplies, time and space to launch into something new. In September and October, our artists are exploring the adventures of the great outdoors with an exhibit in the Stairway gallery. Picnics, hiking, camping, biking and other ways we engage with nature are center stage in this exhibit. Two of the artists participating in the show, Hal Brindley and Sennyo Senn, have a unique approach to the topic: their pieces feature the animals and plants themselves as the adventurers.
Little Critter Adventure: Boat. Sennyo Senn, artist
Grizzly Drinking Tea and Zebra Riding a Bicycle highlight the whimsical work of Brindley, a conservation biologist with a passion for wildlife. Brindley has “traveled the world in search of wild creatures and places as a wildlife photographer, researcher, writer, filmmaker, illustrator and designer.” Now living in Asheville with his wife, wildlife artist Cristina Garcia, Brindley set out on an exercise to practice drawing animals in whimsical poses. He relates that Garcia, “suggested we put 100 species of animals on slips of paper in one bowl and 100 everyday human behaviors in another and she would pick one at random from each for me to draw.” That first night the combination was opossum and reading a book. He says he was “completely hooked.” Each day for a month, using Procreate on his iPad, he would select the two cards, set a time limit and immediately begin sketching the first idea that made him laugh.
Senn’s critter adventure series includes mice, snails, frogs and rabbits heading into the world, often wearing tiny backpacks. They hike along beaches, sail in hot air balloons and travel in boats. Each piece exudes the joys of being outdoors and venturing into something new. Senn describes this work as “happy little critters living in a magical world.” In each piece, their “adventurous lives are balanced by friendship.” The exhibit features four originals from Senn’s Little Critter Adventure series.
What are your favorite adventures? What places most capture your imagination? We invite you to explore with us at an art class. Over a dozen classes are offered each month where beginners delve into something new and experienced creators can build skills with their favorite medium. Some of our art adventures include paper collage, painting, wood burning, gel plate monoprinting and making jewelry. Every Thursday evening, Senn hosts Art & Chill, a time to work on your current project amidst others in a relaxed, noninstructional environment.
Trackside Studios is located at 375 Depot Street in the RAD. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and by appointment. Learn more at TracksideStudios.com.
