Natures Architecture: Nathanael Gray and Kevin Box Exhibition Opening Reception: September 22nd 5-7pm Exhibition dates: Sep 22-Oct 5, 2023
Reception with the Artists: Friday, September 22, 5-7 PM Exhibition Dates: September 22-October 5, 2023
Nature’s Architecture an exhibition of metal sculptures by Kevin Box and oil paintings by Nathanael Gray. Both artists explore nature’s complex architecture in unique ways.
Nathanael Gray’s plein air oil paintings express the feeling of being within and a part of nature. Kevin Box transforms paper into museum quality metal sculpture that often reference flora or fauna. Both artists are inspired by the natural world that surrounds them. They focus in on their subject matter while the outside world falls away. Themes of wildlife and nature are explored in its most romantic form.
Nathanael Gray hikes deep into the landscape whether on mountainous trails or deserted beaches, the artist works quickly. He sets up his easel as the sun is setting, capturing the fleeting golden moment of light drenching the landscape. He applies thick amounts of oil paint onto the canvas using a large palette knife in order to create paintings that are textured and tactile. Painting on location allows the natural elements like gentle breezes, the moisture of the fog and the birds singing to add to his impression of the place. Gray hopes to capture the feeling of an existing landscape rather than an accurate, detailed rendition.
Kevin Box sees a single piece of paper as a clean slate, white as light, perfect and full of potential. This potential is activated by light and shadow as decisions crease into the surface. Composition emerges through the paper as it documents these decisions, remembering, revealing and recording the experience of creation. By combining wax and contemporary casting techniques, each piece is cast into bronze, stainless steel or aluminum and finished with refined patinas that recall aged parchment. Origami themes of flora and fauna are transformed into museum quality metal to create new interpretations of our natural world.
“I desire that my sculptures uplift, inspire and encourage those with whom I interact and those I may never have the opportunity to meet.” – Box
