Tamela Gallagher

2003 Exhibition

"A Painter, A Sculptor, A Potter Show"

"The Timmel Collection" - Saugatuck will have as its October 2003 Exhibition, "A Painter, A Sculptor, A Potter Show," new works by Saugatuck, MI artists Dawn Stafford and Tamela Gallagher and Kalamazoo Sculptor Lewis Tardy

New oil paintings and clay scupltures by Saugatuck artist Dawn Stafford will be featured during the Annual Saugatuck/Douglas Gallery Stroll, October 11 & 12, 2003. Large floral landscapes and still-lifes will be exhibited indicative of Stafford's smooth compositional rhythms and harmonic use of color. Also included, a new series of 24 small (7"x10") oils on paper entitled "Figure Studies in Warm Light". Gestural lines, rich cadmiums and alizarin crimson blended with black and white work together to capture the subtle emotion and intimacy of being human. Comparing painting the figure to sculpting it, Stafford comments:

"I'm working at keeping realism at bay, while describing only what is needed ...I thought a lot about th is while building the clay torso's last summer. Clay can be easily over-touched. Where I choose to leave my fingerprints and forming method apparent is much like where I put down my brush."

Handbuilt and one-of-a-kind, Stafford's sculptures depict the male and female torso. Approx. 11 1/2" - 18" in height, they reference the history of ceramics with hollow vessel-like forms. In a glance, they are classical, allegorical and whimsical.

Preparing for the Gallery Show - Work Done at OxBow

Stafford received her BFA from Swain School of Design, MA majoring in ceramics and painting. A Saugatuck resident for 11 years she teaches at Ox-Bow School of the Arts, Saugatuck, MI and creates paintings in her private home studio in the summer and is the Artist-in-Residence and Gallery Manager at The Timmel Collection Gallery, November through April.

Tamela Harmon Gallagher is a multi-talented artist with a rare and unique background in the arts. A highly accomplished interior designer and graphic artist, her work is in demand with clients nationwide. After spending years in designing in pencil, paint , floral, fabrics, and many other mediums, Tamela how brings her creative vision to clay. Her one of a kind hand crafted pieces reflect a talent rich in diverse creative influences. These (whimsical) works of art are destined to become a room's focal point and a collector's favorite.

Many of Tamela's creations are inspired by nature and (by) the beauty along Michigan's coastline. A Michigan native, Tamela has lived much of her life in the state's most picturesque places: Traverse City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and beautiful Mackinac Island.

Tamela earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Merchandising from Michigan State University with emphasis on textiles and interior design. She and her husband have two small children and make their home in Saugatuck.

A native of Kalamazoo Michigan, Lewis Tardy began sculpting in 1985 while working as an assistant to sculptor Sonny Dalton Jr. He spent several years with Dalton, learning technique and honing his own talent before striking out on his own. His work has evolved and gives expression to subjects made whimsically fantastic or ironically commonplace. Tardy's "one of a kind" creations include wildly sexy "robotically skeletal" female forms constructed of bicycle parts, tools, flatware and electric motor windings, as well as, many animal and insect interpretations.

"The subject matter of my work deals mostly with the female form as well as some animal forms. My focus is a biomechanical style. My teen years and early twenties spent tinke ring with engines and motorcycles have given me a good understanding of mechanics. That, coupled with my love to illustrate the human form, whether it is figure drawing or sculpture, is what has brought me where I am today. I strive to instill in my works fluidity, a strong sense of movement, and my sense of humor.

My works are created through the process of Metal Inert Gas Arc Welding (MIG). Grinding, buffing, and sandblasting are other elements also incorporated into the process. I look for shapes and designs within found objects that inspire me. Other elements that are taken into consideration are tone, texture, and even weight of the material."

Tardy has won numerous awards and his sculptures are included in many private and corporate collections across the United states and well as in many other countries including: Japan, France, Germany, Canada, England, and Argentina.

The Show will open with a private reception for the artists on Friday, October 10, at 5 PM. Contact The Gallery at 269 857 7274 for information. Gallery hours are 10-5, seven days a week through Novmber 11, and then weekends, Friday through Monday, until April 2, 2004 when it reopens on a daily basis. All work is available for viewing and sale at thetimmelcollection.com. "The Timmel Collection" is located at 133 Main Street on the Village Green in the heart of historic Saugatuck.

"A Painter, A Sculptor, A Potter Show"

(Opening Reception October 10, 2003)