November 2017: David Nez & Dan Pillers

David Nez creates detailed and inticate paintings. “My recent series of paintings is entitled Terra Incognita, a term used in cartography for regions which have not been previously mapped or documented. In these paintings I explore imaginal landscapes inspired by ancient and modern cartography, inhabited by a mythic cast of characters enacting cryptic narratives. The imagery is drawn from different historical periods and sources: renaissance era maps and alchemical illustrations, tarot cards, zoological and herbal books, scientific diagrams, 20th century dictionary illustrations, clip art, etc. The paintings are hand rendered on 300 lb. printing paper or birch panels, using gouache, pen and ink, found paper collage, encaustic wax and oil paint .”

Dan Pillers assemblage work is based on the notion of Art as Artifact. The materials he uses are, for the most part, recycled and salvaged goods... artifacts if you will. For me these elements add a heightened sense of history. They are familiar elements that when placed together create a beautiful object thats approachable. Etched glass and a purposeful use of text are subtle whispers that invite the viewer in closer to discover its deeper meaning. The impetus for my art varies with each piece. My inspiration comes from a variety of, random, seemly unrelated things. It can be a play on words, a news article, or a pair of shoes left on a curb. I find I have three basic stages of creativity that follows. The first is the conceptualization.  I dream my work, build it in my mind, and sketch out rough rudimentary drawings. I have a pretty good sense of what it will look like before the actual production begins. Then I go into what I call my hunter gather mode. I search out elements for each piece. Once I've gathered the raw materials the construction begins.”