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"My works are visual evidence of a painter’s deep reflection of the natural rhythms of jazz. One who looks at my work from the "outside in" is bound to only see. One who looks from the "inside out" is bound to also feel. Jazz is the medium of my work. My interpretation of jazz music into a pictorial structure lies in a change in my character and vision to a oneness with all the means of this medium, and with art itself. Tones of jazz emotionally carry a listener through a song like the tones in a painting move the viewer visually. When jazz improvisation is applied to my work, the colors like sound float through infinite space. I then improvise on my own musical visions. The incorporation of jazz rhythms and textures into visual art, that stimulate and arouse the human emotion, is what my work encompasses."
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"Like the jazz musician, I seek
to say something personal and spontaneous. The energy that's in the music,
I expose on canvas. It's important that you not only see my work, but
feel it too ... and, like the music, when it hits you ... move!"
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Kindred Spirits is the artistic vision of two outstanding artists with different mediums yet their synergy and energy can be felt by all audiences. This exhibition is a creative blend of two and three dimensional works of art by Kimmy Cantrell and Verna Hart. Verna Hart’s watercolor paintings are filled with the rhythmic beat of the city whether depicted in images of musicians or people walking the streets of Harlem in the rain such as in the painting, “Precipitation”. Hart a native New Yorker has always believed in documenting “places and spaces in time”. In her recent “Harlem” series, which includes “Precipitation”, the focus is on memories of the past and observations and the feel of Harlem today. This series captures the vibrancy and moods of life in the city. In addition to this representational work, Hart has embarked upon an artistic journey into mixed media abstraction with the use of her favorite medium, watercolor. Her abstract paintings demonstrate both incredible control while at the same time expressing incredible freedom. These abstract works flow with a river of color and complex beauty. Verna Hart studied at Pratt Institute, NYC where she earned her MFA. Hart was one of the last artists to be mentored by Master African-American Artist, Romare Bearden before his death in 1988. Hart has exhibited throughout the United States and is in prominent public and private collections, Sara Lee Corporation, North Carolina, Atlantic County Art Collection, New Jersey, Carillon Importers Ltd, NJ, Bill Cosby, Spike Lee, Former Governor of NJ, Jim Florio, among many others. Kimmy Cantrell’s asymmetrical aspect of his compositions challenges the traditional definitions of beauty. Cantrell believes “Imperfections tell stories that are far more compelling than perfection”. His ceramic (clay) sculptures focus on three forms, faces, still life and female nudes. The elements of clay, copper and sometimes stainless steel can be found in many of his pieces. Colorful, textural and complex, his works tell stories of his personal life experiences and that of others. Largely self-taught, Cantrell has worked as a full time professional artist for over fifteen years. Cantrell’s works are unique and passionate with an aspect of primitive African art. Kimmy Cantrell has been recognized for his unique works through numerous awards and he has appeared in articles in such prestigious publications as Art & Antiques Magazine and the Washington Post Magazine. Cantrell was recently commissioned to create two large sculptures for the well known Ruth Chris Steak House Corporation for their Florida and California restaurants. Cantrell’s ceramic sculpture and ceramic framed works can be found in private collections throughout the United States. “Kindred Spirits” exhibition with Kimmy Cantrell and Verna Hart will be on exhibit June1- through July 14, 2007. An Artist reception will be held on Friday, June 1, 5PM – 8PM. For more information call 215-922-4800 or visit www. artjaz.com. ArtJaz Gallery is located at 53 N. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
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