Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/121304
This photo of Truman Lowe's Wah-Du-Sheh (Bundle) is shown on the Smithsonian's website, courtesy of Lowe. He rents space in a pole barn in an industrial park in Middleton to use as a studio. "There are a lot of dimensions to both him and his work," said Beloit College Nystrom Professor of Art History Jo Ortel, who began spending time with Lowe to research for a book. What she expected would take six months lasted about eight years. "There's an awful lot to him," Ortel said. "That someone who makes art that appears so simple and reductive and minimal, could be so deep and thoughtful." Among his many accomplishments, Lowe was named curator of contemporary art for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. "It was a great experience and a great pleasure and, again, the whole idea of getting back to Wisconsin was important to me — I always come home," he said. Lowe is a member of the Museum of Wisconsin Art's Advisory Cabinet and will be at the opening. He says the museum offers a comfortable setting. "The museum is small enough that it's welcoming," he said. "It's intimate in its own way, it's comfortable, you can wander around." His work has been shown near and afar — internationally. And after eight years Ortel's "Woodland Reflections: The Art of Truman Lowe" was published. "There's an elegance and a quietness to his work," Ortel said. "It's not showy, it's not gaudy, it's not bombastic; it's much more contemporary." Meet MOWA exhibitor Reginald Baylor By Sarah Mann Daily News Staff There's an art scene in New York City and Seattle, sure. Paris and London are bustling centers of visual creations. There are hubs of art all over the world — but really, art fans can just stay in Wisconsin, said Reginald Baylor. Baylor is a Milwaukee-based artist whose works will be featured at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. He couldn't be more thrilled that there is a venue for Wisconsinites in the art world. "It's just amazing that West Bend is taking on Wisconsin artists. I'm very vocal about artists remaining and working in Wisconsin as opposed to migrating to other cities that might seem to have more of a significant art presence. That tide has changed, drastically, in as little as five years, and I think the museum is a testament to that idea," Baylor said. "I'm absolutely elated to participate in the opening." Baylor will be contributing entirely new works to the museum, including a large canvas entitled "The Directions To and From." Baylor has been creating art professionally since graduating f rom the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1988. Though he began his career as a sculptor, he switched to acrylics and canvas for practical reasons. Baylor "It was space and resources. I got married and started a family, and sculpting takes room. When you're starting a new family with a one-bedroom apartment, sculpture is not probably the best option," Baylor said with a laugh. Baylor laughs easily and his nature shines through in his work. Several of his paintings incorporate pop culture figures, like Mickey Mouse and Dr. Suess creatures, as a way for him to find the humor and innocence of childhood in the modern, worrisome world. "It's sort of nostalgic to me. I think it sort of reminds me of a time in my life when I was less cynical and more idealistic. I tried to take those images of innocence and shed a light onto what I think and how I respond to culture today," he said. "It's just to be a little bit more light-hearted. If I spend my whole day replaying things and current events in my head, (then) this is my own therapy." It's for the same reason that so much of Baylor's work incorporates strong lines and patterns, he said. "I think people naturally respond to patterns and I'm no different," he said. "I think repetition is also predictable. But then again, in therapy ... I think the predictability might not be the best virtue, but it is one you can rely on." If Baylor's work is therapy for him, it might have the same effect on his audience. Where some artists try and paint to put people on edge, Baylor paints to have a conversation with his audience and express his love of drawing. He wants people to walk away and carry the feeling with them. "You know when you hear a good song, you start humming it? All day? I just want people to hum my tune if they like my song," he said. Proud DOWNTOWN Congratulations Museum of Wisconsin Art! 231258004 The Washington House Pub Est. 2012 DOWNTOWN WEST BEND Welcome MOWA! Serving Lunch & Dinner Open 7 Days a week LIVE MUSIC HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WEST BEND | 115 S. MAIN ST MON.-THUR 11AM-8PM | FRI & SAT 11AM-9PM In honor of your achievements, Januli's is offering: BUY 1 "I LOVE ART" HOAGIE & RECEIVE 2ND FOR 1/2 PRICE when you & a friend visit the museum. Expires 4/30/13. Stop In At… See What's New! Specialty Oils including: Avacado & Grape Seed Oil Thursday, Friday & Saturday Every Week FRIDAY All You Can Eat Fish Fry Buy 1 Dinner Get 1 Half Off! Many other items including Fine Wines & Gourmet Food SATURDAY 7 $ 95 Nora Fleming Servingware Makes A Great Wedding Gift! Prime Rib and Surf & Turf Included (of equal or lesser value. Not vaild w/other coupons.) 228 N. 6th Ave. ~ 262-353-9251 Hours: Mon - Tues 3pm-close; Wed. - Sun 11am-close $5 off $25 purchase with this coupon. Expires 5/31/13. 132 S. 6th Ave., Downtown West Bend • 262-335-1100 Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11-5, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-3 20% off Limit 1 ON ANY OIL OR VINEGAR With this coupon. Not valid with other offers, prior purchases. Coupon exp. 4/15/13. Custom Made Gift Baskets Ruth-Anne's Gourmet Market, West Bend 262-306-1590 136 North Main St., West Bend • 262-306-1590 • www.ruthanneswb.com Tues, Wed, Fri 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-2pm March 2013 • News Graphic & Daily News • Museum of Wisconsin Art • 7