Finding Finished ~ paintings by Janet Bothne

First Friday’s ARTScrawl led me to Palette Contemporary Art & Craft in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Janet Bothne, the featured artist for November, opened last Friday with her exhibition Finding Finished. Bothne says, “One of the hardest parts of the painting process is knowing when a painting is truly finished.” She has sometimes hung and shown a work only to get it back into the studio and give it one final stroke or "punctuation" before being fully satisfied. Over time, Bothne has learned that there is a critical point in a painting’s “life cycle” where one must stop before "killing" some of its most compelling elements. She looks very carefully at each painting to examine what’s working and what isn’t, before painting its final 10%. Sometimes, she'll ponder a piece for months before her eye provides answers as to what is required for its completion.

Tamara Coatsworth "EYE-conic" glass art exhibition

Last Friday, I was in search of a new art experience. I had reviewed watercolors, oils, acrylics, lithographs, and metal art. I wanted to find an exhibit that would literally move my heart and dazzle my mind. I found so much more when I stepped inside Palette Contemporary Art & Craft gallery to see Tamara Coatsworth’s glass art show.

JOLLY TIME, FUSED GLASS, ENAMELS, TORCHWORKED, SANDBLASTED, ACID ETCHED

Primarily inspired by nostalgic pop culture, Tamara precisely explores the iconic nature of everyday items. Observers will be amazed at her attention-to-detail spent when it comes to skillfully utilizing a wide array of glass-making techniques including torch work, fusing, sandblasting, acid-etching, and elaborate enamels to create original artwork that lovingly replicates items such as movie-theater popcorn, a box of matches, or beautifully decorated cupcakes. Tamara’s artistry will appeal to your many senses while her familiar objects are assured to evoke fond memories as she brings them to life using the medium of glass.

ENDANGERED, FUSED GLASS, ENAMELS, TORCHWORKED, SANDBLASTED, ACID ETCHED

Palette Contemporary Art & Craft, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico features a variety of contemporary fine art glass, original paintings, limited edition signed prints, ceramics, marbles, and wearable art. It searches locally and abroad to bring a collection of contemporary art and craft with a colorful edge and clean lines by both emerging and renowned artists.

CUPCAKES, CAST GLASS, 3.5 X 3.5 INCHES

Tamara Coatsworth’s show, “EYE-conic,” will hang through May 3rd at Palette Contemporary Art & Craft gallery, 7400 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 855-7777, www.palettecontemporary.com