Spotlight on Scott Boilard

The art of Scott Boilard has impressed me immensely, since I first saw it several years ago at his solo show at the Bijou Gallery, here in Worcester, Massachusetts. His style is fantastic abstract expressionism. After reading his artist statement, I am blown away at his depth of thought and contemplation when it comes to his art. Each piece is as stunning as the next. The light, the details, the incredible imagination hit you like a tidal wave. With a mind and foresight of an artist completely loyal to his style, Scott constantly surprises and innovates with his spontaneous and subconscious work.

Scott was invited to Pushkin, Russia in 2005 for an artist exchange and representative of Worcester, Massachusetts, as a sister city. He has supported and participated in local art throughout his career. He is an original participant of stART on the Street and participated in our first Cirque du Noir 2008 fundraiser for the Worcester County Food Bank. As a friend and a colleague, I am incredibly fortunate to be inspired by his art on a daily basis. Scott brings his sketch books everywhere and occasionally I devour this more than his painting. His preliminary sketches and brainstorming side notes are worth a king's ransom.

Scott Boilard was recently featured in the 20 Artists of Worcester the concept of Scott Erb of Erb Photography. Portraits taken by Erb of each of the artist in their studio space were showcased, expertly.

Spotlight on Erin Petson

London based artist Erin Petson has some game. I have seen alot of montage efforts over the years, but I have never seen such perfect combinations of hard edges and loose illustration. Her work has a Klimt feel to it, which is perhaps why I was drawn to it. As I look at the way she blows out and softens her lines, it just makes the contrasts pop. Everyone is adding in the vector graphic "stamping" images that you see in all print ads and media efforts, but her style is organic and original. Amazing images of her work are via art department, a new discovery. I could spend all day exploring this site eternal eye candy.

****WARNING: If you click the link you should have a comfy seat and some provisions handy.

The Art of Laura Niemi

Laura Niemi lives in Cambridge, by way of Worcester, SoCal, and Portland Oregon. I first saw her work when she was a student at Clark University. It was evident that her talent was raw, true and brilliant and her delivery was provocative. She paints predominately landscapes and imagery with birds imposing her own passion for her subject matter and deep breath of thought. With her amazing artistic talent and her passion for psychology she is currently pursuing a masters in art therapy from Lesley University, while working as an artist at Checkerboard Ltd.

In October, I was happy to have Laura join us for Cirque du Noir, a fundraiser for the Worcester County Food Bank. Her talent and ability to be spontaneous as she collaborated with 5 other Worcester artists for an art fusion was amazing. Her donation to the event was the top selection here, Chinatown Puddles, a favorite of mine. The way she intuitively captures the reflections and light is remarkable. See more photos of the event and Laura in action.

The painting of the YoYo, a mysterious and haunting feeling takes hold as the contrast of black and white shadows play off the movement. At the showing of this painting, people were intoxicated by the rhythm. The last selection, Jazz Cigarettes, hangs on my wall. It is of Kelly Square in Worcester, Massachusetts. Not a single person walks in without going over to it and taking it in.