Variable Speed

E11even2 Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Variable Speed” features the work of Katy Clark and R!ch Cihlar. The two regional artists, in collaboration around the common theme of “birds,” take full flight, alighting on various media, styles, and techniques. Within the pedantic naturalism of John James Audubon and the reductive vision of Constantin Brancusi, Clark and Cihlar, in tandem, soar in their distinctive manifestations of the avian, airborne, the essence of the wonder of flight.

Recently returning to her hometown from Madison, Wisconsin, Katy Clark demonstrates a
lyrical fearlessness in all her work, readily veering from decorative illustration to bold
abstraction. With virtuosity in acrylic, gouache, watercolor, pen/ink, and cut-paper collage,
Clark can be joyfully gestural, intensely chromatic and then sinuously precise with controlled curvilinear line. Observing birds in nature, singularly or in flocks, she ranges from meditative to exuberant.

R!ch Cihlar, as part of Don’t Panic! has helped propel graffiti art into Cleveland’s cultural
mainstream. His work offers a dynamic counterpoint to Clark’s fluid brushwork and intricate draughtsmanship with his multi-layered, spray-painted stenciled forms. As Clark’s birds flutter and hum, Cihlar’s scream. Along with his paintings, he perpetuates the Pop vernacular by appropriating found objects in quirky crafted “skateboard birdhouses,” fully functional and ready for backyard birdwatching.

In preparation for “Variable Speed,” Cihlar states, “In its simplest form this exhibition will look like a bird themed show, but the constructive result will be the completed work from two artists who were given the same project but ended up with much different results.”
Celebrate Spring and anticipate Summer with “Variable Speed” at E11even2 Gallery. Surround yourself with images of birds, these magical, mysterious creatures that perch on our trees, peck at our flowers, and gloriously populate our skies.

Opening Reception for “Variable Speed” at the E11even2 Gallery is May 20, 5-9pm with the Closing Reception June 17, 5-9pm

Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly

“Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly”

Collaborative works by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck

May 17 – June 21, 2019

Don’t Panic! Tread lightly is the next exhibition at E11even 2 gallery to open on Friday, May 17^th from 5p-9p.  The name, ‘Don’t Panic!’,  that’s used by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck for their art collaborations started out as a title to bring on a sense of excitement for their initial showing together.  As R!ch and Bob ensured more live-painting events together, they realized the name could also be tied to the audience’s reaction to their process as they layer their work.  Onlookers have had shocked reactions as they watch various sections of each painting being sprayed over repeatedly by the artists, often appearing as the image is being defaced by the other before the final product is unmasked.  This dynamic duo continues to leave their imprint on the city with murals, scavenger hunts, fine art and more.  And this time, they’re back with a word of advice. “Tread Lightly”.

Works featured in the upcoming exhibition pay reverence to the little things in life.  Those that may be neglected as posing a threat or to think twice about.  R!ch says, “ When Bob and I were planning this exhibition, I was thinking about things that could really ruin your day, something like getting stung by a bee or being bit by a snake.  It may or may not kill you, but you should never underestimate the little guy. So the collaborative works in this exhibition, are just that.  Bob came up with the secondary title “Tread Lightly”, as a means of explaining these things could be found right under our feet, literally and figuratively. That’s the concept of the exhibition, a mere warning to be aware of your surroundings.”

Bob Peck says “The idea of treading lightly ranges from sidestepping a poisonous creature, to removing toxic people from your life.  Keep your head on a swivel and always be aware of your surroundings.  At the same time, we wanted to juxtaposition them with artistic flair and dynamic imagery.  Just because something is dangerous, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well. ”

Bees, snakes, and more are all fair game for R!ch and Bob as they pair up on the new series of paintings.  R!ch creates highly detailed stenciled images and Bob works over, under, around and through them with his abstract style, using color and line work to help set the tone.  In the end, each collaborative piece ends with a harmonious mix of spray paint and acrylic paint that ensures excitement with its kinetic energy and unassuming dialog.

Also being released during the exhibition is the official “Don’t Panic!” affiliation pin.  An enamel pin featuring the Duo’s namesake for those who want to join the cause.

Opening Reception Friday May 17^th 5p-9p

Closing Reception Friday June 21^th 5p-9p

 

Great Walls of Vinyl, Part Deux

 

Great Walls of Vinyl, Part Deux is the next exhibition at E11even 2.  GWV will open on Friday, March 15^th from 5-9p. This exhibit will be an optical mash up classic vinyl records with layered collage and graffiti elements.  Artist Garrett Weider presents the idea of covering the gallery with vinyl records (floor to ceiling) as his canvas.  Garrett says, “I want the show to be sensory overload, a lot to see, and make it a memorable experience.”

Why is this Part Deux?  Weider states, “I had a show a few years ago where I covered a two story wall with records, and the event and outcome was very successful. I wanted to replicate that idea, but fill an entire room.”  Each piece will be a cool $25, and this will be a cash and carry event.  That means guests will be able to take the work immediately off the wall and a new record will replace it, making the show a revolving and transforming experience.

Opening Reception Friday March 15^th 5-9p 2019

Closing Reception Friday April 19^th, 5-9p 2019

RATIO 1:12

Ratio 1:12, a new exhibition opening at E11even 2 will commemorate the 4 year anniversary of the contemporary gallery.  The opening reception is November 17th from 5-9p during the 3rd Friday events at 78th St. Studios.

Owners; Christina, Billy, and R!ch set out to make a new body of work for the occasion.  Each artist/owner created 12 works that were similar but slightly different, hence the ratio of 1:12.  (Not to mention the 1:12 is a pun on the galleries name).  Each artist explains their approach to the exhibition.

R!ch – “I created a variety of sunsets and seasonal color changes around Cleveland’s iconic Guardian bridge for my series.  The initial idea sprouted from asking myself what could I do thematically around the number 12?  And the idea of 12 months/seasons emerged as well as a clock having 12 morning hours and 12 evening hours.  So my series shows those changes in the form of times of the day and months.  I like to think of them as paintings of sunsets/sunrises during the year.  There’s nothing more peaceful then watching the sun rise and set.”

Christina – “I took a photo trip to Nevada this past March.  While shooting in one of my favorite locations, El Dorado Mining Town, I decided to photograph the front grills of some of the vehicles. The cars of yesterday had such a presence and demanded attention.  Many of the grills were large and prestigious while some are modest and obscure.”

Billy – “The first thing that came to mind was the months of the year.  I’m approaching each of my works as one of the 12 months, basing its color pallet on the temperature of the month (as seen by living in Cleveland, OH).  Cleveland is known for having random weather patterns and heat waves/cold fronts that contradict the assumed seasonal temperatures or forecast.”

Stop out for a sneak peak of “RATIO 1:12” during E11even 2 day or during the opening reception on November 17th.

 

Don’t Panic! Calm Down, and Enjoy the Ride

Don’t Panic! – Collaborative works by Bob Peck and R!ch Cihlar at E11even 2
April 17th, 2015 5-9p (Opening Reception) & May 15th, 2015 5-9p (Closing Reception)

Bob and R!ch are here to save the world…or at least make some art about what they would save from total annihilation, if they had to. 

The open-theme and title came about during a brainstorming session between the duo after the first few canvasses had been completed by the artists. As they stood and looked at the first phase of work, R!ch looked at the images of women, vintage toys and other assorted affections and simply said, “Yup, this is everything I would save if it was the end of the world!” Bob nodded in agreement.

Both artists share a love for art that has bold color and flowing design, as well as having a place in their hearts for things like wind-up robots and retro rocket ships. It seemed only right that they joined forces on a series of paintings that merge all of this under one roof. R!ch starts out with a Pop Art style image, created through intricate layers of stenciling. Bob steps in next and works his bursting abstract-style over, under, around and through. The results are pieces of art that are best described as a candy coated explosion.

“Don’t Panic!” will be on Display at Eleven 2 Gallery, located inside 78th Street Studios on April 17th, 2015 & May 15th during the 3rd Friday Events.