ON THE MEND

New Artwork by Mel Kadel and Lori D.

Opens Oct 2nd, 6-9pm (Closes Nov 1st)

Grass Hut art market (811 E Burnside)

It’s not about gender, it’s about strength of character. That’s what makes this art stand out among the pile of art with boobs and flowers. I’m probably not able to get away with this statement because I’m a man, but most art shows with lady artists in them are marketed as if it’s a gimmick to be a lady artist, as if the paint is smeared around with vagina hair and erect nipples, and menstruation is the inspiration. Bullshit! This show isn’t about gender it’s about being strong, dealing with being human, being triumphant and making art that belongs in good homes.

Mel and Lori are good time buddies, so they collaborated on some of the work that’s in the show.

I asked them what they liked about each other’s art.

Here’s what Mel said about Lori; “I like the freedom in Lori’s work, It’s not overly worked but is in tune with magical details. These characters she paints go between sweet and nurturing to tough and adventurous, and can make you laugh out loud which extremely difficult to do with a pen or brush.  I saw her work before we met, and loved it then.  But, once i got to know her… i realized how honest the paintings are…they really are a product of the woman behind them, sweet and tough.”

Here’s what Lori said about Mel; “Mel’s work is so beautiful, and full of care, and heartfelt. To me it is wholly energizing and inspiring to behold. In Mel’s work I see people finding strength in themselves and collectively with those around them. The scenes inspire courage and confidence in one’s own ability to conquer and endure the spectrum of life’s challenges. But they also pronounce the value of community; that together we can be even stronger and accomplish more.  The scenes reflected in Mel’s work remind me to look for things I can do to support those around me, and to be humble enough to recognize my vulnerabilities and accept help from those who extend it.  There is something about the delicate line, beautiful patterns, warmth of the coffee stained paper, and softness in the palette that Mel employs that also emphasizes these ideas further for me. The muted colors and the yellowed paper feel like well-worn patchwork quilts to me. The kind that was pieced together from scraps of fabric each with their own histories that separately may have been too worn for use. But when the best is taken from all of these things and joined together, they are re-purposed into something that can surround you in warmth and nurture healing. That is the sort of thing in her work that I am most inspired by… I feel invited by her work to appreciate my own strength as it is manifested through my experiences, the struggles and triumphs of my ancestors, my influences, and the support of my friends and family.  Her pictures also help me to be in conscious awe of the distinctive dimensionality of all whom I encounter, and to be more respectful of the concealed struggles of others.”

If your interested in being on the secret digi-preview and having a chance at scoring art from the show before it opens to the public send the secret password “I Love Grass Hut” to grasshut@gmail.com