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Published on 02/03/1997 All articles from this issue

Painter goes three-dimensional at new Sunbird Gallery exhibition

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By Agnes Derbin

A new show opened at Sunbird Gallery this week featuring California artist Jian Wang's paintings and sculpture.

This is a particularly important show for Wang because he's never exhibited three-dimensional work before. Ingrid Jackson-MacDonald, painter, sculptor, and Sunbird Gallery owner, said: "This is the largest one-man show of original art that Sunbird has presented to date. I'm excited about Jian's paintings and his new sculpture."

This is a new departure for Jian Wang because he has an international following for his paintings. They both work well together because his sculpture is very similar to his paintings - loose and textured.

Wang's paintings and his new three-dimensional work are similar in feel. They both are loosely impressionistic, neither representational nor abstract. Wang's new figurative sculptures, textural and beautiful, are in the clay state for this show, but will be offered as numbered-edition bronze sculptures in their final state. Sunbird Gallery will take orders for Wang's bronze sculptures from the clay state on display.

Wang has always been interested in the human form. He studied under Wayne Thiebaud for three years. During that time, he made more than 2,000 drawings of human figures. His sculptures in the exhibition go back to that period of mastering the human form. Both male and female figures are in this exhibition.

"I've wanted to offer three dimensional work for many years," Jackson MacDonald said. "Jian's work is a perfect way to introduce the community to touchable art."

This exhibition features more than 45 highly energetic landscape and figurative paintings by Wang.

There will be a reception for the artist from 5-8 p.m. this Thursday at the gallery, 333 First St., in Los Altos. For more information call 941-1561.

Penny Lave is excited about the variety of art that has been collected for the "Heart of the Community" silent art auction on Feb. 15. Lave said the auction will include art by a well-known, local artist. There will be oils and watercolors, a painted pillow, a painted mailbox, a miniature mother and child stone sculpture, a woven silver pendant, black and white and color photographs, a pet photography package, an etching, note cards with a Los Altos theme, and a hand-knitted heart sweater. "We are still accepting donations from artists," Lave said.

Proceeds from the silent auction benefit Los Altos Community Foundation programs. For more information about art donations, call Lave at 948-8920. For more information about tickets for the "Heart of the Community" event, call Jean Carmichael at 964-7742.

ART BITS: Gallery 9 has a reception for oil painter Carol Hake 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., in Los Altos. Hake, who has exhibited paintings for more than 20 years and has a strong local following, opened her Gallery 9 exhibition Tuesday. For more information, call 941-7969.

The Kasimir Etching show opens Feb. 13 at ZYT Galerie, at 923 N. San Antonio Road, in Los Altos. For more information, call 948-6770.

Marjolaine French Pastries features live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays and an exhibition of watercolors by Ruth Morrow and Patricia Martin Osborne. Marjolaine French Pastries, is located at 134 Main St. Call 949-2226 for more information.

Agnes Derbin is a Los Altos artist and resident.