Zenith Gallery Presents:
Full Circle
Featuring Artists: Len Harris & Carol Schepps
SHOW DATES: January 13 -May 14, 2016
1111 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004
As the show’s title describes, the pieces in this exhibit have distinct forms and shapes that adds to its intrigue. In this two-person exhibit, we are pairing wood sculptor Len Harris and fiber artist Carol Schepps. Their love of curvature and precision is what makes them the perfect combination, bringing together two organic mediums that each artist designs brilliantly in their own distinctive style. Both artists cite influences from their previous careers, makes this exhibit that much more fascinating thus bringing their artistry “Full Circle”. In wood sculpting, wood is a material that has its limitations, but once you view our latest exhibit, it will have you questioning this concept. Most artist carve, may even burn, laminate in order to create a jaw-dropping piece of art but not in the case of new Zenith Gallery artist, Len Harris. He uses a technique of bending and twisting thin strips of wood to create, what he describes as “ribbons of wood” creating sensuous, free flowing wood sculptures that simply amaze. At first look you do not even realize you’re looking at wood but once you get a closer look you start to see the grains and colors, which becomes more identifiable. Resembling the moves of an elegant ribbon dancer, the spirals seem to freeze in time capturing a puzzling design. Harris’ use of negative space is eye-catching and will guide your eye to follow the curves until you have experienced the entire piece and more! Harris says of his work, “my goal is to cause maximum human response with a minimum of material”. As they say, less is more and in this case Harris does not disappoint! He credits his first career of 40 years as an aerospace engineer in industry and at NASA, as an influential part of his sculpting career that gave him an understanding on the behavior of materials in light weight aerospace structures thus creating the “ribbons of wood”. Viewing his work will bend your mind trying to figure out exactly what his process is.
Carol Schepps is a long time Zenith Gallery artist and has continually pushed the boundaries of fiber art. Her work resembles paintings more than quilted tapestries. Schepps’ use of color and texture collide to create elaborate works as seen in her Circle Sun Series, with her use of light and dark colors together, creating juxtaposed elements. With a background in graphic and fashion design she uses clean lines and meticulous construction techniques. Carol says of her work, “…I have merged my love of fabric, color and graphic design.” She continues, stating, “I incorporate design integrity and construction complexity with the highest degree of craftsmanship”. Schepps takes you on a fascinating journey of geometric patterns and vibrant colors aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Since fabric absorbs sound and light, her pieces are an excellent enhancement to any space it becomes apart of Carol’s work is shown at several corporate spaces including US Airways and multiple hospitals and universities
across the country.
Where: 1111 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, WDC 20004
Exhibit on Display: January 13 – May 14, 2016
Opening Reception: Wednesday, January 13, 5 – 8 pm
Information: Margery Goldberg, 202-783-2963, margery@zenithgallery.com
Gallery Hours: Monday– Friday, 8 am – 7pm Saturday 8am-4pm, on Saturday
Enter on 12th St. NW DC 20004; knock and the guard will let you in
Now celebrating 37 years in the nation’s capital, Zenith is recognized for its unique mix of contemporary art in a wide variety of media, style and subject. The gallery provides high-quality acquisition, art consulting, commissioning, appraisal and framing services, through its gallery/salon/ sculpture garden off 16th Street at 1429 Iris St NW, WDC 20012. Zenith also curates rotating exhibits at the Eleven Sculpture Space at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, WDC 20004.