“Chasing Yutori” is the title of a new exhibit in Gallery ONE11 at the Creative Arts Guild. It features the work of artist Janet Campbell Bradley and went on display Monday, July 8, with an opening Artist Reception set for Friday, July 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Creative Arts Guild Gallery Openings + Artist Receptions take place on the first Friday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with a few exceptions including this one, changed to avoid conflict with the Fourth of July weekend. Gallery Openings are always free, family-friendly and open to all. Activities for kids and refreshments are available.
Yutori?
Bradley explains the title of her exhibit: “Yutori is a Japanese concept defined as having spaciousness in your life or having enough time and peace of mind to enjoy life without rushing. ‘Chasing Yutori’ is also about those paths taken with our feet, and paths taken (or processes chosen) in the artwork. Destinations, ways of learning, direction, reroute, exploration … what is found along the path.
“All of this is the act of reaching for ‘spaciousness opened up.’ The act of creating is both searching/chasing after and being in the moment with the work, each happening at different stages of the process. In the end, I want the viewer to experience the essence of Yutori when viewing my work, a reminder to ‘chase’ after their own Yutori.”
A metalsmith for 30-plus years, Bradley began exploring printmaking and encaustic wax techniques in 2019, learning and developing a new artistic language. Using encaustic wax (a combination of beeswax, damar resin and pigment) she creates an abstract background by melting the wax and pigment on a large heated surface and transferring the results to various types of Japanese paper.
Working in a mindful way that focuses on the process and how it unfolds, her goal is to evoke a sense of calm and serenity in her art, with an occasional touch of joy or whimsy.
Guild officials encourage members of the public to come enjoy this exhibit and perhaps take home some of that serenity.
Bradley is an artist in Chattanooga. The public can see her work at her studio in ClearStory Arts and also at the Area61 Gallery in downtown Chattanooga.
Gallery FIVE20
Continuing on display is “The Art of Clay,” a group show featuring the talent of clay artists throughout the state, members of the Georgia Clay Council. Established in 2003, the council is an all-volunteer organization striving to provide learning and enrichment opportunities to engage clay artists of all skill levels to unlock the possibilities clay has to offer. The council offers exhibitions and shows partnered with regional art centers and galleries, provides quarterly opportunities for cultural and educational growth, and invites local artists to present lectures, hands-on workshops and seminars.
Become a Friend of the Guild. Join the Guild in its commitment to cultivating and sustaining the arts in the community. To find out how visit creativeartsguild.org and click on “Let’s Be Friends.”
Submitted by the Creative Arts Guild.