This two-person show, “New Mexico Tapestry,” during First Friday Art Walk on March 3, 2017 features the landscapes of plein air painter Peggy Immel and the bronze works of sculptor Michael Tatom, both New Mexican artists. Opening reception is from 5:00-7:30 pm at Sorrel Sky Gallery’s downtown location at 125 W. Palace Ave. The show continues throughout the month of March.
Peggy Immel looks to nature and adventure as her Muse. Often working en plein air, her landscape paintings are inspired by a love of exploring the outdoors and the Southwest’s exotic beauty. Before Immel begins a new piece, she asks herself, “Why am I painting this?” Such a query helps her stay focused on the original intention and ultimate goal of each piece, which may involve visual elements like light, color and contrast or an interest in philosophical aspects of a particular subject. Immel is a Master Signature Member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and a Signature Artist of Plein Air Artists Colorado. She regularly participates in plein air painting and western art exhibitions across the West. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband. “I believe the ‘why’ of a painting matters more than the ‘what.’ The most exciting pieces to paint have both a visual and philosophical foundation.”
Michael Tatom’s reputation as a master goldsmith was well established before he gained recognition as a sculptor creating unique animal forms in bronze. His sculptures incorporate graceful curves and elegant lines that capture an animal’s shape and the magic of its movement. Tatom enjoys every aspect in the creation of his sculptures, from observing animals in their habitat and sculpting them in clay, to the final step of finishing the bronze’s surface. His favorite part of the process, however, is selecting and applying the patina, which adds color and texture and creates a dramatic effect on the finished sculpture. Tatom has been making contemporary jewelry and bronze sculpture for more than twenty-five years. He lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “The main focus of my work is to translate into bronze the essence of the animal, to capture some movement or instinct, and present it in a simple stylized form.”
Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery, likened their works to a visual tapestry. “Both Peggy and Michael are keen observers. They are able to transform what they perceive into a dramatic visual tapestry. Whether through paint or bronze, each weaves a story with insight, subtlety and artistry.”
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art offers a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning art enthusiast. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002, opening its second location in Santa Fe, NM in 2014. Representing over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers, including bronze artist Star Liana York, painter Kevin Red Star, and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.