Play - Christopher Griffin, Tom DeGroot & Melissa Stern PRESS RELEASE SOPA FINE ARTS Sopa Fine Arts is pleased to present Play, an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and resin panels from contemporary artists Christopher Griffin, Tom DeGroot & Melissa Stern. July 5 – August 5 Painter Christopher Griffin has traveled through geographically diverse areas, from rainforests to tundra, through ancient villages and archaeological sites; noticing images and symbols that are influences in his distinctive pictorially, narrative work. In this way, the markings seen in caves mixed with more current influences, he fashions a world where there are no clues to inform us when in time they are from. Griffin doesn't take himself too seriously though, or at least that's what is easy to believe. Often letting children scribble and doodle on his canvases, he challenges our subconscious to go back to a much less inhibited time; where arms can protrude from a head without any neck, or maybe legs can have no feet at all, but still are able to communicate an idea. Griffin’s series of 'Play' paintings are sure to awaken youthful interpretations of imagination and pretend. Seattle artist, Tom DeGroot crafts resin boxes that enmesh play by using materials where he works multiple layers of resin, over grids, with numerous layers of paint systematically worked away; thus revealing little but small variations in their surface. The method he works in itself, has us imagining the artist having fun in its creation. Reminiscent of an old light brite from the 70’s, his new work stirs memories of board games and marbles, seemingly stopped in time for an eternal moment. Melissa Stern usually depicts human form in her mixed media ceramic sculpture, not unlike her sketches. Her figurative work has strong toy-like qualities, often from a make-believe place. The imperfect surfaces and time-worn coloring, suggest, perhaps a favorite toy that has been well loved and played; but not entirely forgotten. In contrast to illustrative children’s books, meant to lend imagery to enhance the story, Stern’s sculptures don’t have any direct associations to concern the viewer. Adult responses to these pieces may have us trying to understand what the coded or suggested message is, while children will look at them simply and see humor. With this exhibition we’ve found innocence, wit and humor to spice up our first show of summer. “In play, children expand their understanding of themselves and others, their knowledge of the physical world, and their ability to communicate with peers and adults”
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