To Conjure: Meditations on the West

Taken by Maggie Stein

What a year! After starting at a graphic design firm, I've begun dividing my time between art-making at home and honing some new graphic skills at work.

I was lucky enough to have an exhibition planned for December of this past year, though, and even before I started working on it, I had a lot of ideas.

Here is statement of the work: This collection of works on paper, shadowboxes and mutoscopes focuses on two individuals separated by distance and unknown landscapes; drawing upon interpersonal dynamics, present-day depictions of the past and the American Old West, it seeks to fill the physical and conceptual void created by longing.

The show opened on December 6 at The WVTF and Radio IQ Studio Gallery, curated by the New City Arts Initiative.

Here are some images from the show. Click to get a closer look!:



Taken by Maggie Stein
Taken by Maggie Stein







New Dominion Opening

photo by Kendall Cox
Was really happy with my opening last Friday at the New Dominion Bookshop - thanks to all who stopped by!

"Jesse Wells' most recent series is an assemblage of tokens pointing to peripheral moments and the significance we attribute to incidental human actions over time. In applying a frontier mentality to everyday life, viewing the explored as unexplored, it appears that what hovers in the distance can either be a danger or a discovery. Maybe it is both."

reckonings

Upcoming Art Show!


New Dominion Bookshop
on the Historic Downtown Mall
404 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Jesse Wells
Reckonings
May 4th-May 28, 2012

Opening Reception
Friday, May 4, 2012
5:30-7:30pm


Gallery Hours
during Bookshop hours

Contact Information:
jesskawells [!at] gmail [dot!] com

getting ready!

art show at the garage!

"Carl, Meet Virginia"

New work by Jesse Wells
May 6 - 29


Jesse's newest work explores impossible connections and unifying totems. Mapping the interpersonal aesthetics of the quest, it features prints and works on paper, zines, crochet, and embroidery.

The Garage
N. 1st Street (across from Lee Park)
Charlottesville, VA
22902



Opening Reception May 6, 5:30-8pm
Please come for refreshments, friends, and art!

Gallery Hours: During scheduled events, or by appointment.
www.thegarage-cville.com

Contact (for additional information):
Jesse: jesskawells [!at] gmail.com

Information regarding the image:
Jesse Wells, "Listo" letterpress on paper 9"x9", 2011

January Art Show

If you didn't get a chance to see the pieces up at Virginia Discovery Museum, I have a few of them (plus some new ones!) over at Splendora's through the end of January -!

Come on by on Charlottesville's First Friday for a reception, with refreshments and plenty of artwork to look at (not to mention, access to gelato!)

January 7, 2011
5pm - 7pm

Splendora's Gelato Cafe
317 East Main St. (On the Downtown Mall)
Charlottesville, VA

This series focuses on moments of naïve and dangerous exploration – actions that come from an innocent place that might still bring about irrevocable knowledge.

Shark Fin, 10" x 13" Gouache and Pen on Paper, 2010


Art Show at The Virginia Discovery Museum

November 16 - December 6

Featuring:
Works on paper by Jesse Wells

A series which focuses on the interaction between individuals, and the gentle and ambivalent education that they approach each other with.

Virginia Discovery Museum
524 East Main Street (East end of Downtown Mall)
Charlottesville, VA 22902
www.vadm.org

While there is no opening or closing reception, the gallery is accessible for viewing during open hours. If you want to tour the exhibit with the artist, email Jesse at: jesskawells [at] gmail [dot] com

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00; Sunday 1:00-5:00; Closed Mondays; Closed the day before Thanksgiving

To get to the gallery room: Go to the front desk to let them know you’d like to see the exhibit. The room is in the back on the left-hand side with a “Room In Use” sign on it.

Two hours free parking at Market Street Parking Garage (5th & Market) or Water Street Parking Garage (3rd & Water) with museum validation. Have ticket stamped at front desk.

Image: "With Suitcases" pen and gouache on paper. 9" x 7", 2010

The Garage

This Friday, Kristin and I are hosting our Opening Reception at The Garage space near the downtown mall. Featured are works on paper, embroidery, and sculpture. Yay!





New Work by Jesse Wells and Kristin Smith

June 5 - June 26








Featuring:


"Fault Zones"
by Jesse Wells

New work focused on the physical chasm between individuals exemplified during ambivalent and complex moments. With stunt doubles on fire and boxers embracing, this work seeks to highlight the quiet caught within the chaos, and people trying to come to grips with themselves and others.



Drawings and Sculpture by Kristin Smith

A collection of work about animals investigating the world that they live in. The pieces show a variety of creatures exploring strange habitats and forms, trying to make sense of their surroundings.




The Garage
N. 1st Street
Charlottesville, VA
22902

http://thegarage-cville.com/

Opening Reception June 5, 5:30-8pm

Please come for refreshments, friends, and art!
Gallery Hours: During scheduled events, or by appointment.

Contact (for additional information):
Jesse: jesskawells at gmail dot com
Kristin: thekristinsmith at gmail dot com

Information regarding the images:
Kristin Smith, "Nest" gesso, watercolor, walnut ink on paper. 8" x 10". 2009
Jesse Wells, "Thrilla in Manila" thread on canvas. 5"x7" oval. 2009

Kristin Smith, "Moss Mass " watercolor, gesso, and walnut ink on paper. 8"x10". 2009
Jesse Wells, "Man on Fire #1" pen on paper. 7"x9". 2009