Changing Coats by George Ehnat

If you enjoy truly “original” contemporary artwork, you will appreciate the work of George Ehnat. He is presently exhibiting at Dinnerware Contemporary Art Gallery now celebrating their 30^th year. The opening reception was held Saturday September 12. George Ehnat was one of the original founders of Dinnerware in 1979 when it started as a Co-op Gallery.

Ehnat’s new exhibition offers some of his latest creations. An artist for over 45 years, his body of work speaks for itself.  Bronze, stone, marble, wood, are his favorite mediums. He gets his inspirations from the streams of consciousness reflected in everyday life experiences like people, art, news, etc. Below are a few of his signature pieces.

Signature by George Ehnat

Sculpture for the Blind by Ehnat

Ehnat’s creations are influenced by his own father’s paintings from in his youth.  Unfortunately, his dad was severly injured in WWII and his paintings after that were limited because of his disability.   Another strong influence was André Breton, who’s Surrealism became a European movement that influenced all domains of art.  Breton’s work questioned the origin of human understanding and human perceptions of things and events and a different interpretation of reality.

For the past 12 years George has traveled numerous times to Eastern Europe going back to understand his roots.  While there he met Andrej Rudavsky, and was invited to use his studio to create works at the studio in Bratislava, Slovakia. Rudavsky, a sculptor famous when Russia invaded  Czechoslovakia , wouldn’t sign papers of allegiance to Russia so was ostracized and lost numerous commissions because of it. When Slovakia became a Republic he became reinstated.

When you view the artist’s work your first impression is the professional workmanship. Looking closer you will find the true story behind their meaning. For example the wall sculpture CHANGING COATS, at first looks like a unique encaustic abstract.  The true story is reflected in the title and the realization that the Slovakian people had to constantly ‘”change” with the changing oppressive administrations forced on them by the Russians.

Figure Reclining-Bronze by George Ehnat

"Horos" bronze by Ehnat

His bronze pieces on display are “one-of-a -kind”.  He first creates them out of oil-based clay, makes a mold and then uses the lost wax process to make the bronze.  He does his own finishing and patina. George has done only one bronze in his career that was more than one casting preferring only one original.

Ehnat’s marble and stone pieces are uniquely different. The artist states “I just start craving the stone not knowing for sure what it will be and eventually the stone seems to tell me what it wants to be and I create it.”

Evolved (Marble) by Ehnat

Maquette for D.C. Mall (marble) by Ehnat

Unlike many artists creating works closely resembling their other works, George Ehnat is constantly exploring new ideas. In this exhibition there are several new pieces that reflect his uniqueness.  Painting the Danube installation is one of those as is the very contemporary new wall piece TETRA, a sculpture created just for this show. His new digographics on view at the exhibit are also a new expression for the artist.

Shield (Mixed media) by Ehnat

Andrej Rudavsky helped the artist become a member of the Slovak Artist’s Union in Bratislava. George has had several prestigious exhibitions in Slovakia and is in permanent collections there. From his travels he has become very interested in the lives of the Gypsies and is presently doing a study about them. Their unusual lifestyle will no doubt influence some of his future work.

If you enjoy fine art I recommend you viewing the exhibition at Dinnerware Contemporary Art Gallery, 264 E. Congress St. ((520) 792-4503) http://www.dinnerwarearts.com/

The public opening  celebrated the 30^th year of the Dinnerware Galley being in Tucson. (1979-2009) This  Ehnat exhibition will run until September 26.

* More of George Ehnat’s work can be seen on his facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ehnatsculpture

It’s hot like the dickens outside. I’m inside with the air conditioning turned off, thinking about the end of the month electric bill. My shirt is on my body like a hot wet leaf. My balding head, erupting with beads of Alien hell sweat.

But like a TV private investigator’s street informer, I hear myself say “I’m cool. Yo, I’m cool.”

Downtown is my bowl of mixed fruit. I found the bowl in the Dinnerware Artspace refrigerator leftover from the Salon des Refuses artist reception. It’s been in there over a week.

I start with the strawberries on top. They look like they’re half frozen. I hold the fruit by it’s green, leafy stem. Not bad. A bead of sweat disappears from by forehead. I feel comfortable eating about 75% of it. The rest, I send into the office garbage by my foot. I find the strawberries refreshing. They’re not brand spanking new off the plant, but I like them. Not unlike some of downtown’s old buildings. Their is something that tastes good about buildings that have been around for a while. They have character. They’re tattered along the edges. And they still have surprises.

Next are the cherries in my fruit bowl. I didn’t see them at first, but there they are. They’re cold and wet. They’re in season right now, so they’re cheap. They have long stems making them easy to grab. Nobody’s around.  I spit the pit into the garbage below. I miss. The pit bounces and rolls on the floor. I don’t mind. It’s the summer. Things are laid back. I’m having fun.  Who can be sad with the satisfying flavor of a cold cherry? Cherry picking is like choosing paintings from a local artist. Lots of variety, color, themes, and mediums to choose from. And the characters that produce works of art. Don’t get me started.

I pick a blueberry next, except it’s not a blueberry. It’s a dark blue, seedless grape.  I grab one, but a cluster of them come out instead. The grapes look strong, firm and happy to be on the same little branch. I know they’ve been at the bottom of that bowl for a while, yet they don’t seem bothered by that. They’re just happy to be together being grapes. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt that feeling. Artists like to be around other artists. They don’t necessarily need to be bumping into each other, but there is some comfort in knowing that other artists are nearby. Artists like to be in clusters. There’s strength and happiness in that.

This is my first blog entry at the Tucson Citizen. I’m just getting a taste of this fruit, but hope to start sharing more thoughts, images, information about goings on, especially in and around downtown Tucson. Most of the things I noticed seem to largely unnoticed. They can be small things that are big. Big things that are actually small.

I like cooking up innovative events and hope that others will do the same. I see it happening with special people like Colleena Cardelabra, or the Parasol Project, or Steven Eye at Solar Culture, Sharon Holnback up at the Triangle L Ranch, and so many more. I hope to shine some light their way this Fall. These are people who take the risk of doing interesting, and innovative things.

Hello.

My name is David Aguirre, and this is my blog at the Tucson Citizen. I’ve been in Tucson since 1987. I’m a ceramic sculptor, and I’ve been doing community volunteering for arts groups since I came here. I am the Director at Dinnerware Artspace where we help local artists find exhibit space, studio space, and live space.

Thanks to the Tucson Citizen staff who are putting a lot of effort into this website.

Come back often for thoughts and updates on Artistic Tucson.

June 11,2009 by Charles Spillar

Yesterday, two more of the giant sculptures from the closed Magic Carpet Golf property on East Speedway were headed to their new homes. The smiling SUN sculpture and the giant KACHINA were removed from their places on the miniature golf course. They had been there for the past 40 years and brought joy to thousands of Tucsonans. The giant figures were transported to a new location in East Tucson.

Attached are some photos of the two unique creations of the late Lee Koplin as they are being moved.
For those that are not aware of these unique hand built folk art pieces, they were part an important part of Tucson’s history and actually achieved icon status in the community. The quirky creatures brought smiles to many visitors.

Lee Koplin was responsible for actually changing the face of miniature golf in America by creating a literal fantasy world on his Magic Carpet courses. There are only a few of these original courses left in existence.

Local individuals and companies wanting to preserve a part of Tucson’s history for future generations have saved almost all of the unique statues. These concrete and steel structures will be around for a few more generations for the enjoyment of the community once their new owners restore them.

Within this blog you will find information you may never find in your local newspaper. News about artists and art forms you may have never seen before. News about what is happening with the revitalization of the historic arts warehouse district from the Warehouse Artists Management Organization (WAMO. They are trying to lead the charge to preserve an important part of downtown Tucson. and keep the artists in their studios with affordable rents.

You will find about other cities and what they have done to revitalize their run down inter cities using creative arts and artists to lead the way. Groups unlike real estate developers whose main mantra is the greatest R. O. I. ( Return on Investment), art groups that have their own mantra of the greatest RTTC. ( Return to their community)

We will be covering art that will go beyond the visual art at times and will cover all forms of artistic creation from playwriting, music, dance, film making, woodworking, etc.

Check back often. Who knows we may even let you in on our secret of what gallery has the best snacks at their openings, and our special restaurant that has opera singing waiters/waitresses serving you some of the restaurants own culinary art.

Stay in touch and expect the “unexpected.” Pure mind candy for the soul.