Martha Rock Keller
:: Remembering the Days: A Retrospective ::
June 18 – August 8, 2010
On the left you see one piece of a triptych, “Clearing” c. 1997-98 – my favorite.
“Nature inspires in me an intense investigation of visual life. Nature is my teacher. As I focus with the lens of ideas about living/loving/seeing, the world comes closer and clearer – ever more beautiful.” Martha Rock Keller
“Mont Sainte-Victoire” c. 1990
“The meaning of painting for me lies in the life of the mind it promotes and the state of the mind it enhances. It’s not even the final work that intrigues me so much as what happens in the act of painting. Painting can become reflective and interactive with the painter. It’s a way to see yourself change – thinking, feeling, becoming something else than you were when you started.” – Martha Rock Keller, 1998
Martha Rock Keller & Karla Groesbeck, “Iris” c. 2000, on the left. To the right, “White Pine” c. 2009, and “Cedars on Bluff, Lake Michigan”, 2008-10.
“Painting and drawing are a perceptual revelation . . . At the same time that this means everything to me, I realize how fragile and almost evanescent it is. The process of abstracting in the series is always a delicate balance, and it builds on the body of work that came before.
I held the flowers in my hand, close to my eyes to get the maximum effect . . . creating with contour drawing style in acrylic paint. I aimed for a feeling of free, easy going dancers in an open space.” Martha Rock Keller, 1984
“Iris” in spectacular blues!
Karla assisted Martha in the process of selecting paintings representative of the 40 year span of work for this show. As a professor at the University of Michigan in 1982, Martha’s vitality and energy left quite a memorable impression upon her student, Karla. Almost 30 years later, Karla has the pleasure of sharing weekly Tai Chi practice with Martha in her art studio, overlooking downtown Ann Arbor, continuing the exchange of vital life energy.
Behind Martha’s Grandaughter, playing the harp, are all three pieces of my favorite, “Clearing”. I say my favorite but, honestly, every piece is amazing!
Martha’s style, colors, brush strokes and representation of nature, combined with her delightful artist statements, left me feeling refreshed and in awe of her talent! This show is a pure pleasure!
The Ann Arbor Art Center, 2nd floor exhibition gallery featuring the work of Martha Rock Keller.
Thumbs up for Martha, and The Ann Arbor Art Center!
Treat yourself. Take a trip into town and visit this show before it ends August 8, 2010. You’ll also enjoy the 1st floor retail gallery, and the incredible offering of studio classes for children and adults.
Karla recently performed a beautiful wedding on the 3rd floor of the Art Center. I look forward to sharing photos. It’s a great location for a wedding, and it’s available – check it out!
The Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI. 48104
Tel: 734-994-8004
The Art Center is located in the historic Walker Building at 117 West Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The former carriage factory has been renovated to include exhibition, retail sales and instructional space.
The galleries and studios are open daily for your enjoyment.
Public hours: 10-6 PM, Monday – Saturday, 12 – 5:30 PM on Sundays. Students and studios, 9 AM-10 PM.
annarbor.com features Martha Rock Keller!
