Juror’s Statement

My task was unexpectedly difficult. In my experience as a juror, the quality of artwork is usually more easily distinguishable, or separate-able, if you will. This was not the case for the Redwood Art Association’s Spring 2011 entries.

When I thought the editing process was finished and we had “the show”, I realized I had to put aside yet more amazing, quality works of art in order to fit within the exhibition space. First it was 19 more works, then 8…3… It was painstaking.

The watercolor and photography categories were a crowded field, and therefore forced more intense editing. Largely, what ultimately tipped the scales was not necessarily a technical merit (which in some cases was extraordinary) as much as an ability to capture it’s subject and/or engage the viewer in an unusual, illuminating, or provocative way.

That said, the Best of Show, McVicker’s oil on linen, was astonishingly atmospheric and showed a rare painterly skill akin to the Orientalists of the 19th century.

Virtually all the sculpture entries were remarkably strong by every aesthetic and formal measure; any of them could have been chosen best in class. In the end, the winning piece possessed a creative whimsy that was simply irresistible.

The production quality of the winning photograph literally renews faith in photography as a fine art medium in this age of Flickr, the low-mob movement, etc. It is a sumptuous feast for the eye.

Overall, a resounding and emphatic bravo to this esteemed final group of 65 works. But my hat is off to all 118 Humboldt County artists who entered, and who, as a community, represent an aesthetic synchronicity that is sophisticated, whimsical, and a creative force to be reckoned with.

Lisa Archambeau
Gallery Consultant for the Caldwell Snyder Gallery
in St. Helena and San Francisco

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