Juror's Statement
THE APRIL 2002
ALL-MEDIA MEMBERSHIP SHOW
Things come and go. So it is in art. This time I noticed a larger than usual number of outstanding sculpture and photographic entries. This does not mean the watercolorists have given up. Not at all! It means this show has become better and richer.
Berthold Schmutzhart
Juror's Dialogue
by Margaret Cerutti
It was an absolute delight to interview Berthold Schmutzhart, juror for the April all-media show. He has chosen a show that is crisp, clean, and uncluttered and seems to glow with a light from within.
An instructor at the Corcoran School of Art and Design for 32 years, Berthold retired in 1994 as a Professor Emeritus. He studied art history, ceramics, and sculpture as a student at the Academy for Applied Art in Vienna, Austria. Today, he is still passionate for all media of art, but especially sculpture. He has experimented with all phases of this media from bronze casting, wood carving and stonework to blowing bubbles in plastic. A little-known fact is that Herr Schmutzhart is also an enthusiastic aviator. He is an accomplished pilot and owner of two gliders and a Piper Tri-Pacer.... and he heads for the skies whenever and wherever he can.
Works on canvas: "The difference between the accomplished artist and the developing one is the ability to see the piece through to the last detail. Works are crisp, clear, and well thought out. 'Peaceful City' (B. Rulei) and 'Lavender Rows' (B. Anderson) are completely different in their interpretation of subject matter. However, both do the same thing. They shine by playing the complementary values to the hilt. They glow."
Works on paper: "The master artist knows when to stop. In drawing, fewer lines tell the story, as fewer words can express an idea more effectively. In washes and watercolor, this is the case also. 'Two Moods' (J. Saunders) is a fine example of this. The artist effectively stops when the work speaks. S. Sonderlund's watercolor, 'Resting' is not just about a cat, it is about the soul of a cat. A cat is born to rest and relax and this one does. In spite of this, the artist hasn't forgotten she is a painter, hence the colors."
Photography: "It is very important for the photographer to work with the photographic tools to effect the end result, be it in the darkroom or in the employment of the camera, itself. 'Susan Constant' (T. Elmelik) has achieved this. The artist leaves the viewer to ponder how she achieved the result. 'Delayed Flourish' (E. Zamalloa) and 'Speed Power' (P. Vafaii) tell us a story from a different viewpoint. The artist's vision should be other than what the machine will provide. Travel beyond the image."
Sculpture: "I like the humor of 'Chameleon' (O. Martinez Charry). It is not just a chameleon but an ecstatic chameleon.... having fun. More power to the chameleon maker! It is not necessary for an artist to produce every detail as in 'Sorrowful Mother' (S. McElhinney). The impression or suggestion of hair is enough. It draws the viewer into the sculpture as a participant. In 'Sophisticates' (A. Cascarano), the artist knew that the space between the two parts was as important as the sculpture itself. Too much or too little space would just not have worked."
"I have been involved with The Art League since its very beginnings and with the Torpedo Factory. One thing is constant.... the display of very, very good work, especially in the media of painting and watercolor. I have noticed more photos and an upsurge in sculpture over the years. The shows give the novice something to hang on to. They are able to measure their skill and growth with that of the top artists. As always, more good work was submitted than space allows. It is almost painful to have to remove pieces for lack of display space."
This page was last updated 04/17/2002.