This content was published: October 4, 2011. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Painter and professor explores ‘Oregon Romanticism’
Photos and story by James Hill
Currently on show in the Rock Creek Campus’ Helzer Art Gallery is Kendra Larson’s “Oregon Romanticism,” and will go on through until Oct. 28. In her work, Larson examines the historical practice of landscape painting—composing scenes derived from nature. Her compositions, while derived from familiar sites such as Haystack Rock and the basalt river banks of the Clackamas River, also incorporate “unnatural” colors or seemingly incongruous elements.
“Bariloche Summer, 2011” – Acrylic on wood panel, by Kendra Larson.
“My fascination with nature stems from an interest in contemporary film noir, literature on the woods, and research of natural phenomena,” Larson said. “In my art practice, I find that chaos, awe and fear are revealed in ways I could not plan when I begin a piece.”
Larson has shown her work in venues that include Lewis and Clark College, the University of Minnesota’s Nash Gallery (Minneapolis), and the Overture Center for the Arts (Madison, Wis.). Her work has appeared in publications such as The Bear Deluxe and Tree Sap Magazine. She has received residencies from Caldera (Sisters, Ore.), Signal Fire, and New Pacific Studios (Masterton, New Zealand). Larson teaches at Willamette University. She received her master’s degree in painting from the University of Wisconsin.
The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday. The gallery is located in Building 3.
Larson will speak about her paintings in the Helzer Art Gallery at noon on Friday, October 14. This event is free and open to the public.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »