You don’t have to be coupled-up to indulge in the box of visual chocolates recently opened at Gallery Neptune. LOVE BIRDS soars beyond the concept’s conventional monogamy as eight regional artists present their singular valentines to relationships —with significant others of various species, the world and the self.
The sampler includes “Tattoo,” an acrylic by Lisa Montag Brotman, whose exquisitely colored, alternate-reality narratives enflame curiosity. This latest presentation in a three-decade evolution of Brotman’s female forms depicts a woman caught in an inquisitive yet introspective moment, drifting in a fanciful wall-papered world of her own.
Known for stoking creative fire at the Washington Glass School, Michael Janis releases shivers instead of cupid quivers with “The Rapture” and “Falling From Grace.” Their sensuality owes to his inventive technique of drawing with powdered glass.
The bond between people and their animal companions is the subject of Kirk Waldroff’s tactile black and white wood block prints that celebrate mutual adoration between a woman and her bird.
Speaking of birds, Neptune owner Elyse Harrison shares her latest creations—five sculpted birds bearing Beatles, Lou Reed and Peter Frampton love-song lyrics on their wings.
John Lancaster shares his feelings behind his pen and ink “Equilibrium” and “A Tenuous Glimpse,” which strike a wonderful balance between light touch, deep thought and sharp wit. “These are little meditations on the perilous nature of life and the importance of having someone to count on while we move through it.”
Lancaster is an artist who commits; he doesn’t sketch out ideas. “Once the pen touches the paper, I don’t stop or erase until it is done. I begin with my eyes closed, deep in thought and just let the pen move until shapes appear that I can fill out and complete.” As a result, “Fun, subconscious things to appear.”
This assortment will leave you yearning to taste more from these heart-and-soul-stirring talents. Make a date to treat yourself to this show. Note: next month, Gallery Neptune moves to new digs two blocks away.
LOVE BIRDS
On view through Feb. 24
» Venue: Gallery Neptune, 4808 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
» Related Concerts with classical vocalist Maris Wicker singing Kurt Weill on Feb. 10 and 11; free but reservations suggested
» Info: 301-718-0809;
www.galleryneptune.com
