Roman Stripes
Oil on canvas, 53" x 63", 2019
Bandera: Speak the Language of the Country You Live In
Mixed Media, 6’H x 10”W, 2017
Stripe Array 4
Oil on canvas, 40" x 44", 2019
Brown Arneson Series: Self-Portrait of the Artist As A Dog. A Chili Dog
Clay, 30”L x 14H x 11”W, 2017
Off Minor
Oil on canvas, 50" x 50", 2020
Brown Arneson Series: Typewriter
Mixed Media, 12”W x 7”H x 7”D, 2016
Stripe Array Keyes
Oil on canvas, 50" x 43", 2019
Corazon Espinado
Clay/Mixed Media, 28”H x 30”W x 6’D, 2017
Dorian Mode
Oil on canvas, 60" x 63", 2020
Contando Cuentos: Middle School Machismo
Installation, 6’ x 4’, 2017
Afternoon Watch
Oil on canvas, 50" x 43", 2020
Ceremonial Sahumador
Clay, 3’H x 18”D, 2015
Charles Seerey
Charles Seerey’s work integrates art history influences and personal perspectives. Elements of European traditional art can be found in his paintings, but American abstraction has a strong presence as the artist communicates largely by inference and tone, allowing for expression that is disposed to an intuitive response. He applies paint that produces a distinctive rendering of color, light, and texture, built up in a series of layers, with elements of under-painting just visible through the surface layer, reflecting the complexity of expression contained in the artwork.
First of all, thank you to Ray Gonzales for inviting me to do this online show with him! I met Ray when I was a member of the Axis cooperative from 2013 to 2016, during which I had the opportunity to exhibit three solo shows. This was a productive and innovative time, as I wanted each show to be unique and thematically distinct. I was appreciative of the constant motivation that having regular shows at the Axis gallery provided. Because of the cooperative structure, all members were involved with the day to day operations of the gallery which was educational especially during the period when we transitioned to the new gallery space that Axis currently occupies on S Street. To be part of the behind the scenes planning of exhibit space was a valuable experience given the critical symbiosis between art and the environment where it exists. Through the cooperative, I also learned more about the practical aspects of developing the show such as marketing and interfacing with the media and the public. During my years as an Axis member, I grew creatively as an artist and rounded out an ancillary skill set that is an important part of being an artist.
Ray Gonzales
Ray Gonzales’ works are stories or narratives. He primarily works in clay and mixed media. He’s driven by memories, observations, wishes and influences that are all around him. Gonzales grew up in a small town and is part of a large Mexican-American family that has provided him with a deep well of experiences to draw from. Ray works to translate the colors, textures, aromas and events of all around him, both past and present, into a visual vocabulary culminating into works of Art that are personal and hopefully universal. Gonzales is from Lincoln, California and attended Sierra College and finished his Art coursework at C.S.U. Sacramento. Additional studies include Nevada, Florida and Alaska. He is a long-time teacher for the public schools in Lincoln and currently a Professor of Art at Sierra College. Mr. Gonzales has a number of Art-In-Public Places sculptures in the Sacramento Area and is an active supporter of community arts as well as an exhibiting Artist. His studio is located in Lincoln.
I’ve been a fan of Axis Gallery for years and years. I used to look forward to the downtown location on Second Saturday receptions to see what new and startling works would be up. Then the move to 19th Street next to the Contemporary Exhibit space brought new visitors what seemed to me to be an intentional effort to up the ante with even more challenging and impressive works. I was fortunate to be included in a 2-Person exhibit at this location in April of 2009 with Ron Peetz. When Axis was planning the move to share the existing space with the Verge is when I was challenged to apply and lucky to be included in the fold as a member. I’ve had a number of exhibits here since as well as shared my exhibit time with another artist, Jackie Dreamspell. There are many reasons why I love being a member. Axis Gallery has a strong community of impressive and supportive members whose risk taking work exhibits distinctly different styles which makes it exciting to see what one will exhibit month to month. It is absolutely unpredictable and for that reason, essential to see each exhibit. I’m proud to be part of a gallery that is a democratic decision-making organization in which all members pitch in equitably.