By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
Mark Issenberg, Hyman Kaplan and Michael Wimmer will be the featured artists in “Earthbound,” an exhibit opening in the Jewish Cultural Center Gallery on Monday. Each of the artists uses his particular art form to express his connection to the earth.
“Artists commit to the earth in several ways — through using the earth as the medium, using the earth and its inhabitants as the subject matter and in the reuse of discarded objects by people living on earth,” said Ann Treadwell, curator of the show and programs director for JCC.
Mr. Issenberg knew he was a potter the first time he threw on the wheel at 16 years old. Now, almost 45 years later, he continues to draw on his imagination and skills to make pottery that people collect and use.
He likes to apply wood ash glazes because of he way they flow and create interesting patterns.
In addition to throwing on the wheel, he hand builds some of his pots.
Dr. Kaplan, a physician with Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, traces his love of nature and science back to a microscope he received as a child. As an adult, he purchased a 35 mm camera and began taking photographs of family and landscapes as a hobby.
“Travel and the digital age have allowed me to capture moments of time and place,” he said in his artist’s statement. “In this exhibit, I try to combine the order and symmetry of nature with a pleasing conceptual view.”
Mr. Wimmer uses toys, antiques, tools and found objects to construct contemporary sculptures. He leaves the interpretation up to the viewer, although each work relates a story or idea that is in his mind.
“Essentially, my art is an extension of me — my life, my thoughts, my experiences, my America, a melting pot of unique relics pulled together to express one idea,” he said. “Old movies, cartoons and unique events of the past depict the genre of my history.”
“Earthbound” continues through Feb. 26. A reception will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
JCC, 5461 North Terrace Road, is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and by appointment. Call 493-0270.