Experiential Elements in Exhibit Bring Artwork to Life

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Oct. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Ciel Gallery will feature artist members Patricia Steele Raible and Jen Walls in Mark My Words: Symbolism and TEXTure, at Ciel Gallery November 7 - 28, with an opening reception Friday, November 7, 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Admission is free and ideal for all ages to experience.

These artists combine words, markings and texture (both visual and tactile) in abstract, illustrative, and symbolic works of two very personal but different styles and media.

"Both of us use experiential elements in our work," says Raible. “They include lines, markings, symbols (mine in the form of text) on backgrounds of texture—all designed to evoke emotion and connection. The pieces beg you to come closer and look beyond the obvious.”

Walls believes opposites do attract. She says, “From a distance my work appears largely illustrative and representational and Patricia’s almost entirely abstract. But if you get close to mine, Mayan glyphs, Native American symbolism, Japanese Kimono patterns, or abstract symbols appear.  Likewise, a closer look at Patricia’s reveals layer upon layer of elements and elevations driving the viewer deep inside the piece.”

Raible uses her art to make connections and to process ideas, events, and the important moments of life. This is why she values process, and says it is the layers, though fragmented, that give the art its voice.

Matthews-based Walls found a gateway to art through Zentangle, a popular pattern-based meditation method.  It didn't take long for patterns, symbols and markings (native, tribal, ethnic, botanical and contemporary) to become incorporated into much of her work, which often uses watercolor and ink.

During the opening on November 7, Raible and Walls invite visitors to "make your mark” on a collaborative piece to be completed by the artists before the end of the show.

Ciel Gallery is a fine art collective with over 20 local artist members located at 128 E. Park Avenue, Charlotte, the gallery is open Monday - Saturday, 11:00 - 6:00 PM. As well as participating in the First Friday Gallery Crawl, Ciel offers rotating exhibitions, classes in all media, private commissions, outreach, community projects, and public art. For more information, visit www.cielcharlotte.com or call 704-496-9417.