While etymologists continue to debate the derivation of the word threshold, its meaning continues to be a transitional space from one physical, emotional, intellectual place to another.
In an exploration of this idea, the Holton Studio Gallery in Berkeley, California, is presenting On the Threshold: Ellen Howard, Tia Kratter and Kim Lordier—3 Views, 3 Mediums, 3 Womenrunning July 22 through August 26.
Tia Kratter, Walk with Catherine, watercolor on paper, 11 x 9"
Tim Holton, who curated the exhibition with Ellen Howard, comments, “In this show, each of the artists has focused on one expression or example of the threshold theme—seasonal changes, boundaries between abstraction and reality, dusk and dawn. It’s worth noting, though, that picture-making itself, as a creative act, is the crossing of a threshold, a becoming. Something in the world catches the eye of the artist, meets the human spirit, and is transmuted by the artist’s hands into a fresh picture, a new prospect, a new possibility. Crossing the threshold of the frame, the visual image conceived and transformed by the artist’s spirit—observed, remembered, imagined, altered—is made present again (re-presented), entering present reality and a world it is made to affect.”
Tia Kratter, Distorted Protea, watercolor on paper, 11 x 8"
Howard captures the brilliant yellow fall landscape of sycamore trees reflected in a stream in her oil painting Interconnected. She says, “The threshold of each new season is a space in time for us to look at what has been and what is to come. Painting through the seasons allows me to boldly embrace change and listen deeply with intention to my creative calling.”
Ellen Howard, Interconnected, oil on panel, 16 x 20"
Tia Kratter foreshortens a protea blossom in a transparent glass of water in her watercolor Distorted Protea. “Threshold—that sensitive fine line between abstract and reality; what we think we should see and what is reality,” reflects Kratter. “There’s an opportunity to look more carefully at that tipping point; whether it’s a reflection, a play of light, or perhaps the translucency of objects. I aim to look for visuals that blur the line between real and abstraction.”
Kim Lordier, Evening’s Threshold, pastel on paper, 16 x 20"
The transition of day and night is depicted in Kim Lordier’s pastel painting Evening’s Threshold. She comments, “As the sun descends behind the earth, we sit within the threshold of darkness. Richly painted skies sink to the depths of our souls. A whisper of singing light floats naked on the undulating water ways, while the marsh reeds and stately cottonwoods meet the edge of night. Morning serenades. Bird song, rippling water and the buzz of flying critters break the silent sun rising. Pastel skies promise the beginning of a new day.” —
The Holton Studio Gallery 2100 Fifth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 • (510) 450-0350 www.holtonframes.com
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