by Carolyn Blais
photos by Nicole DeVries

Not too long ago I read an article about the massive amounts of garbage that scientists have found floating about in our oceans. The article, not too mention the images, made me never want to step on a beach again. While it seems some humans are dumping trash into Earth’s precious waters, others are recycling their unwanted goods and using them to create art. Others yet are painting pictures or taking photographs that capture the beauties of nature that have fortunately been able to remain untouched by mankind’s pestering paws. If you have respect for the glories and wonders of the planet we live on, then you share the sentiments of Tony Clark, founder and curator of Affinity Galleries in West Hollywood.

7065 Lexington Ave looks like it could be a residence from the street but the word ‘Gallery’ painted on a fence with an arrow pointing down the driveway indicates otherwise. Outside there are refreshments in a courtyard-like area that separates two buildings—both chockfull of art work. I decide to explore the building in front first. Immediately I notice photographs of Cuba that are displayed in beautifully ornate frames. The frames and pictures are the work of artist Anita Rosenberg who I meet and am able to chat with only a few minutes later. The artist explains how she travels the world, seeking to capture spiritual themes. Rosenberg’s photos may seem austere—a very old-looking column or the front tire and handle bars of a bike parked on a cobblestone street, for example. But what makes these images really come to life are the intricately designed frames that artfully mimic the photos they hold. A cleverly designed frame made to look like leaves of a tropical tree, for example, holds a picture of three bird cages containing yellow cockatoo-like birds. Spiritual artfulness must run in the family as Rosenberg’s sister, Susan Weschler, also has art work on display in the same exhibit. Upstairs in a loft space Weschler’s art adds color to otherwise stark walls. The artist uses thinly cut wood adhered together in stacks and cut into various designs like Celtic crosses or celestial shrines to Buddha. What gives vibrant color to these sculptures are the pieces of old china that the artist breaks into small parts and uses as a sort of tile mosaic. Truthfully, my words can not give due credit to the beauty of these pieces so readers will have to see for themselves.

Yet another artist not to be missed is Larisa Pilinsky, aka Lark. Displaying both paintings and mixed media pieces, Lark’s works are some of the most unique ones in the exhibit. In “Fly High” the artist takes seemingly unlikely objects and pieces them together “like a puzzle” until they form a “sense of community,” working in harmony like a “chorus.” In explaining the piece, Lark goes on to describe its meaning which has to do with escaping restraint and freeing oneself of adversity. This theme is seen through pieces of barbed wire, mixed with ribbons and ropes and a Japanese fan with characters written on it that translate into the meaning of Lark’s name as well as the very title of the piece.

Perhaps you missed the opening reception of Tony Clark’s Affinity Galleries on April 24th, but do not fret if this is the case as the exhibit runs until May 29th. Be sure to check out not only the artists mentioned above, but the many others on display as well, including Brian Nieman whose manipulated photographs are almost like paintings and depict the beauty of all things natural like “Palm Trees,” “Tulips,” and “Wild Horse.” The exhibit as a whole is entitled ‘Transformations’—a fitting name as the world today seems to be enduring dramatic, sometimes negative impacts and changes. But no matter what the outcome of these changes, all of these artists have captured and instilled within their works the beauty of life on Earth so that it may be known and enjoyed by all of posterity.

Quick View:
WHAT: ‘Transformations’ opening reception and exhibit
WHERE: Affinity Galleries, 7065 Lexington Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90038
WHEN: April 24 – May 29, 2010
WEBSITE: http://www.affinitygalleries.com/