Passion for Place at Gallery 222

Posted by Victoria Rose on November 9, 2022

Skellig Gull by Randall Graham

The heart of art is passion—for the subjects being painted, the landscapes shown, the medium, and for art itself. Beyond that passion lies the history of not just the artist, but the tradition in which they have worked and lived. All of this combines to create scenes both familiar and new to entice the viewer into looking for more than meets the eye. This feeling is on view now in the new exhibition at Gallery 222 in Malvern featuring new works by popular local artists Randall Graham and Elise Phillips.

“The beauty that surrounds us has forever inspired artists to paint,” says Elise Phillips, discussing the landscape of the Brandywine Valley. It is an impressive tradition for the region. “The Wyeths and Pennsylvania Impressionists forged a path before us in capturing the captivating landscape that inspires us to this day.”

Phillips’s paintings of rolling hills, horses and barns, fox hunts and snowy woods continue that tradition with fresh focus. As Andrea Strang, owner of Gallery 222 and curator of this exhibition, notes, Phillips portrays “atmospheric Chester County scenes” that are “classic and a national treasure.” Phillips notes that her artwork features “the beautiful vast landscape that still exists around us that I treasure” even as, in places, “it is rapidly disappearing.”

Randall Graham also has a special fondness for the Brandywine Valley that comes through in this show. “The art tradition is like nowhere else,” he explains. “Sometimes when you walk around the landscape of Wyeth country you feel like you are walking in art history.” Graham teaches workshops at the Brandywine Art Museum as well as in the former studios of N. C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, and notes that “I had to pinch myself at times because I was in awe of teaching on such historic land.”

The glorious outdoors is featured throughout the exhibition, whether in local landscapes or farther afield. Graham’s work, including scenes in his popular “En Rein Air” series, depict landscapes from both sides of the Atlantic, whether they are the surf of the Delaware Beaches or towering cliffs across the pond.

Take the Long Way Home by Elise Phillips

Along with a group of students, Graham explored the scenic shores of Ireland this past year, finding inspiration in both the grand and the mundane, in typical Irish fashion. One of his pieces, “Skellig Gull,” showcases the dramatic shoreline of the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. “It is a majestic place where tall cliffs meet the sea,” he notes. “Skelligs (steep rock formations) burst out of the ocean in random spots.” In the painting, a gull stares out solemnly, and as Graham says, “It feels like a royal guard or something.”

The artists and curator alike are excited for the show and other events at the gallery, including the Opening Reception from 5:30 to 8 pm on Thursday, November 10^th. “I feel it is an exciting time for all of us, the lockdowns and uncertainty are in our rearview mirrors and our artists are celebrating the present!” Strang says. “Thank goodness for our artists to make us appreciate all the positive in the world!”

“Creativity flows from the arts into everyday lives,” Graham explains. “We live in a location where artists are incredibly talented, unique, and important.” Long-time collectors of both Graham and Phillips will be glad to have another showcase of their artwork to choose from, and visitors have the chance to see these vivid pieces with fresh eyes. “I hope people make the effort to come see the work in person and it enhances the way they perceive the world,” Graham says.

Strang is enthusiastic about the exhibition, the artwork, and the current art scene at large. “My hope for this exhibition is that people appreciate the pure talent of both artists,” she says. “With a stroll through our rooms, my hope is that gallery goers are transported from life’s mundane grind to a place to exhale, be wowed, and get inspired!”

Artwork by Randall Graham and Elise Phillips will be on view from November 10^th to the 25^th. Gallery 222 is located at 222 East King Street, Malvern, PA. A public Artist Reception for this show will be held on Thursday, November 10^th, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. More information can be found at Gallery222Malvern.com.

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.