Is there anything better than sitting by the cool water on a hot summer day? Whether it is a backyard fountain, a community pool, a mountain lake, or the endlessly lapping ocean, water invites you to take a moment to relax and indulge in the view. Artists at the new Water’s Edge show at the Square Pear Gallery took up the challenge of recreating these scenes and finding the beauty of the constantly changing waters.
“When I plan shows for the gallery, I am looking for it to feel like an adventure, so when you walk through you are continually surprised and impressed by what you see,” said Corien Siepelinga, owner of the Square Pear Gallery and curator of this show. Water’s Edge brings together over 70 artworks from 22 local artists and includes a variety of mediums, from oil to sculpture to glass, to reflect the endless motion. “Everyone loves water and memories of their time at the beach or the lake.”
Renee Leopardi, a participating artist, was excited about the theme of this exhibition. “Like most artists, I am obsessed with light and in the case of water, how the light reflects on top of or shines through the water is the most intriguing,” she said. “One of the largest challenges of painting water is to give the appearance of motion to something that is completely still on paper. The first thing I do is break down the painting into simplified abstract shapes of light, dark, and color. From there, I build layers of color to represent the light and motion.”
“The water element is magical and unpredictable,” said Victor Mordasov, who is showing at the Square Pear Gallery for the first time. His work has been admired by other artists, including Leopardi, and it will be exciting to see them in person at this exhibition. “Water can be calm and gentle or raging and dangerous,” he said. “But it's always beautiful.”
The Square Pear Gallery is located in the heart of Kennett Square and has become a popular destination, especially as part of Third Thursdays, when State Street closes down for the evening. Restaurants set up dining on the street, businesses throw open their doors, and there is live music and family-friendly activities. “It's a festive atmosphere, welcoming and enjoyable for all ages,” said Siepelinga.
Kennett Square and the Brandywine Valley have become popular destinations for creatives. “I find it very interesting to meet new artists who have been trained in different areas of the country and the world, and how that has influenced the artwork that they create,” Siepelinga said. “We are very fortunate to have such a talented group of artists living in and moving to our area.” It is fantastic to see the variety of works produced by so many of these artists on display in this exhibition at Square Pear and other local galleries.
“I hope this exhibition will allow people to see our world from a new perspective and gain insights into moments often overlooked; will remind people to stop, to see, to think, to dream,” said Mordasov. “These human moments give something that, in today’s world of instant gratification and social media, are more important.”
A touch of that serenity that comes from moments by the water permeates the exhibition. “The element of water is one of the most healing forces of the planet,” added Leopardi. “The act of standing in or next to a body of water can bring such peace of mind.”
“Take the time to visit this show, enjoy the beauty of water and the many different approaches to it that these artists have taken,” said Siepelinga. Whether you spend an afternoon or just stop by to take a break from the busy street outside, it is the perfect chance to “take a minute out of your day and see something new, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the gallery, and be inspired by the artwork that has been created.”
Water’s Edge is on view from July 14 through September 10 at the Square Pear Gallery. An Artist Reception will be held Thursday, July 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 during Third Thursday in Downtown Kennett Square. The Square Pear Gallery is located at 200 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA. More information can be found at SquarePearGallery.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.
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