Michelle Carlson & Bill Horvath
October 11 – December 28, 2019
An exhibition of mesmeric mixed media works on paper by Michelle Carlson and ink drawings by Bill Horvath.
Falling Into Place creates a tantalizing intersection of two separate and distinct, intricate narratives—very dissimilar in subject manner, yet complementary to one another in addressing the process of how one’s own reality comes into being.
This intriguing exhibit debuts new work by returning, established artist Michelle Carlson, formerly of The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo and now located in Chicago, paired with that of local, emerging artist Bill Horvath. The exhibit will continue through December 28, 2019.
20 North Gallery and the artists will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free Public Reception for Falling Into Place: Michelle Carlson & Bill Horvath on Friday, October 11, from 6 – 9 p.m.
Additionally, an artists’ talk, featuring Carlson and Horvath, and a screen printing workshop by Carlson will be offered on Saturday, November 2 at 20 North Gallery. The event is free and open to the public.
20 North Gallery will also host open house receptions on Third Thursday Art Loop nights: October 17, November 21 and December 19, from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
The “Falling Into Place” exhibit pairs the considered, layered processes of two artists working primarily in traditional media: Michelle Carlson’s mixed media works on paper utilize deliberate color choices, negative space and the texture of her mediums to communicate a child’s desire for exploration and discovery, balanced by a mother’s drive to protect and empower. Inspired by spiritual iconography, Carlson employs a use of color symbolism and motifs from art history and pop culture. Drawing upon these influences and personal observation, Carlson’s playful figurative works combine screen printing, colored pencil and imitation gold leaf techniques to explore the vastness of childhood imagination.
In a similar exploration of balance, Bill Horvath’s ink drawings on paper employ a layered process and a premeditated utilization of negative space to explore the nuances of life’s trade-offs and how they are reflected and magnified by current events. The patterns of form, light and texture supply both the balance and depth of the visual forms he depicts, mixing abstraction with both thematic and arbitrary realism in puzzle-like arrangements. Further exploring this sense of balance, Horvath’s drawings are composed in such a way that they are “gravity-abstract,” wherein the orientation of the image is free of constraint—the artwork may be viewed and interpreted from any angle.
Michelle Carlson (Chicago, Illinois) received her BFA in Printmaking and Photography from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and her MFA specializing in Printmaking at Bowling Green State University. Her personal artwork primarily uses the media of printmaking, photography, bookmaking and drawing and explores human interaction and relationships through various imagery. During her former role as Programs Coordinator and then Artist and Youth Services Coordinator at The Arts Commission in Toledo, Michelle’s passion for making a difference in the lives of youth deepened. She is grateful to have had community teaching opportunities as a result of separate partnerships with Toledo’s YWCA, the Juvenile Court, the Toledo Museum of Art, Handmade Toledo and Art Supply Depo in the form of hands-on workshops. These sessions aimed to introduce the media of screen printing while providing an outlet for personal self-expression for all ages. Michelle is currently exploring career options in Special Education as she holds positions as a paraprofessional in the public school setting.
Bill Horvath (Sylvania, Ohio) is an emerging artist who began pursuing a professional career in the arts in 2015, following a history of personal interest in and exposure to the arts including courses through the Toledo Museum of Art (Ohio). Better known as Bill Horvath, his given name is William L. Horvath II, utilizing an artist signature of BHII. He is the son of two Toledo area artists, photographer William Horvath, Sr. and painter Sue Horvath. With a professional background in computer programming and an expansive artistic experience in woodworking, metal, fiber arts, ceramics and drawing, Horvath applies the similar processes of planning and perfecting involved in both digital programming and traditional art-making. In his ink on paper works, each mark is built upon to improve the overall piece, while carefully conforming to the shape, size and context of previous marks, a process that Horvath finds is both a choice and an opportunity in the artwork. Horvath’s work has been juried into numerous shows and exhibitions across Ohio and has participated in annual group exhibitions including Art on the Mall at the University of Toledo (Ohio). Horvath currently maintains studios in Sylvania, Ohio and Jerome, Michigan.
For purchase inquiries, please contact 20 North Gallery:
419-241-2400 or info@20northgallery.com
Falling Into Place Installation Images:
