Rockford native John Bell sees inspiration for his work in nature’s fragments such as fallen tree branches, driftwood, or an abandoned wasp nest. Natural relics that he discovers become the found ingredients for creating unusual and captivating sculptures of birds.
Bell’s sculptures along with his evocative paintings will be featured in his solo exhibition, “John’s Birds” opening in the Kortman Gallery, Downtown Rockford (ArtScene weekend).
The unusual shapes and the colorful enhancements of Bell’s natural finds add to the eccentric characteristics of his sculptural birds giving them a sense of motion and fascination. The same sensibility in Bell’s sculptures can also be seen in his almost abstract paintings.
“I think of myself as a figurative artist whose work depicts birds as verbs rather than nouns,” says Bell. “While I always begin with a suggestive stick or particularly evocative brushstroke, the finished sculptures and paintings end up caring very little for my initial intentions. I choose to describe their own bodily limits and define their own space by pacing out the edges of their territory on the canvas or pedestal.”
Bell, a Rockford native, shows his artwork in park districts, natural history museums, and the bed of his pick-up truck, primarily in the Midwest. He currently lives and works in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife, Alanna, two dogs, and cat.
“I hope my work can serve as a small reminder that life does not proceed rationally— it constantly reinvents itself, bubbling over any container that we try to put around it,” said Bell.
Gallery director, Doc Slafkosky says this is third exhibition Bell has presented in the Kortman Gallery.
“John has shown his intriguing art with us in 2008 and 2012,” said Slafkosky. “His first show in our gallery was with his twin sister, Katie, who is also a successful artist now living in Brooklyn. The “John’s Birds” show follow’s his mom’s exhibit, “Silk Scenes” by Sarah Bell in the Kortman Gallery. It’s wonderful to see this much creativity and talent in one family!”
“John’s Birds” featuring sculptures & paintings by John Bell will open with receptions on April 19th & 20th, Friday, 5 to 9pm & Saturday, 4 to 9m. upstairs in the Kortman Gallery, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. His exhibit will run through June 30th. J.R. Kortman Center for Design and Kortman Gallery are open Tuesday through Friday, 11am to 6pm and Saturdays, 11am to 5pm.
The opening event and gallery are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.jrkortman.com or phone 815-968-0123.