REVERIES: JOURNALING IN PLACE - An Exhibit and Book Signing by Susan Newbold at City Gallery

[Jen Payne]

 

Did you know that the words journal and journey are derived from the same root, the French word, “jour,” which means day? And while the original function of a journal was to record one's day-to-day journey, you'll find that modern-day journaling elaborates with elements of writing, drawing, painting, collage, and even printmaking. Take, for example, the 25-year practice of artist Susan Newbold, whose illuminated journal work will be on display in REVERIES: JOURNALING IN PLACE at City Gallery from December 3 - January 2. Newbold will be signing copies of her new book, Reveries: Journaling in Place — a compilation of favorite images and text from her journals — at an opening reception on Saturday, December 4 from 1-4pm.

 

“When I look back on my illuminated journaling, I realize my focus has been on four subjects I visited — trees, plants, water, and landscape.” Newbold explains. “Water — ocean/lakes/rivers — offers an infinite resource of line, patterns, organic movement, serenity and joy. While landscape’s changing condition of cold, heat, wind, fog and sunshine inspire an artistic snapshot of place and moment.”

 

Her illuminated journals interpret those impressions with watercolor, ink and many other mixed media. Her work is a journey in organic line and color — often confronting the rooted and the displaced, the spiritual and the material. Drawing, painting, bookmaking and printmaking are the vocabulary used to describe this artistic journey. Color and black and white are equally interesting to the artist, sometimes in combination. The result is always one of surprises.

 

Newbold received a BA in Studio Art from Principia College and an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College. Her final project, an artist book, was acquired by The Chicago Institute of Art. She is also a graduate of the Post Bac program of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. She has been awarded four fellowships to work in France by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and The MD Institute of Art. Additional residencies have been at the New Pacific Studios in New Zealand, VT Studio Center and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME. She is a member of and shows regularly at City Gallery, New Haven, CT and Silvermine Art Guild, New Canaan, CT.

 

Of her work in this show, she says, “after spending time in a location — attempting to capture it and make it one’s own — it belongs to you. You are the interpreter. Viewers see your unique vision, images that transport them to a place you experienced through its smells, texture, colors, light and energy. Both the exhibit and the book REVERIES: JOURNALING IN PLACE share some of my favorite journaling reveries. I hope that you enjoy the journey.”

 

The exhibit is free and open to the public, and runs December 3 - January 2, with a Book Signing and Reception on Saturday, December 4 from 1pm - 4pm. City Gallery is located at 994 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Modified gallery hours are Friday - Sunday, 1pm - 4 pm, or by appointment. During regular hours, visitors are required to wear a mask and observe social distancing protocols. For the reception, proof of vaccination will be required for entry, and masks are required. For further information please contact City Gallery, [e-mail], www.city-gallery.org.