The Crow Show: An Homage to the Raven

Article by Anna Robert

(February 2-27, 2015)

How do you feel about crows? I know it is a bit of a random question, but something to think about before you go to the fabulous art exhibit The Crow Show organized by The Studio Door. Imagine, you enter the gallery and you see all kinds of depictions of crows or/and ravens. Artists from the U.S., Israel, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and other countries brought into being remarkable pieces in order to share their way of looking at and thinking of these historically controversial birds. Even in medieval ages they could symbolize death and wisdom at the same time…

The exhibit is on view in two venues – at the Art Institute of California in Mission Valley and at the San Diego Art Institute in North Park. It seems that almost anyone can find the work that they might like – there are oil paintings, photographs, collages, and sculptures on display. The interpretation of the same topic differs significantly and sometimes pushes the boundaries of our mindset. You can see works that – to your surprise! – will resonate with your deepest feelings, and there will be ones that will be totally foreign to you, only to leave you thinking: “What is that supposed to mean?”

That is why it was especially interesting to hear from some of the artists who presented their works at the show.

“I am particularly fond of the ravens,” – said Sherry Krulle-Beaton, the author of a very powerful abstract painting Ravens Flight. – “They are quite intelligent. I speak of ravens because they are different from crows. Ravens vocalize quite a bit and I have responded to them with calls and treats on the rocks.  They now follow me on my walks and if they see me near the studio, they will call out.”

Linda Gendall who presented her symbolic Silent delivery gave her point of view: “I don’t think they [crows] are cute or scary – they are just beautiful and fascinating. I enjoy seeing them communicate with each other while in the air.”

The curator of the art exhibit Jenna S. Jacobs, the Curatorial Manager at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, also shared her thoughts: “Crows are definitely very interesting to me. Good and evil, growth and decay, life and death-as the diversity of work in the Crow Show attests, crows have a lot of significance to people that manifests in very unique ways”. She also talked about the importance of this show for The Studio Door growth and development.

And true – The Studio Door is an incredible asset for visual artists of San Diego and neighboring areas. Of course, this art organization aims to draw attention of the public to contemporary artwork. But its ultimate goal is to assist artists to enter into the marketplace, to facilitate the business side of showing and selling their art.

The Crow Show is a great step forward for The Studio Door and its participating artists. And quite original too… To find out more about the exhibit, please visit http://thestudiodoor.com.

(Images L-R: Linda Gendall, Silent Delivery, 2013, Oil, 30” x 24” and Sherry Krulle-Beaton, Ravens Flight, 2011, Acrylic, 24” x 24” x 2”)