2020 has been a hard year. So much suffering and loss of life that’s hard to comprehend. The shattered lives of so many. The loss of jobs, home and food insecurity of so many compounded by the decay of our democracy by Trump, his administration and minions.
Every year, my husband Andrew creates with his art a holiday card. This year he embarked on the yearly tradition with trepidation. But the human spirit is to be celebrated even in times of extreme adversity. Seeing so many heroes among us, front line workers, doctors nurses and essential workers doing the work that keeps society going proves this. So I made this card with abstracted people representing the human spirit thriving during the pandemic.
Wishing all, of all faiths and agnostics, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. I hope you find some Joy this holiday season. A brighter future is ahead.
A note about Andrew’s artwork for the card. Andrew’s holiday card combines influences of the three monotheistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. For Christianity, the symbol of the Christmas Tree with the Star of Bethlehem on top. For Judaism, the Star of David (you have to look for it). For Islam, the interlaced pattern forming hexagons and hexagrams representing Islamic art.
I admit it, I Love Sandra Dee’s old movies. I just made this little film on one of her films. I hope you enjoy it. There is nothing like this anywhere in the world. The film still is not out in DVD or Blu-ray. How many of you remember this sweet little film? Hear Robert Goulet and Andy Williams sing “I’d Rather Be Rich”!
Please click the photograph and it shall take you to my new little movie, All about the one and only New York Subway I hope you enjoy.
To the few who feel I go too fast, this is a little moving picture. This is why I move the photographs at the speed I do. If you want to study a photograph, stop the film. This is a moment in time meant for you to relax and go for the ride. You see what you see and you feel what you feel. Its a little movie trying to take you somewhere else. Relax and let me take you there. To really get anywhere one must let go.
Remember you can see all YouTube videos on your TV . Which makes them so much larger to be able to see.
Bruce Baumwoll
Me, Bruce Baumwoll with Katie when we found her, homeless and wandering in Central Park in the middle of winter, March 1984. She was practically starving. Andrew Reach was studying Architecture at Pratt and was taking an elective photography class. He had his camera that day and took this photograph.Me, Bruce Baumwoll, bringing Katie Home. We had just found her in Central Park in March 1984. This is her first of many subway rides.
For my husband Andrew Reach, his art has been a lifeline during the pandemic as he has been physically challenged with complications and increased pain. I’m proud of the beautiful work he has created during this time in a new medium for him, prints on composite aluminum panel that are cut-out to shapes on a cnc router. And now he is showing 5 of these new works in a exhibition at the Summa Health Healing Arts Gallery.
From the Summa Health Website: “The new patient tower on the Summa Health System — Akron Campus embraces Summa’s commitment to promoting a healthcare environment that surrounds and connects patients, visitors and staff with the healing powers of the arts.”
“Navigating the Pandemic” showcases the distinctive perspectives of local artists during an unprecedented time of social distancing and isolation. These selections by five artists in our Healing Arts Collection explore the impact of COVID-19 on an artist’s practice, reflecting the influence of the pandemic on the human psyche. Through the diverse use of mediums, scale and subject matter, each artist takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery through an unforgettable time in our history.
Because of Covid-19, with the gallery being located within the hospital, the gallery is not currently open to the general public. The feedback from those working in the hospital has been very positive, providing a place of respite to patients, doctors, nurses and staff.
All works of art are for sale. To purchase a piece of art, email [email protected] or call 330.375.3159. Special Thanks to Meg Harris Stanton for curating and organizing the exhibition.
Below are the five artworks by Andrew Reach in the exhibition click on images to enlarge (except mobile devices)
Quadrataluxe II uv cured inkjet on cut-out composite aluminum edition of 3, dimensions variable (44″ x 44″ overall)Forty Kites uv cured inkjet on composite aluminum edition of 3, 44″ x 44″Field I uv cured inkjet on cut-out composite aluminum edition of 3, 44″ x 44″Hexalarious II uv cured inkjet on composite aluminum edition of 3, dimensions variable (48″ x 48″ overall)Circuli Moderne II uv cured inkjet on cut-out composite aluminum edition of 3, dimensions variable (38″h x 44″w overall)
Andrew Reach Exhibition Statement
These works are Euclidean geometric abstractions where vibrant color infuses energetically optical geometric constructions. My creative process is challenged as I consider the material and the ability to shape by cutting uv cured inkjet prints on composite aluminum.
What I hope to express to the audience viewing them is a sensory experience of optical joyfulness and their constructs become a visual language for me to express energy, movement and freedom.
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has unexpectedly heightened my creativity. Disabled from a spine disease, pain is my constant companion and treatments I received on a regular basis were temporarily cancelled. The challenges I face every day with coping got harder as episodes of even greater debilitating pain and immobility ensued. Anxiety and fear of the pandemic added to these challenges. Creating art is therapeutic, now during the pandemic than ever. When technology, intellect and imagination come together in just the right way, I feel an indescribable sense of well-being and for moments, I am taken away from all the worries and stresses of the unprecedented times we live in and am lifted from physical restraint to unlimited spiritual potentiality.
The Other Artists in the Exhibition
Click on artists name to read more about the artist
