Unique method adds detail to everyday pieces

Published 12:35 pm Thursday, June 12, 2008

Local jeweler and metalsmith Passiko, recently inspired by a trip to Japan, has a collection on exhibit that is being characterized by its simple design mixed with subtle textures.

Patrons can meet Passiko in person during June’s art walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Manya Vee Selects, 409 Main St., Edmonds.

Passiko, who goes by only one name, uses a “cold connection method” to produce her products, according to press materials. The first step is to use a jeweler’s saw to cut out various shapes that can lie atop each other. Next, Passiko uses a rolling mill to apply texture to the surface of the sterling silver. Finally, several layers are joined with rivets, rather than the heat from soldering, which would eliminate the delicate surface textures. The result is a miniature sculpture in a piece of everyday jewelry.

He came, he saw, he told…in photos: Artist Thomas A. Sawtell has a bachelor’s degree in marine science and now aims his camera with the hope of joining science with art to help others appreciate natural habitats that are critical to wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.

Sawtell’s photographs are on exhibit through June 30 at Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W.

Born in 1952, Sawtell progressed from a Kodak Brownie to a YashicaMat 124 medium format in high school. He studied black and white photography under an independent study program while at college.

Sawtell was awarded second place in photography for the Legacy Habitat Series I: “Breath Upon the face of the Water” at last year’s Arts of the Terrace Juried Art Show in Mountlake Terrace.

Larger than life: Artist Candi Martin Baker is exhibiting her work of large-format floral paintings that have been described as so full of life that one almost expects the flowers to move and fill the air with perfume.

Baker will show her work through June at Islanders Restaurant, 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., Camano Island.

A diverse artist who uses acrylic, oil, tempera, pastel and watercolor, she has studied architectural rendering, mechanical and figure drawing. Her current full sheet series, “Last Light,” is a watercolor series of large florals loaded with close-up details.

Contemporary primitive: That’s how artist Kathleen Otley describes her artwork: like a bridge connecting the viewer to the past.

Open Door Gallery + Coffee is displaying Otley’s work through June 30 in the HUB at the Bayview Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley.

Otley works in fiber and painting and pieces that combine the two. She creates her sculptures from farmed willow that is peeled and dyed and joins the pieces by ropes, metals and her own hand-spun wools. She uses a layering technique in her paintings to achieve an ancient-looking surface that evokes complex symbols.

Our kind of town: “Snohomish — Our Town” is an exhibit of art scenes of Snohomish and its surrounding countryside, featuring the combined skills of local artists Genevieve Tuck — who turns 100 this month — photographer Dennis Bishop, watercolor painter Joan Pinney and potter Steve Dalton, to celebrate life in Snohomish.

The show, which is based on several elements such as florals, homescapes, landscapes and waterways, using photography, watercolor painting and pottery, runs through June 30 and is presented by Arts of Snohomish Gallery, 105 Cedar Ave.

Here’s a little bit on each artist:

Tuck: Tuck is well known for her style of plein air, or oils that are painted outside, and capturing the essence of Snohomish.

Pinney: The artist is doing a series of small paintings of Snohomish porches to go along with larger houses and neighborhood scenes. Her work brings out the care homeowners take in choosing colors, flowers and furniture for their homes. The show will include a map with numbered dots to indicate where these homes, scenes and porches are located in the town.

Bishop: Several of his photographs include painting-like enhancements and colorful digital effects that he refers to as paintography. “The real thrill of photography is the magic of harnessing the light and capturing superb imagery,” he says.

Dalton: Dalton bases his pottery on colonial American and early British potters. His work is durable for cooking and serving. His mugs are comfortable and his casserole crock pots are designed to cook evenly. His mini colanders are good for rinsing small berries.

Patience in Italy: Watercolor painting by local artist Joel Patience is on exhibit today through June 30 at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds. Patience’s defined lines come from a working knowledge of urban planning and construction. His paintings reflect the artisan design styles and workmanship that has created these special places in Italy and neighboring Southern France, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

Ahoy, art lovers: Award-winning artist Austin Dwyer will show about 50 of his pieces, including paintings with an emphasis on Irish and maritime themes, through July 8 at Kirsten Gallery, 5320 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle.