Uniquely different are two explorations of the desert incorporating her geometric pencil line
drawings. Demarest is an artist with a BA in Mathematics and an MA in Architecture. Perhaps
the shapes in these pieces are remnants of past days in the classroom. Once again, Demarest
shows us that she is in full command. Both paintings, “Humm” (page 8) and “Flow,” (page 9) are
appropriately titled as the artist is pushing herself into new realms.
“Flow” (page 9) is based on a photograph of a landscape at dusk, and like the water on the streets
of Portland, the waves of color draw us into the perceived horizon. Shawn once again uses the
vertical canvas to accentuate the feeling of looking into the distance yet there are no lines in
perspective only colors that draw us from the cold blue of dusk to the fading light of the warm
sun on the horizon.
The controlled chaos of “Humm” (page 8) vibrates with heavy orange and yellow hues. Demarest
uses layers of paint and executes the geometric shapes with the precision of an architect. One can
feel the rabbitbrush sway on the warm currents of an early spring breeze. The continuous pencil
lines explored in previous works are expressed with meticulous care and expert knowledge of color,
in a culmination of decades of practice.
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THE DESERT LIGHT
|
May/Jun 2018
- From I-40: Exit Kelbaker
Road (about 29 miles east of
Ludlow Calif., or 28 miles west
of Fenner, Calif.). Continue 22
miles north on Kelbaker Road to
Kelso, Calif.
15
Mojave
National
Preserve
Kelso Depot
Art Ownership
When you purchase art from a Mojave National Preserve
Artists in Residence you are making an investment in our
National Park. Net proceeds from art sales support the
Desert Light Gallery, the reconstruction of the Kousch
Homestead and other vital projects that require funding. If
you wish to purchase work from this collection contact the
Desert Light Gallery Manager at (562) 665-7472 or email
[email protected]. DLM
Location: Kelso Visitors Center
- From I-15: Exit Kelbaker Road
at Baker, Calif. Continue
35 miles southeast on Kelbaker
Road to Kelso, Calif.
The Exhibit
Shawn Demarest’s exhibit “Aiken to Zzyzx” will be on
display at the Desert Light Gallery at Kelso May 5 - July 7,
2018. The gallery is open Thursday - Monday from 10:00
am - 4:00 pm.
Hours:
Thursday through Monday
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Shawn’s residency was funded in part by the Professional
Development Grant from RACC (Regional Arts and Culture
Council).
GALLERY DETAILS
It is not often we get to say this, but we too are smitten.
Smitten with a painter from Oregon who has discovered the
beauty of Mojave in her terms. We hope you get a chance to
visit the Desert Light Gallery for this exhibition. It promises
to delight, educate and excite.
40
“Aiken to Zzyzx” funded in
part with a grant from: