Bobbi Clackson-Walker Under the Influence

My first visit to Bobbi 's show at the St. Thomas more gallery, was with an artist friend, who although not active in the field currently, enjoys and talks incessantly about art. We took in the exhibit, me taking photos and notes, and Tatwa, enjoying the show. As we looked at the various pieces we talked about composition, color use and other design elements as well and "how does she do that? "comments. 
My second visit ,  shorter and quieter and gave me pause and reflection of the our planet's messiness. 

Bobbi's show" Under the Influence" is about environment, both Geological and Spiritual. It is the sum of her fears about the human condition. When so much of the environmental thinking is looking to future, Clackson's show reminds us that looking to the past is critical and through this show she encapsulates the many issues that we must study, understand and hopefully solve.

Technical and marketing Savvy

Clackson's marketing and advertising background has allowed her freedom  to play with various media to get her point across. In an age where Image has practically taken over the language, she used the complexity of mixed media and simplicity of visual message to make her statement.
" This is unlike anything I've done before. I wanted to manipulate the mediums to give breadth to the ideas and not just relate a factual news item."

Layered Visual vignette
I have painted with Bobbi  and watched  her experiments with. many materials and technique to bring about the desired effects.  The piece below, part of a twosome at the show is visually stunning in their sophisticated detail and has many layers, and diptych of photographs. My friend Tatwa really liked this.

A Change in weather
Bobbi Clackson -Walker
Mixed Media Mounted On Board

A change in Weather -detail above

The Nostalgia and Sadness in  multiple layers of landscape. I would have liked to see these in larger proportions/ canvas size.

The Bold intentionality of the exhibit did have an impact on me. It is this" in your face depiction of what ails us as a society, contrasting with almost restrained sobriety about the world around her.
Bobbi is a Jazz musician/singer, part -time art instructor, a new grandmother. She is married to an Anthropology/Architectural  professor and keen to make a contribution through her art. In this exhibit she has the seeds of many future exhibits. Go get 'em Bobbi. For my part I would like to write another piece on your art and next time it shall be at the beginning of the show.
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