LOIS SILVER Topsy Turvy
October 2020
Portrait of Lois Silver, 2020
Portrait of Lois & Lyle Silver, circa 1995
LOIS SILVER Topsy Turvy October 2020 “Topsy Turvy,” is an exhibition of new oil paintings by Seattle-based artist Lois Silver. Silver creates vibrant narrative paintings that often depict emotive social encounters between animated characters at parties, musical performances, diners, and in outdoor environments. At times jubilant, other times subdued or curious, her paintings portray private and personal entanglements that create visual tension between her characters. Other scenes are focused on solitary figures engrossed in highly personal moments of triumph, deep thought or isolation. Lois Silver’s signature sense of humor is well represented. Many of her characters can be observed in humorous cheeky acts. These dynamic, yet personal tableaux are influenced by the artist’s love of cinema. She often captures her figures in a specific moment of drama, mid-pose as if they are in a frame still of a movie. In her paintings, the features of her figures are playfully abstracted or endowed with exaggerated proportions to heighten visual interest. The era of her narratives could suggest the 50’s or 60’s, with dapper men in suits, and women in colorful polka dot dresses, not to mention the charming polka dotted dogs.
1915 First Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101 www.harrisharveygallery.com, (206) 443-3315, staff@harrisharveygallery.com
A Grand Celebration oil on board 20 x 24 in.
From Here...Where? oil on board 24 x 20 in.
The Uninvited Guest oil on board 16 x 20 in.
The Glance oil on board 16 x 20 in.
Teachers’ Break Room oil on board 18 x 18 in.
Tango Under the Lanterns oil on board 25.5 x 21.5 in.
Otter Encounter oil on board 9 x 12 in.
No Dogs Allowed oil on board 12 x 9 in.
All the World’s a Stage oil on board 9 x 12 in.
End of the Road oil on board 24 x 20 in.
House Party oil on board 16 x 20 in.
I’ll Row My Own Darn Boat oil on board 24 x 30 in.
It Was a Subtle Call to Her Heart oil on board 16 x 20 in.
Long Tall Sally and Her Magical Singing Dog oil on board 20 x 24 in.
Mother Daughter Excursion oil on board 24 x 28 in.
Mr. Cool oil on board 11 x 14 in.
In the Spotlight oil on board 16 x 20 in.
New Generation (Market) oil on board 11 x 14 in.
Tangerines oil on board 10 x 8 in.
Not Throwing Away My Shot oil on board 11 x 14 in.
Feed the Birds oil on board 16 x 20 in.
Arboretum Excursion oil on board 16 x 20 in.
Salmon Dinner oil on board 20 x 24 in.
Scotch on the Rocks oil on board 21.5 x 25.5 in.
Serious Decisions oil on board 24 x 20 in.
23 and Me.com oil on board 18 x 18 in.
The Good Life oil on board 11 x 14 in.
Salish Sea oil on board 16 x 20 in.
The Ex Who Won’t Give Up oil on board 9 x 12 in.
Yamill House oil on board 8 x 10 in.
Beach Girls oil on board 18 x 20 in.
Me So Lonely oil on board 16 x 20 in.
LOIS SILVER BIO Seattle-based painter Lois Silver is known for deftly revealing complex drama in a single, lushly rendered moment. Her paintings encourage viewers to supply a narrative based upon their personal experiences. Like the arrested movement in a film still, the figures are captured mid-pose, sure to reanimate their narrative through the imagination of the viewer. The dynamic, yet intimate tableaux are influenced by the Lois Silver’s love of cinema and the very human drama Silver captures as a freelance courtroom artist. Silver says of her experience as a courtroom artist, “This causes me to look at people differently and focus my attention on how character is revealed through body language and the quick gesture.” Favorite subjects include nightclubs, diners, intimate parlor settings and Seattle landmarks. At times cheerful, other times somber or mysterious, these scenes peer into private and public environments. Her works often betray a tension between the personal entanglements amongst the depicted characters and a sense of isolation. Lois Silver’s paintings may be found in many corporate collections, including those of the University of Washington Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Nordstrom, and Swedish Medical Center. Silver’s work is part of many collections of private individuals throughout the United States and Canada. Harris Harvey Gallery, previously Lisa Harris Gallery, has mounted solo shows of Silver’s work since 1990. BORN 1950
Renton, Washington
EDUCATION 1968-1970 1972 1973
The Cornish School, Washington The Burnley School (of Professional Art), Seattle, Washington School of Visual Concepts, Seattle, Washington
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Harris Harvey Gallery, “Topsy Turvy,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Harris Harvey Gallery, “Small Works – A Group Exhibition,” Seattle, Washington Harris Harvey Gallery, “Summer Reflections,” Seattle, Washington Harris Harvey Gallery, “Fall Focus,” Seattle, Washington Harris Harvey Gallery, “Inside and Out,” Seattle, Washington Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, “Within/Earshot,” Bainbridge Island, Washington Harris Harvey Gallery, “Winter’s Offering,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “31 for 32: Summer Salon,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “Winter Solos I,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “Seattle Icons,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “Summer School: Recognizing Teaching Artists,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “Vignettes,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “Plein Air Invitational,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “The Color of Drama,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “25th Anniversary Show,” Seattle, Washington Sue Greenwood Fine Art, Laguna Beach, California (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “Recent Figurative Work,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Arts Alive 2007 “Invitational Art Exhibition” La Conner, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “Summer Group Show,” Seattle, Washington
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (CONTINUED) 2004 2002 2002 2001 1999 1996-1997 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1988 1987 1986
Lisa Harris Gallery, “20th Anniversary Show”, Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo) Seattle Art Museum Rental/Sales Gallery, “Round Midnight, Inspired by Music,” Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, “New Paintings,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, “New Work,” Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo) Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington (solo exhibitions) Lisa Harris Gallery, “Gallery Artists,” Gango Gallery, Portland, Oregon “On Course: The Art of Golf,” SAFECO Corporation, Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington Frye Art Museum, Juried Exhibition; Seattle, Washington Northwest Watercolor Society Members Show, Seattle, Washington, 2nd Prize Puget Sound Country, Seattle, Washington, Honorable Mention Northwest Watercolor Show, Seattle, Washington Frye Art Museum Annual Open, Seattle, Washington Frances Anderson Museum, Edmonds, Washington, 2-person show Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Solo Exhibition Edmonds Art Fair, Edmonds, Washington, Purchase Award Eastside Fine Art Association, Kirkland, Washington Renton Art Show, Renton, Washington, 2 awards Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, Bellevue, Washington Frye Art Museum, Seattle, Washington Lisa Harris Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Solo Exhibition Eastside Fine Art Association, Kirkland, Washington, Honorable Mention Artsplash, Bellevue, Washington Frye Art Museum, Seattle, Washington Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, Bellevue, Washington, Invitational Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Washington, First Prize and Honorable Mention Edmonds Art Show, Edmonds, Washington Renton Art Show, Renton, Washington, Juror’s Award Puget Sound Country, Seattle, Washington Northwest Pastel Show, Issaquah, Washington Eastside Association of Fine Art, Kirkland, Washington, Honorable Mention Puget Sound Country, Seattle, Washington, Second Prize Northwest Watercolor Show, Seattle, Washington Northwest Supporting Member Show, Seattle, Washington, Third Prize and Honorable Mention Northwest Pastel Show, Issaquah, Washington First Prize and Honorable Mention Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Washington, Honorable Mention Edmonds Art Show, Edmonds, Washington, Impressionist Award Renton Art Show, Renton, Washington, Invitational Equine Show, Longacres, Renton, Washington Artsplash, Bellevue, Washington The Frye Museum, Seattle, Washington Eastside Association of Fine Art, Kirkland, Washington Renton Art Show, Renton, Washington, Juror’s Award Marine Show, Seattle, Washington Pacific Fine Arts, Seattle, Washington, Group Show Matzke-Runnings Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Group Show Puget Sound Country, Seattle, Washington Pacific Fine Arts, Seattle, Washington, Two Person Exhibition
LOIS SILVER BIO SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (CONTINUED) 1986
Northwest Artist’s Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Two Person Exhibition Renton Art Show, Renton, Washington, Purchase Award Marine Show, Seattle, Washington, Honorable Mention
PUBLICATION COVERS 2019 2008 2007 2002
Crab Creek Review, Volume 2, Front and Back Cover Image “Small Talk,” book by Mary Lou Sanelli, Cover Image “Falling Awake,” book by Mary Lou Sanelli, Cover Image “The Immigrant’s Table,” book by Mary Lou Sanelli, Cover Image
OTHER AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS 2002 1994 1993 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986
Bumbershoot Jazz Festival, Commemorative Poster, Seattle, Washington Edmonds Art Festival, Edmonds, Washington Northwest Watercolor Society, purchase award Eastside Association of Fine Art, pastel award Eastside Association of Fine Art, Grumbacher Award Edmonds Art Festival, Edmonds, 1st Prize, Washington Northwest Pastel Society, Jurors Award Memorable Award, Edmonds, Washington Scottsdale Arts School, Scottsdale, Arizona, Scholarship Pike Place Market 81st Anniversary Commemorative Poster, Seattle, Washington Pike Place Market 80th Anniversary Commemorative Poster, Seattle, Washington Belding Award, Los Angeles, CA, Honorable Mention
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS Ballard Family Medicine, Seattle, Washington Bank of Commerce, Renton, Washington Daniel Smith, Seattle, Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington Kenedar Co., Seattle, Washington Lee, Smart, Cook, Martin & Patterson, Seattle, Washington Nordstrom, Seattle, Washington Pacific Institute, Seattle, Washington Providence Hospital, Seattle, Washington Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton, Washington Salish Lodge, Snoqualmie, Washington SAFECO, Seattle, Washington (to WAAC) Saint Elizabeth Center, Yakima, Washington Spokane General Hospital, Spokane, Washington Sterling, Warren and Associates, Renton, Washington Swedish Hospital, Seattle, Washington Seattle’s Best Coffee, Seattle, Washington WRQ, Seattle, Washington Zymogenetics, Seattle, Washington University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington Washington Arts Consortium
End of the Road (study), oil on board, 12 x 16 in.
The Glance (study), oil on board, 9 x 12 in.
1915 First Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101 www.harrisharveygallery.com, (206) 443-3315, staff@harrisharveygallery.com