Water. Earth. Fire. Air.

THE ART OF LIFE

OCTOBER 2–28, 2023 | BALTIMORE, CHEVY CHASE, HAVERFORD

Experience the elements of nature through this group exhibition, finding balance in these fundamental forces of energy as you move from one element to the next.

First proposed by the ancient Greeks, the concept that everything contains water, earth, fire, and air has had a profound influence throughout history. From Aristotle’s theories, to early Buddhist texts, to Native American symbolism, different cultures have embraced the elements of nature as a way to explain the complex beauty of Earth and human nature, inspiring artists of today.

Water represents the ebb and flow of life and has associations with cleansing, healing, and transformation. It can be as powerful as a tsunami, as nurturing as a much needed rain, and as calming as a meandering river. Whether abstract or representative, these water-influenced pieces may illustrate a soothing sense of movement or inspire a moment of self-reflection.

Liz Barber · Blue Wave 5 Mixed Media on Canvas · 36 × 72 in. VIEW MORE FROM BARBER

Charlie Bluett · Pool of Thoughts

Acrylic on Canvas · 50 × 40 in.

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Opposite: Sherri Belassen · Due Course

Oil on Canvas · 52 × 72 in.

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Dylan Martinez · H20 / SIO2 series

Handblown Glass · Sizes Vary

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Opposite: Carol O'Malia · Three Amigos

Oil on Canvas · 72 × 84 in.

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Tom Bolles · Luminous 7

Mixed Media on Canvas · 60 × 50 in.

VIEW MORE FROM BOLLES Opposite: David Burdeny

Koi and Sakura Petals, Kyoto, Japan

Photograph on Aluminum · 44 × 55 in.

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The element of Earth is strong and grounded, representing growth, nourishment, and dependability. Think of the forests, mountains, and grasslands that provide homes for living beings, and the plants that give us sustenance. How this translates through artwork can be completely different for each viewer — maybe it’s a landscape that brings you a feeling of comfort, a color palette that reminds you of a treasured spot in nature, or a certain texture that captures the rugged beauty of our planet.

David Skillicorn · Nel Bosco 12-4

Mixed Media on Canvas · 48 × 60 in.

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Rose Masterpol · Uruz

Oil and Acrylic on Canvas · 60 × 60 in.

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Opposite: Marshall Noice

Blue Ponderosa (L), First Leaves (R)

Pastel on Paper · 22 × 15 in. each

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Xan Padron · Princes Street, Auckland, NZ

Photograph on Paper · 36 × 60 in.

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Opposite: jd Hansen · Orchard

Bronze · 30 × 10 × 8 in.

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Christopher Peter · Flowing Cameo series · Mixed Media on Panel · 24 × 24 in. each VIEW MORE FROM PETER

Opposite: Dennis Sheehan · In the Clearing · Oil on Canvas · 30 × 40 in. VIEW MORE FROM SHEEHAN

Fire is a powerful element—one that can elicit a visceral response when captured in a work of art.

Drawing inspiration from physical characteristics like the heat of the summer sun or the flickering light of a fire, as well as intangibles like passion, courage, and love, these artworks embody strength and energy. Feel the warmth emanating from the fiery red, orange, and yellow palettes.

Acrylic on Canvas · 36 × 66 in.

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Rose Masterpol · Ablaze

Michael Hoffman · Barcelona Summer Sun

Mixed Media on Panel · 45 × 45 in.

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Opposite: Joseph Adolphe · Toro Bravo No. 51

Mixed Media on Canvas · 60 × 55 in.

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Gil Bruvel · Sunlight

Stacked Wooden Sticks and Paint · 42 × 24 × 19 in.

VIEW MORE FROM BRUVEL Opposite: Shivani Dugar · Tales by the Fire

Oil on Canvas · 40 × 40 in.

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Matt Devine · Neutra #3

Powdercoated Aluminum · 48 × 48 × 8 in.

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Opposite: David Rothermel · Exponent

Acrylic on Panel · 72 × 84 in.

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The foundation of life, air is all around us. It represents creativity, inspiration, and enlightenment and has the ability to influence the mind — consider the calming power of one slow deep breath. Though we can’t always see air, there are a number of ways that an artist can illustrate this element, from a soft palette that depicts a feeling of weightlessness, to a thoughtful use of negative space, to the fluttering of clothing or hair in the breeze.

Christopher Peter · Swinging in Color

Mixed Media on Canvas · 40 × 66 in. VIEW