"How can we better shape the world than with serenity?" This is the last sentence in artist Paul RÇ's exhibit statement, "Shaping Serenity," now on display at Jonson Gallery.
RÇ is in his 30th year as an artist, is trained in the sciences and received a bachelor's degree in physics in 1972. RÇ said he became an artist because he "could better express the beauty of science as an artist."
One of his better known endeavors is his traveling exhibit of touchable art for the blind and visually impaired that was introduced in 1981. Since the advent of his tactile exhibit, RÇ has had to replace each of the 18 pieces at least once due to general wear and tear from its more than 100,000 viewers.
RÇ said that Georgia O'Keefe and Raymond Jonson, a personal friend and the individual for whom Jonson Gallery is named, have heavily influenced his work.
RÇ feels that his work in serenity is particularly appropriate after the highly emotional world events of Sept 11.
Indeed, "Shaping Serenity" is a very peaceful, soothing and calm collection of works. The 14 pieces displayed are the result of thousands of hours of work, culminating in a very reassuring collection of pieces. As you walk through the exhibit, you can almost not help but stop and look at the pieces, letting them give a sense of rightness, an oasis of calm in the world around us.
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The highly effective works in "Shaping Serenity" are very simple when compared to many of RÇ's other works. The two-and three-dimensional art ranges in medium from pastel and acrylic to inkjet and sculpted paper. Each piece in an abstract manipulation of geometric form, color, or both - creating a simple and soothing atmosphere.
Also on display in "Shaping Serenity" is RÇ's book, "The Dance of the Pencil: Serene Art," which was acclaimed by the Journal of the Print World as one of the outstanding art books of the year. All proceeds from the sale of "The Dance of the Pencil" during the time that "Shaping Serenity" is running will be donated to Jonson Gallery.
Jonson Gallery is at 1909 Las Lomas Rd., one block east of Yale, on the north side of the street. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as 5-8 p.m. Tuesday evenings. "Shaping Serenity" will run at Jonson Gallery until Oct. 26.
