Quiet Radiance
Quiet Radiance has been selected by the 2017 jurors of the Mountain Oyster Club for inclusion in their annual art show. This show holds a highly esteemed, long-term reputation as one of the foremost shows of western contemporary art in our nation. The show opens with an artist and patron reception on November 18 and continues to be on exhibit through January 12, 2018.
It’s hard to believe it’s only been 15 years when I reflect upon all that has happened through this time. During the past fifteen years, when I placed my first bronze cast vessel into a fine art gallery in Scottsdale, AZ (August 2001) my studio has grown and bloomed miraculously. My work has been accepted into 87 Juried Exhibitions; including 7 Juried Museum Exhibitions and has earned 17 awards including several awards in the American Women Artists Master and Signature Exhibitions and the notable Gilcrease Museum 2015 Collector’s Reserve First Place Award in 2015. Also in 2015, we were honored by the invitation to exhibit 16 works (including a retrospective) at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ in the three month running Green and Gray Exhibition. My work has been published in 15 books/magazines and I have completed five commissions. I hold the great honor to have been invited to become a distinguished Signature Member of the American Women Artists and a member of the International Artists for Conservation. And, many years ago I was so very honored to have Mighty Oak chosen as the recognition gift presented to 2004 Noble Peace Prize Winner, Wangari Maathai in Beverly Hills, CA.
I certainly do not do this alone, rather with the immense contribution of our highly skilled foundry workers; studio office support; and many fine art gallery representatives and partnerships. I will ever be most grateful to the Redfern Gallery for their very early, amazing confidence and support of my work. It’s been an exhilarating and joyful journey! Below we reflect upon the highlights, with warmest gratitude to all of our cherished collectors…realizing you are the vital link that allows me to continue creating – thank you!
With my very warmest gratitude,
Carol
Below is a listing of some of the recognition and awards Alleman work has received over the past fifteen years with designation of the precise piece and juried exhibit. We do not participate in any non-juried exhibitions. MANY pieces have never been submitted to any juried exhibitions (most high quality, juried exhibitions accept work completed/released within the past two years only , grossly limiting the number of qualifying pieces). Because a piece has not earned an award surely does not make it any less notable (it may well have been too popular to allow for inventory supply to support an exhibit, as was often the case). We recognize many collectors love to hear of awards confirming their choice of artwork to be “intelligent” and for those perhaps the following will be helfpul.
2015 Gilcrease Museum, Collectors’s Reserve, Williams FIRST PLACE AWARD in sculpture
2015 Green & Gray Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ
2015 Green & Gray Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ
2014 American Women Artists Master Signature and Signature Juried Exhibition; earned BRONZE AWARD
2014 Featured in Western Art & Architecture Feature Article
2014 Four Points Contemporary Juried Exhibition; Honorable Mention
2013 Art League of Hilton Head, FIRST PLACE in 3D
2013 American Women Artists Master Signature and Signature Juried Exhibition; AWARD OF MERIT
2012 Hudson Gallery NOW WOW Project II; MERIT AWARD
2012 Women’s Works; 25th Annual International Exhibition; GALLERY CHOICE AWARD
2016 Groover Studio Award, Jacksonville University Museum, AL
2014 Juried Legacy Art Exhibition, HONORABLE MENTION
2015 Green & Gray Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ
2014 Four Points Contemporary BiAnnual Juried Competition; MERIT AWARD
2015 Green & Gray Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ
2014 Four Points Contemporary BiAnnual Juried Competition; MERIT AWARD
2005 Sculptural Pursuit Annual Juried Competition; INDUSTRY AWARD
2004 Ministry & Liturgy Annual Juried Visual Arts Awards; BENE AWARD
2005 Art Calendar; Magazine Cover Image
2004 Ministry & Liturgy Annual Juried Visual Arts Awards; BENE AWARD
2015 Green & Gray Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ
2012 International Miniature Exhibit; FIRST PLACE, Nags Head, NC
2013 Manhattan Arts International, AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
2012 American Women Artists Member Juried Exhibition; Best Sculpture Done in an Academic and Realistic Manner
2015 GREEN & GRAY Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe AZ:
2014 BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM, Prevailing Winds; Ginkgo: Seed of Hope
2015 GILCREASE MUSEUM, Collectors Reserve, Serenity and Twilight Stars
A complete listing of ALL the Juried Exhibits we have been accepted into is listed on our website on the Artist Profile Page.
Some of the other most notable highlights of the fifteen years include the honor of having Mighty Oak chosen as the appreciation gift presented to 2004 Noble Peace Prize Winner, Wangari Maathai; in a Gala Award presentation via Tree People in Beverly Hills, CA. Ms. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement. “It was while she served in the National Council of Women that she introduced the idea of planting trees with the people in 1976 and continued to develop it into a broad-based, grassroots organization whose main focus is the planting of trees with women groups in order to conserve the environment and improve their quality of life. Through the Green Belt Movement her work has assisted women in planting more than 20 million trees on their farms and on schools and church compounds. Wangari Maathai is internationally recognized for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation.” –www.nobelprize.org.
We were very proud and honored to play a small part in recognition and celebration of her worthy contributions to our global world. She left her deeply beautiful, caring, and contagious fingerprint upon our world.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is the premier cultural resource for the state of Indiana and a major arts-based institution for the Midwest. When the museum contructed its new state-of-the-art scientific research laboratory in which to house its highly respected Art Conservation Department they acquired Remembering Gratitude for the permanent collection.
“The laboratory is a high profile feature for the museum with frequent visitors, including curators, donors, trustees, and the public. It provides a captivating avenue for discussing artists’ materials, craftsmanship, the processes of material aging and how conservation intervenes, and the ways that science can enlighten us about our cultural patrimony – how an object was made, what materials were used by the artist, and how an object reacts with its surroundings.“ ~Dr. Gregory Dale Smith, Senior Conversation Scientist. Carol’s deliberate and intricate patination process is of particular interest to the museum laboratory. It is hoped that Remembering Gratitude will continue to make a significant contribution in IMA’s Art Conservation Department’s studies to help understand how to best display and preserve bronze works; and specifics on how conservation measures intervene.
We appreciated the honor of being invited to participate in the Annual Gala Event two years at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.
For five running years, early in my career, we participated in the then notable Loveland Sculpture in the Park event. Three of those five years my work was among the top ten in individual artist sales for the show which exhibited nearly 300 sculptors’ works to the 25,000 visitors.
“It feels as though I’ve been doing this work for much longer than 15 years and yet when I pause to reflect over all these years, my sometimes sputtering memory is challenged. It has been a truly deep deep joy to reflect over these miraculous years – and with such extraordinary gratitude to the many foundry hands, our trusted gallery representatives and especially our many cherished collectors.”
Congratulations to all of us!
Serenity on Optional Bronze Base
Love Blooms
Twilight Stars
Serenity on the optional bronze base; Love Blooms and Twilight Stars were all invited to be a part of the juried exhibition and competition: Appalachian Nature Art produced by the Allegany Arts Council. The exhibit opens with an artist reception on Saturday June 18, 2016 at 6 PM and showcases art that expresses the rich diversity of nature including wildlife, flora, landscapes and sporting art. The juror for the exhibit is Paul Rhymer, a nationally known wildlife artist whose work is installed at the National Zoo, the National Museum of Natural History and the Denver Zoo. The exhibit runs through July 9th at the elegant Saville Gallery, 9 N. Centre Street, Cumberland MD. We are honored to be invited to include three works in this inspiring, quality exhibition.
Results have just been announced for the 2015 International Artists for Conservation Juried Live and Virtual Exhibition. This year, Marriage of Spirit ,on the optional bronze base, has been selected as one of 200 artworks for inclusion in the virtual exhibition. Fifteen different countries will be represented in this exhibit including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, South Africa, The Netherlands, UK and the USA.
The jurors for the 2015 exhibit include: John Banovich – Artist and AFC Member (USA); Steve Morvell – Artist and AFC Member (Australia); Murray Phillips – Artist and AFC Board Member (Canada); Holly Swangstu – Art Institute Director, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (USA); and Debra Usher – Publisher & Editor in Chief, Arabella Magazine (Canada).
Artists For Conservation (AFC) is the world’s leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world’s most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. We are honored to be, once again, selected for participation in this internationally renown exhibition. Visit the Artists for Conservation website for additional information and for details for attending the live exhibit to be held in Vancouver at http://www.natureartists.com.
Marriage of Spirit, on the optional bronze, base has been accepted into the Juried Empire 100 Western Art Show – an annual show of 100 selected works. The show is held at the Tucson Desert Art Museum with an opening reception on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 2 – 5 PM. The exhibit will be open from March 29 through April 19, 2015.
The heart-shaped spaces on this piece (within the foliage) can be easily overlooked on the vessel, mirroring how easily our heart space can also be overlooked in our lives; yet it is here (from our hearts) that our love flows most purely and potently. Also hidden in this piece (shown above, on the lower portions of the vessel) are twenty-one life forms sculpted into the root system of the trees: whale, owl, monkey, deer (African Oryx), rabbit, butterfly, starfish, honeybee, frog, floral blooms , humans, bird, cat, whale, elephant, and star. These fifteen different life forms appear in the hidden root system while each woven within the other – feeding one another in an intricate and frequently invisible web. Representative of the miraculous human and all creatures of land, air, and water, all are presented within the single, while complex, circular root system (representing the Universe at large woven in an infinite web). The images, sculpted low into the piece, are quiet and hidden at first glance mirroring how we typically do not see and honor these deep connections without effort and intention. As we share our heart space, and our loving intentions spill into the world, we are simultaneously sharing it with all the world and all its creatures and beings – invisible or visible to us at the moment. Read more here . We are delighted this newer work has been accepted into this highly regarded, museum exhibit.
Se
eds of Harmony was selected among 650 global entries to be included in the 2014 Four Points Juried Bi-Annual Competition. Reginald Charles Adams, Executive Director at Museum of Cultural Arts Houston served as the juror selecting 90 works for the exhibit and designating an Honorable Mention Award to Seeds of Harmony. The general public may view the show at http://www.fourpointscontemporary.com/2nd-bi-annual/.
We are now thoroughly into the wonderful, renewing energies of spring! The beautiful crocus, tulips, daffodils and trillium are each blooming their little heads off – a display that with a little attention can effortlessly spring us into an empowering awareness. No matter where you live, there are many indications of spring amidst us. In the woodlands, the trillium is now blooming quietly – perfectly in its nature of threes. The trillium blooms with a three slender sepals, three petals, a three part ovary surrounded by six (3+3) stamen, and its leaves spread in whirls of three. Three is a divine number of creative power – and is symbolic for many in various forms: beginning – middle – end; father – mother – child; morning – noon – night; the three blessed jewels; Father – Son – Holy Spirit. This marvelous, simple woodland plant blooms quietly – echoing how we often bloom ourselves. One of my bronze, limited edition vessels is titled Trillium and inspired by this beloved plant.
Ants enable the trillium to sow its seeds, eating away the oil rich appendage and abandoning the seeds to sprout. Ants – tenacious, patient, community-builders – help the trillium flourish. Perhaps we might embrace and follow the wisdom of nature. Many trilliums are either protected or endangered. The quiet work of the ants, sowing the seeds supports their extended life. Do we appreciate the “ants” in our lives – the vast synchronicities (experiences, people and gifts) often working through invisible channels for our highest good? Trillium, with a little attention, can bring us not only the pleasure of its simple beauty but also an empowering reminder that there are indeed many people and/or events working, this very moment, on our behalf completely invisible to us. And…it may also remind us of the infinite gift of being an ant in life through quietly, invisibly giving.
May this new spring season bring to you those quiet, reflective moments that quietly, while richly empower you. Perhaps it is the season for you to bloom in all your unique perfection – trusting your support to the invisible world and gracing the world with your beauty.
We are nearing the end of January. The stores have been displaying all the Valentine’s Day celebration cards and gifts for several weeks. Valentine’s Day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Originally it was most often celebrated with hand-written notes of affection and love to another.
It seems to me, that it might also include a heightened awareness of the love of self – a necessary element and precursor to authentically loving the other. When we recognize the love we are as individuals, we can easily and beautifully extend love to others. One of the ways in which we can best love ourselves is to nourish ourselves – not necessarily with “things” but rather with a deep awareness of what our soul most longs to recognize and know. Sometimes this nudges us to do a little pruning and sometimes we may need to add something or grow in some manner. Giving attention to our own inner growth and health is always a valuable investment. When we consciously tend to our inner selves, we are simultaneously tending the world and our lovers and significant others wholeheartedly and fully.
One of the pieces in my collection of bronze art vessels, Nourished, is a vessel for lovers. The foliage on this piece is more subtle and the tree trunks/bark are much more dramatic than on other pieces in my collection of artwork. The bark is that which is presented to the world – the color, if you will, of the tree – and that which protects it. Our best protection of ourselves is to protect ourselves through caring for ourselves tenderly and lovingly. The outer bark of the tree protects it so that the inner sap can flow freely. Likewise, if we protect ourselves through caring for ourselves, our inner bark – our love – can flow much more freely. The negative space on Nourished, in many places is in the subtle shape of the heart. It is not obvious when first looking at the piece, but with closer examination one can quickly find many heart-shaped openings in the piece. The essence of the piece is the invitation to mirror the tree’s wisdom – care for ourselves so our love can flow freely. In giving attention to what our soul needs most – nourishing ourselves – we are able to be and give love beautifully and authentically.
Perhaps you might write your own Valentine’s Day sentiment to yourself and to your loved one this year. There is nothing more meaningful than a hand-written note of love and affection. Or, if your budget allows, you might consider the gift of a piece of fine art sculpture, in a limited edition of bronze. My limited edition of the bronze vessel, Nourished, expresses love and marriage in the deepest sense. Regardless of your manner of celebration, may love flow freely through you extending beautifully to your loved ones this Saint Valentine’s Day – and always.
I send each of you warmest greetings for the wonderful year of 2012. As I write, for those of you in the Christian tradition, the twelve days of Christmas continue to be upon you with the twelfth day, Epiphany, coming this Friday. Epiphany, regardless of your spiritual preferences, is a wonderful time of deep and welcome reflection. I appreciate that it comes following the higher social activity weeks of the season – when things seem to be a bit more quiet, allowing more easily for contemplative space. Epiphany is that rich season of inquiring within oneself as to what truly guides and directs our lives. What Light do you follow? What truly directs your life? It also nudges us into a remembrance to look deeper than the surface of all events – thoughts – feelings and find in all of them a rich inner connection to something we, as humans, cannot name or control – the world of Mystery and of perfect Love.
January brings also, in many areas, the colder months of the year. It is a time of huddling down, snuggling up and waiting for the wintry months to unfold into yet another spring. The time of waiting can be challenging or rewarding – we can choose our way to experience it. While seemingly there is not much happening in nature, save the banks of snow, beneath the surface, the natural world is resting in preparation of a new season of growth and abundance once more. It is letting go of the dead of a season gone and protecting all that will support its growth in the coming springtime. Perhaps it is a time when you might consider what it is you might be ready to let go of that no longer supports your life in a healthy manner. The Ginkgo tree is one of the most profound teachers of this
great wisdom. Without any visible preparation, it simply – sometimes in a matter of hours – lets go of all its leaves.
In this letting go, the earth beneath it is blanketed in a rich and glorious golden hue – the earth is blessed. It appears as more of a grand celebration than of any loss. My bronze vessel, Ginkgo: Seed of Hope is intended to inspire this same quality in us. It speaks of the notion that each of us represents the “seed of hope” for change – for movement – that each of us are unique and potent avenues of significant change and of hope and peace. The vessel is accented with the presence of three doves – another symbol of peace. Two of them are resting (as in wintry months) while the third is taking flight – representing the invitation to not only reflect but to also take flight – take action with our reflections. May this New Year, be a year of taking hopeful flight in your life – in the deepest sense and with renowned peace and gratitude.
You may read more about Ginkgo: Seed of Hope here along with the companion writing and poetry.
We are now offering Quiet Blessing and Ripe Abundance with beautiful custom frames. The frames have been finely custom crafted in ebony stained, solid alder wood. Both pieces are still available unframed as well and unframed are suitable for easel (table top) display or on the wall with the attached hanger.
Quiet Blessing offers a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse gifts of all trees. The arboreal and golden patina makes it a warm, organic and beautiful piece. The companion poetry adds a very personal element, making it an exceptional and lasting gift.
Ripe Abundance celebrates the pomegranate fruit – symbolic of harmony and abundance. Each pomegranate fruit holds approximately six hundred ruby seeds – sheer abundance! The natural shape of the fruit is rounded hexagonal – six is symbolic of absolute harmony. It inspires a message of appreciation for the absolute abundance in our lives as well as the hope for true harmony and balance. It is a beautifully rich bronze work, particularly for this autumn time of year. Companion writing reflecting on the inspiration and poetry accompany both limited edition pieces.
