“Portal” side one by seed mosaic for spring 2020 by Gayle H. Seely
“Portal” side two by Gayle H. Seely
Q: What is the definition of portal, you ask?
A: A portal is a gate or doorway. Portal can be used to describe other types of doorways, both literal and metaphorical. If you enjoy reading science fiction or fantasy, you may be familiar with the use of the word portal to mean “a doorway to another world.” The wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe functions as a portal to the land of Narnia.
“Running Water” seed pearl mosaic box by Gayle H. Seely.
“I like to combine a theme of an exhibit with the subject “water” to create distinctive pieces that are tactile as well as visual,” Gayle H. Seely.
“I love seeing people become so involved in my boxes,” Gayle H. Seely.
“I layer tiny beads and stones in painterly combinations onto small wooden boxes,” Gayle H. Seely.
Fairweather House and Gallery art display of Gayle H. Seely.
In 2019 Gayle H. Seely was selected as a Fairweather Gallery resident artist, having previously served as an emerging artist to watch. 2020 marks her sixth year in the gallery.
“A fresh start involves letting go of preconceived ideas. Thinking like a beginner. As Zen Master Suzuki Roshi put it: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” One of the best ways to stay open to experiences is to think like a beginner. When you adopt a beginner’s mind, there are unlimited ways to proceed.
I began the Portal box by placing two earrings on top, a circle balanced on a triangle. Then I sat back, studied it, and noticed the shape reminded me of an old-fashioned keyhole. As I continued, the shape of an angel developed, hovering over soft blue tones.
On the inset side, I continued the wintery watery colors and added a teardrop shape that reminded me of a dial that could adjust the tempo of the piece.
The sides became the liminal space between the ‘what was’ and the ‘what comes next”. Liminal space is where transformation takes place. Where we are between the familiar and the completely unknown. This is the sacred space where the old world is able to fall apart, and a bigger world is revealed.
This box is about change and rejuvenation. Change has a ripple effect and one area of life spills into other areas, creating a fresh start. After completing this piece, I reorganized my studio and tidied up my bead storage, approaching things in a fresh new way.
My work involves a constant interaction between my hands, heart and soul. I have a lot of fun seeing what comes together and enjoy sharing my boxes with those who choose to take a look.” Gayle H. Seely
Fairweather House and Gallery
Through March 25
612 Broadway St.
Seaside, Oregon
“A Fresh Start” featuring artists Toni Avery, Bill Baily, Karen Doyle, Christine Downs, Bob Heath, Dorota Haber-Lehigh, Gayle H. Seely and Bill Shumway.
“This exhibit’s expectation lies in its possibility to present fresh, new perspectives, inspiration, experiences, reflection and even the possibility for transcendence in some way,” D. Fairweather, gallerist.
“The portal piece for FRESH START began with two earrings made of abalone. A circle from my Mom balanced on a tall triangle that was mine. It immediately reminded me of a keyhole and drew me to the idea of peeking through a portal to see what comes next. The black edges bring to mind a path through the liminal space between the two bigger sides shining colorfully and shimmering with the changing light source.” Gayle H. Seely
“Gayle H. Seely’s ancient methods of mosaic and beading combined with fresh, modern energy and emotions create intricate colorful boxes, bound to delight,” wrote Eve Marx, reporter for The Astorian.
Read more at http://www.fairweatherhouseandgallery.com
Read more about the artist:
The art of Gayle H. Seely | News | dailyastorian.comwww.dailyastorian.com › archives › signal › the-art-of-gayle-h-seely
Feb 16, 2018 – By EVE MARX. “I love seeing people become so involved in my boxes,” Gayle H. Seely said. The artist’s unique creations will be on display at …
Fun facts:
Gayle’s father was one of the co-founders of NCLC with Neal Maine.
Al Vernon, retired banker and father to the artist, posed for a photo during a recent Gayle H. Seely reception.
D. Fairweather’s uncle “Dr. Ed” delivered the Vernon children.
Grace note received:
“Thank you very much for all your hard work and support. You have gathered such a wonderful group of artists with a wide variety of skills and ideas. I am proud to show my work at Fairweather’s.” Gayle H. Seely