by Bella Erakko
One might call Brenda Benson an architectural watercolorist—a term that frankly does not exist, yet. But it accurately describes her vibrant, multi-layered colorful creations, often using a garden motif.
Starting out with graph paper, she maps out her design. Then she begins a watercolor process which includes extensive cutting and folding and cut-outs. For example, her “Geckos in the Garden” delights the viewer. WHERE are the tiny geckos playfully poking out of the dense garden foliage, camouflaged among vibrantly blooming flowers?
“I always had a love affair with watercolor, as long as I can remember. I tend to be a realist, but my goal has always been to be a looser abstractionist.”
So her geckos are realistic; but they hide in an abstractionist garden, teasing the viewer to find them with a “Where’s Waldo” playfulness. She laughs, “I feel I can indulge as much as I want to.” Different ideas present themselves. For example, she wants to explore those well-known words from the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes “a time to build up, and a time to tear down.” She envisions bridges between nations, between people—a bridge over the waterflow of life. For her, these explorations are like metaphors, like poetry. Then the scissors, paper, and watercolor become the architectural palette of her imagination.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 4:00 until 7:00. This event is free and open to the public.
