The new artists, all from the New Hampshire/ Maine Seacoast, an area famous for its long history of gifted artists, are Amy Palmer, Erin Smith, and Wen Redmond with guests Aysen A. Orhon and Susan Schwake-Larochelle.

"While the thread of quality ties all the artists together, the reason they've been chosen is for their distinct look rather than their adherence to a particular genre, or subject matter," says co owner Michael Singer. "For that reason they are all exciting additions to the gallery."

Amy Palmer's work is marked by distinct characters, a mix of representational, comedic-drama and Goth in both style and statement. Palmer's haunting and sometimes oddly-humorous paintings explore women's archetypes and the choices they make. "Amy's work is captivating. It pokes at your mind, makes you question and has an odd, inherent entertainment quality," says Bowersock.

Wen Redmond built her reputation as a textile artist. Stretching beyond that description she's making a mark with a new mix of medium, and a distinctive look. Redmond uses fabric, photos on cloth, stitching and found objects to create moody, evocative works. "Many of Wen's pieces are worked in layers, part 3-D part 2-D, giving a unique quality of depth and light," says Singer.

Young printmaker Erin Smith has a way of refocusing the eye. Smith creates the feel of abstraction with representational images. The current collection is of domestic spaces and objects. Her angles, balance and light direct the mind to a new way of seeing. "We found her at a large, alternative venue in Portsmouth and tracked her down immediately. No doubt others will be as readily impressed," says Singer.





 

Guest artist Aysen A. Orhon, a resident of Portsmouth NH and a native of Turkey, draws on her roots to create her evocative, painterly works. Her canvases are usually simple abstract/representational objects and figures, often afloat in multi-whites. "These are part dream, part painting. While it looks simple at first glance, there's nothing simple about the intent, skill or painting application. Her work is mesmerizing," says Bowersock.

Susan Schwake-Larochelle is a multi-media artist. Her work, whether clay, collage or painting, is filled with attitude; smart, whimsical and or earthy. Her premier work at Bowersock has a touch of all those, abstract forms that pull you in and leave you wondering. "Selecting her first pieces was difficult. This is a woman of broad talent," says Bowersock.

Jeanne' McCartin has been with the gallery since it opened. She helps launch the new season with a series that explores personas; what they hide, what motivates them or controls them.

"Jeanne' has made molds of numerous original sculptures, altered and mixed them to create this provocative series," says Bowersock. "Her use of archetype and stereotypical facial gestures are scrambled in a series of multiple faces, highlight the broad, possible interpretations when emotions and gestures are paired. These pieces are funny, disturbing and thought-provoking sculpture.