When Ric Lum, owner of Buffalo Bites and Catering by Ric Lum, decided to open Gallery I-80 & Acme Project his intentions were to focus upon artists who were in mid-career and peaking in their talent and work. As a collector and artist, Lum wanted to offer another perspective.
"It's a very subtle and intimate space," Lum said. "The focus is on contemporary artists, and it's a reason for me to go look and see what's going on. It's directing me to connect to the art world."
Lum debuted his new space for Gallery Walk on Saturday, July 5, with "Liminal Objects," a ceramic exhibition by Santa Fe ceramic artist and professor James Marshall. Marshall's sculptures are a series of glazed ceramic pieces, which are saturated brilliant revlon reds, canary yellows, forest greens, and ice blacks. Deriving its meaning from the Latin word "limen," which means threshold, "Liminal Objects" represents Marshall's exploration with form and space.
"It begins with a vision or dream," Marshall said. "It's working from the inside out, which translates into words and discussion."
Marshall is constantly thinking about his work, and the idea for "Liminal Objects" emerged from his practice in observation and the process of creating. Marshall said he starts with a square, which ultimately shifts into another shape.
"The color reaches out across the space and connects with the viewer," Marshall said. "The power of the color pulls people in. And, I don't want the experience to stop at the surface level. The form is also penetrating at the same time."
Marshall said "Liminal Objects" opens the doors of perception and allow the viewer to understand the work beyond the ordinary observations of perception and definition. It is about the space in between, where color, energy, light and form merge into one.
"People move through time and space constantly identifying," Marshall said. "Freedom resides before definition and before you name things."
Marshall's contemplative approach to his work captures the essence of appreciating and viewing art. He said it needs to be affordable so it can spread out, but it has a purpose in teaching and educating.
"His work is ready, and the show we have is very mature work," Lum said. "It's a privilege to see someone like Marshall reach this point in his work."
Gallery I-80 & Acme Project opening with work by ceramic artist James Marshall. Photo by Sabina Dana Plasse
