Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2007 06 15

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n12)

It's Our Art - Broad Ripple Art Fair 2007 - By Lisa Battiston and Ashley Plummer

posted: Jun. 15, 2007

By Lisa Battiston and Ashley Plummer

Although the Broad Ripple Art Fair was over two weeks ago, the Gazette wanted to take time to mention some of the particular artists that stuck out amongst the masses. While all the artists present brought a plethora of talent to the village, here are a few that caught our eyes and imaginations with their unique approaches to creativity.

Known as the largest fundraising event for the Art Center, more than 27,000 visitors and area residents were able to view these artists and numerous others.

Amy Brier

Amy Brier, from Bloomington, Ind., has worked on installations and architectural ornaments, but her specialty lies in "roliquery," which consists of her carving unique designs into limestone balls. When the balls are rolled across grain surfaces (usually sand), patterns are traced into the medium that allow the viewers to interact with the art in numerous ways.

Brier said that she begins her art by looking at ancient cylinder seals. Some of her roliquery sculptures can be seen downtown by the White River Park, though her art can be considered both indoor and outdoor.

"I was interested by the interaction, the negative and the positive," she said. "I like the idea of using the stone as a tool to create the image.

"People really respond to it," she remarked. "Kids get it. Old people get it. . . One moment of satisfaction would be when I used to go to the White River Gardens and watch people interact. One time, I saw teenage boys and a grandmother-type, and they were all interacting with the work and each other. I thought, 'That's it, right there.'"

It's Our Art - Broad Ripple Art Fair 2007 - By Lisa Battiston and Ashley Plummer

Click here to switch to Flip Photo Album mode

Matthew Eickhoff

Matthew Eickhoff, who has painted since he was 10 but done so as a profession for about 11 years, said his art is inspired by many things, including his grandfather. He described one piece of oils on wood panels as being inspired by "rural images from the 60s. Very family-oriented kind of things.

"I also have a lot of collage and interactive things," Eickhoff said. "I like to have things that are accessible to the every day person. I also enjoy painting on the sides of things."

Click here to switch to Flip Photo Album mode

Douglas David

Douglas David, a painter focusing mostly on landscapes, florals and seascapes, said he has featured his work at the Art Fair for over a dozen years and has a studio on 71st and Keystone Avenue. He recently published a book for his first museum show at the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond, Ind., opening on August 26, 2007, and running through October 14, 2007. He will feature 79 pieces for sale at his museum show.

"Most of the time, when a book [of art] is published, it'll say 'The Collection of. . . '," David explained. "This is a unique opportunity because it's an opportunity for people to own something that has been published."

David has received numerous awards throughout the Hoosier state for his artwork, including the popular vote in 2001 for the design of the Indiana license plate.

Click here to switch to Flip Photo Album mode

C.R. Schiefer

CR Schiefer from Martinsville, Ind., is a self-taught artist that began sculpting stone in 1970 and has attended over 30 Broad Ripple Art Fairs.

According to his website, faces have always been an interest to him in his art. It stated that faces reveal everything to others, and he likes to portray those feelings in his artwork.

In his hometown, Schiefer has a 10-acre sculpture garden with 150 plus pieces of outdoor works and two indoor galleries that hold his table pieces. For those who wish to see all this and more, he holds a yearly Garden Sculpture show. This year's show will be held on October 20 and 21, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At his booth, he was found working on a chunk of Indiana limestone. He also works with soapstone and marble.

When asked how long it took him to finish a particular sculpture, he simply replied, "Until it gets done."