32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 8-14, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com ART Walking between Sally Russell’s paper and canvas surfaces, ceramic totem towers, and dotted ceramic vessels is not an everyday art experience. The forms and colors she chooses as an artist excite the brain, taking it back to the realm of childlike playfulness. “I do have a lot of fun,” Russell says of her process, smiling throughout an exhibit tour. Russell is like her art—youthful, energetic and vital. Coming from an old Carmel family, Russell has been producing art since childhood, moving from textiles and studio art to clay and beyond. Despite a dose of abstraction understood as pattern, Russell’s work is rooted in the natural world. One of her favorite artists is the recently deceased California artist Viola Frey. Like Frey, Russell got interested in outdoor sculpture (another idol is Austrian sculptor Franz West), but also created a line of ceramic dinnerware and home textiles. Her most recent series includes yarn, thread and string, many in vivid— if not straight-out fluorescent—tones, wrapped around her totemic legs (real tree branches) or glued to surfaces. When looking at “Radiant Balance (Diptych)” it’s hard to say why it works. But it does. “By stacking components in a vertical fashion, she forces the viewer to physically interact and engage with the work from different angles,” reads a description of her bold ceramic totems in the introduction to the exhibit, which is titled Balancing Act. Even Russell’s simplest works convey her energy. Perhaps the most minimalistic piece on display is “Something in the Orange,” which is nothing more than a wave of color on a white canvas. Yet it possesses the same vitality that the most colorful of her works have. The title of the exhibit refers to the variety of forms and media Russell presents, but also to her life experience—in addition to being an artist and a mother, she operates the Power Plant Cafe in Moss Landing. When listing her other favorite artists, Russell mentions Niki de Saint Phalle (outdoor sculpture rooted in natural forms) and Joan Brown (figurative painting in full, juicy colors). Another favorite is the king of internal playfulness, Picasso. Balancing Act by Sally Russell is on display 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, through July 4. Marjorie Evans Gallery, Sunset Center, San Carlos Street and 9th Avenue, Carmel. 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. DANIEL DREIFUSS Dotted Joy Stepping into the world of Sally Russell’s art is pure pleasure— like an acid trip that went well. By Agata Pop˛eda Sally Russell surrounded by her pieces in the Marjorie Evans Gallery at Sunset Center. To the far right one can see a fragment of her latest work, “Radiant Balance (Diptych).” Get the legal assistance you need Questions about your Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits? We are here to help you. Get answers to your questions. 831.899.0492 Kellie D. Morgantini Interim Executive Director Legal Services for Seniors is a 501(c)(3) organization. 831.200.9700 • www.gocatrescue.org WE NEED YOUR HELP You’ve toyed with the idea, now is the time to act! We desperately need foster homes. We simply cannot help cats without them. You can save the life of an older cat by becoming a foster parent! All you need to do is supply the home and the love, and we provide the supplies and medical care. You will be helping an older cat get that Second Chance at a New Beginning. Call us at 831-200-9700 or email goldenoldiescats@gmail.com to find out more. If you would like to sponsor our next ad, please contact us! Otis Want to meet Otis? Please fill out our online adoption questionnaire. Things to love: 7 years old - 90 pounds - male - Boxer Mix Otis is as handsome as they come. This happy and easygoing guy gets along with everyone he meets, including kids, kitties and even guinea pigs. His jolly tail never stops wagging, and he’d love nothing more than to make you just as happy as he is. Ad Sponsored by Carolyn Jacques in Memory of Kitty Ka Koo If you’d like sponsor our next ad, give us a call. 831-718-9122 | www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
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