Wild Light
Art for DiverseWorks
Tomorrow, DiverseWorks is having its annual dinner/fundraiser. This year, it is called Wild Light and is being held in honor James Surls and Charmaine Locke. Interestingly, it is being held at the Orange Show in their big covered space with open walls (the former pallet warehouse). As is typical with this kind of event, there is a silent auction. The participating artists created hanging lamps, which fall somewhere between art, decoration and furniture. I saw them in the late afternoon—I suspect that when the sun sets, they’ll look magical.
This one is by John Calaway. I was told this was the John Calaway who was one of the first artists to build out a studio at Commerce Street Artists Warehouse, back in 1985, I think. His website doesn’t mention CSAW, but he was born in Corpus in 1957 and lives and works in Houston, so he’s about the right age to be a CSAW alumnus.
I think this is by Jack Massing, but I may be wrong. Perhaps one of you readers can tell me.
This piece is by Leticia Bajuyo and is called Let There Be Light. The lamp aspect of it is very subtle during the day—I didn’t even notice until I placed my hand underneath. I like the unearthly blue-green glow so much that I too a short video.
The interesting thing is that for some artists, there is enough of a signature that even in this unfamiliar form (lamps) their work is pretty recognizable.
Sherry Owens had the most lamp-like lamp I saw there. What I mean is that if you saw her piece, Wild Roost, hanging over someone’s dining room table, it would not at all look out of place.
I hope the collectors go wild at the silent auction. Because DiverseWorks, like every art space in Houston (and around the country), must be hurting post-COVID. Long live DiverseWorks!
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