Artist, printmaker displays her work at Aegis Gallery
By Shari Kaplan
There is something Los Gatos artist and printmaker Ellen Kieffer wants people to understand when they come to Saratoga's Aegis Gallery of Fine Art to view her new installation, titled Transitions.
"All transitions begin with the self: self reaching beyond limitation; self longing for growth; self seeking out reinvention, discovery, promise and hope for greater understanding," she reveals in her artist's statement.
Transitions, which runs through May 26, consists of a variety of abstract, whimsical monotype prints in a large palette of colors--some brilliant, some muted. They differ especially in terms of the mood they convey in their variations of color and shape. Many also possess a fluidity that is not accidental-at least not when one delves further into Kieffer's thoughts.
"Each of us possess a fluid nature; always in motion. When life changes approach us, they are like pebbles cast into a still pond," she explains. "The initial impact may be small, even insignificant, but no part of the individual can hide from the ripples that impact sends out."
Kieffer's fascination with art and printmaking began in her childhood, when she put ink on leaves and pressed them onto pieces of white paper. After experimenting with various printmaking processes, she settled on the monotype, the only medium she has worked in for the past 12 years.
"Monotypes offer a direct, spontaneous approach that can be enriched by a layering effect with successive runs through the press," says Kieffer, who holds a master's of fine arts degree in printmaking. "Overlapping patterns of color emerge to create new forms. It's as if the print creates itself and I'm the observer."
Along with the printmaking classes she teaches at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, Kieffer has shown-and continues to show-her works in hundreds of national and international exhibitions.
Aegis Gallery of Fine Art is at 14531 Big Basin Way, Unit 2, in the Saratoga Village. Gallery hours are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Mondays. For more information, call 408.867.0171 or visit www.aegisgallery.com.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
