Art Seen: Colored evolution — Strong strokes leads to imagery in nonrepresentative art show

By Zirrus VanDevere, for the Redoubt Reporter

"Spanish Street" by Jim Evenson

James Evenson’s original work on view at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center can basically be labeled abstract. Another way to say it is nonrepresentational, though an interesting feature to the way Evenson works is that he utilizes a measure of representation to foster the alchemy of the creation.

He works intuitively, spending a great deal of time with his thoughts and an empty canvas or sheet of paper. As he begins to make marks, they are generally bold, and as forms appear that he can latch onto, the story of the piece is born. The resulting art may or may not have anything recognizable in evidence when the paint or ink settles, but in many ways that is beside the point. His work carries energy and vibrancy that is inspiring to see coming from a man in his 80s who never seems to stop exploring his world like a little kid.

In “Valhalla Landing” one can detect the massive flaming hull of a boat. The brushstrokes are lively and the vibrant colors create a

"Predator" by Jim Evenson

sense of immediacy. True to his form, as Evenson recognized the shape of the hull of a boat as he worked, he drew upon his Norwegian roots and began to visually describe an ancient ritual. Vikings or chiefs or even successful sea captains who died were often treated to a regal ceremony where their boats were drawn into a bog and, with their bodies on board, the ships were set ablaze.

“Predator” found its creative turning point when a creature’s eye appeared. “Incubus” was born of the struggle created by so many weird shapes fighting each other for prominence. “Incubus” means “baby devil,” and as I listen to Evenson describe the process he’s used, the salient feeling is how individual and eminently personal each piece is to him.

"Valhalla Landing" by Jim Evenson

Thirty-four large works fill the space at the center, and it does not take an art connoisseur to appreciate the strength and magnitude of the exhibit.

Showing in conjunction with his works, Ahna Iredale of Homer has some new, fanciful, well-crafted and functional ceramic pieces. Many of the pieces of both Iredale and Evenson have sold early on in the display period, and both are longtime recognized artists in the area. This show represents the second dual exhibit they’ve had together, the earlier one occurring 23 years prior.

A bout with measles in second grade began Jim Evenson’s artistic endeavors. As he spent time drawing, he learned quickly and became the go-to guy for questions about all things artistic. He makes a point of stating that he doesn’t generally call himself an artist, preferring instead to think of himself as a human being who regularly created and taught art, played and taught basketball, caught many a fish and was a family man, as well. He gives workshops at his Bishop Lake studio for the stone lithography technique with which he and his wife still actively create, and, when asked, always seems willing to give tours of his studio.

Although he has worked with objective subject matter often in his long art career, he recognizes that the real challenge and joy comes from successfully navigating the

Ahna Iredale, of Homer, contributes her whimsical, nature-themed pottery

abstracts. What many folks fail to realize is that when an artist cannot rely upon viewers having an immediate association with a piece because they recognize the subject matter, the artist is much more heavily tasked with resolving the core elements of a piece of art: line, texture, composition and tone.

Years of study and discipline go into being an artist who is capable of working successfully in the abstract arena, and Evenson does it with grace, humor and intelligence.

The exhibit will be available until April 3 and is a must-see for anyone who would like to have an understanding of the arts in our area. Evenson is the true gem of the Kenai Peninsula, and his work is ever new and always inspiring.

Zirrus VanDevere is a local mixed-media artist and owns Art Works gallery in Soldotna. She has bachelor’s degrees in fine arts and education.