A Tale of Two Artists

Whether pear or person, the subjects in Jonathan Rutter’s paintings and drawings are executed with loving attention to fine detail. With the current Rourke Gallery exhibition, Rutter continues to prove himself an artist of exceptional realist vision. The relativistic free-for-all that exemplifies aspects of modern and postmodern art,  i.e. the acceptance of the status “art” for any number of funky, junky, skill-devoid art products, is neatly undercut by artists such as Rutter.

Take Rutter’s image of “Three Pears” as an example. A Zen-like stillness of atmosphere surrounds the fruit and the exquisite simulation of table-top wood that appear in this work. Each dimple, subtle change in color, and appearance of bruising on the thin pear skin calls for concentrated attention on the part of the viewer. 

Equally sophisticated is the hyper-realistic approach in Rutter’s portraits, whether of self or of others. A fine use of chiaroscuro and focal-point light areas play a central role in Rutter’s overall aesthetic. In “Grandparents (Helen),” the lack of idealization brings the sitter to life. Her individualism is compellingly revealed.

Rutter, along with area artists like Tupa, Guan, R. Seitz, Volk and Oltvedt, to name just a few, is part of a school of mature realist painters in the FM community. As the international art world continues to slap kudos on practitioners with rudimentary skill levels, these neo-realists keep standards and tradition keenly alive.

North Dakota glass artist Jason Lindell uses—among other techniques—unique glass-fusing processes in his artistic creations that feature thoughtful themes and enduring purposes. His aesthetic ideas appear like recurring dreams. The abstract images on and in his glass objects include the prairie landscape; sunscapes depicting rolling hills in wheat-field colors; and serene water scenes, along with prairie foliage, among other worthy motifs.

An admirable and identifiable Lindell purpose includes his desire to practice his art and craft in Dakota where outmigration has taken a toll on small town life. In support of keeping a thriving art community in Dakota, he serves as Vice-Chair of New Bohemia, a lively group of artists whose organizational aim is to help promote art and artists living and working in North Dakota.

As HPR co-owner John Strand points out, “Lindell is a very influential voice for working rural artists.” “Lindell,” Strand continues, “has created industry where it hadn’t existed in the past.”

From superbly crafted and artful glass plates and dishes; to leaded windows; and custom glass tile and jewelry items, the fine art aesthetic of Lindell’s oeuvre impresses in terms of both formal considerations and meaningful content.

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INFO:

What: Jonathan Rutter: Oil Paintings and Drawings; Jason Lindell: Glass Works
Where: The Rourke Gallery, through November 29
When: Opening Reception: Fri, Oct 30, 6-9 p.m.; Public Opening: Sun, Nov 1, 1:30-4 p.m.; Gallery Talk: Sun, Nov 1, 2 p.m.
How much: Adults, $5, students, $2

What: Jason Lindell: Glass Works
Where: Ecce Art, 216 Broadway, 701.298.3223
When: Opening Reception: Fri, Oct 30, 6-9 p.m. through Nov 13
How much: Free of charge