Open Studios Inspires Artists and Visitors.

Creating art is a one on one experience.  It’s an experience between the artist and the paints, fibers, clay, wax or metal.  It’s a solitary studio process with a rhythm of its own. 

Once a year, during the Washington County Open Studios tour, artists embrace a totally different studio day.  They open up their studios to visitors.  For two days, they show their art, tools, inspirations and creative process to anyone who stops by.

Our goal as a group is to let anyone see art in the making.  Where.  How.  And what it looks like before it becomes a finished piece of art.  We hope to inspire creativity in everyone who visits.

But the visitors aren’t the only ones who get inspired.  Our artists get a weekend of inspiration, too.

For weaver, Peg Silloway, the weekend was a kaleidoscope of delightful experiences.

“A neighbor brought her parents, one a weaver, the other a spinner and crocheter, and before they left offered me a supply of hand-spun and luxury yarns they are not using, an enormous gift for a weaver,”  says Peg.  “Another woman came early Saturday and announced that she’d seen me on television and came to my studio first.”

For Peg, some of the most inspiring moments came about teaching her craft to others.   

“A boy, who had learned to weave in a class several years ago, came with his father on Sunday.  At my studio, he wove on the rigid heddle loom and clearly has a talent for the craft.  He left with a bag of yarns from my stash. His mother is also an artist on our tour this year and I met her at the preview opening at Art on Broadway.”

Peg adds another teachable moment from the tour, “Neighbors whom I’d never met came on Sunday and wanted to understand every step of the process, and even tried the loom, too. I think that was the best part for me...seeing that light bulb go on when someone understands how weaving works and how the craft is literally woven in to many things we touch and wear every day!”

For fiber artist, Terry Grant, opening her studio brought her back travels to Ecuador.

“A young couple came in the door and said they live just up the street from me and had wondered what the "little house" was!  They looked all around at my work and after a look-around upstairs in my studio the woman said, "You’ve been to Ecuador! When?"  I explained my daughter lived in Ecuador for a number of years and we visited often. I have made a lot of art based on those trips. Her husband then told me he was from Ecuador and recognized many of the locations in my work. He went to University in the same city where my daughter worked and met her Ecuadoran husband.  We shared favorite places and experiences and even compared the jewelry we were wearing—"my earrings are from Chordaleg" (near where the husband was from)—"mine are from Otavalo, but my bracelet is from Chordaleg.”

Terry not only connected with new people but found a new connection for her daughter as well. “I got their contact info and hope to get them together with my daughter and son-in-law, who now live here—just a few blocks away!” 

Says Terry, “You never know who you will meet at Open Studios!

Collage artist, Jo Reimer, found herself with a studio of admirers and lots of questions.

“Once they got past exclaiming over the physical studio space and studying the collage paintings that covered my walls they were full of questions and so happy with the answers,” says Jo.  “People were amazed at processes that are second nature to me but a mystery to them. They wanted to know about gelatin printing, dissolving inks with solvent, using powdered graphite with glue, how to mix my recipe for a glue that doesn't cause paper to buckle, and so much more. And I want to share ideas with folks, to tell them that inspiration doesn't come like a bolt of lightning; it comes as a result of working in the studio with the tools of the trade.”

Like Peg, Jo found herself with not only teachable moments but a studio class.

“What fun to welcome so many interested, inquisitive people to my studio.

Many asked whether I teach. Though I was a teacher most of my life I haven't taught in recent years, but the enthusiasm of my visitors has convinced me that I need to start teaching again. I am energized by teaching and as a result of the tour I realize how much I miss helping people be creative. In fact, I taught my first studio class today and can hardly wait for the next session.”

This is Jo’s first year on the Washington County Open Studios Tour.

Jo says, “I'm glad I participated in the Washington County Studio Tour and hope to do so again next year. It's such a well-run organization and I'm happy to be a participant, making art accessible to others.”

Meet Our Tour Photographers: Mark O Rogers and Kristen Fierros.

 

Mark O Rogers photographing Emma Weber by Kristen Fierros

On Saturday and Sunday, October 17^th and 18^th, Mark and Kristen took their cameras and hit the road visiting and snapping pictures of 23 artists and 2 of our galleries all across Washington County.  We’re very lucky to have two talented, professional photographers volunteer to visit as many artist’s studios as possible on our two day tour. 

Now, let’s turn the camera around, so to speak, and get a picture of how Mark and Kristen met each other, became photographers and found their way to our tour.

 

Ana Quinn by Mark O Rogers

 Mark, how did you find your way to photography?

“Photography is something I always wanted to pursue, but I was too busy being a musician and audio guy for most of my life. When I finally did give it a try, I fell in love with it instantly. I spent a couple years studying on my own, learning as much as I could and figuring out what types of photography I enjoy. I still learn something new with almost every shoot.” 

Kristen, your love for photography started a little earlier than Mark’s?

“Yes, I took a photography class in high school and loved it!  But honestly, I was terrible. I had great ideas, but lacked the skills to execute my ideas on film... and yes, we used actual film and we even learned how to develop it in a dark room.  Picture this... in my mind, my roll of film contained funky, fresh and creative shots taken from all over town capturing curves and patterns that most people never noticed. I was proud and excited of the possibilities of those shots; it was a photographic Shroedinger experiment - the photos were both good and bad until... I developed the film and the painful reality came crashing down around me in the dark room... every time... roll, after roll... they were b-a-d. I finished the course and never picked up a camera again until...”

 

Kristen Fierros and Mark O Rogers on the tour

You met Mark and the rest is history?  Mark, how did you and Kristen meet?

“We met online several years ago. Kristen is an executive and legal assistant. This past summer I shot a wedding and needed a second shooter. Kristen and I both thought it would be a great idea for her to do it. She did a really amazing job and it was a no brainer for her to shoot the artist tour with me. She handles all the social media stuff so well, giving me the opportunity to concentrate on the photography that I really enjoy doing. It’s pretty much the perfect partnership.” 

 

Jo Reimer at work by Mark O Rogers

Mark, how long have you been a professional photographer?

“I took my first payment for a photo session back in 2008 and ran a part time business shooting headshots and portraits in the evenings and on weekends. Finally, in late 2014, I was able to quit my day job and pursue my true passion full time. I still shoot lots of headshots and portraits, but now I also do some commercial product work, an event now and then with my wife, Kristen, and some real estate photography.”

 

Darla Boljat by Mark O Rogers

Kristen and Mark, what’s your favorite part of the photographic process?

“I really love working with people. Trying to capture the perfect moment or expression is always a challenge and always makes me happy,” said Mark.

For Kristen, it’s the process.  “My favorite part is when you're so engrossed and focused on getting the perfect shot but not really knowing exactly what you've got until you look at the images on the computer. Some shots don't work out no matter how hard you try, but then sometimes you "accidentally" capture something incredibly beautiful that you couldn't have captured as perfectly if you had tried.”

 

Joyce Gabriel by Mark O Rogers

As Portland based photographers, describe your most memorable scenic shots.

“Our trip through the the British Isles two years ago resulted in some very cool pictures. We enjoy local trips through the Pacific Northwest as they always yield spectacular photos,” said Kristen.

Mark adds, “We live in Beaverton, but doing photography takes me all over town, and sometimes out of town. My favorite trip so far was to the UK, especially Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s definitely the most photogenic city I’ve ever been to and I’ve got some great shots from that trip.

“We've covered most of Washington County by touring bike (motorcycle), but there were a few places this past weekend that were new to us!  So grateful for GPS!” adds Kristen. 

Fiber Artist Terry Grant and Mark O Rogers by Kristen Fierros

Mark, what did you find interesting and inspiring taking pictures on our tour?

“I am just blown away by how much real talent is right here on the west side. Meeting and interacting with so many talented artists in just two days was really cool! All the running around got pretty tiring but we were always excited to go meet the next artist.”

 

Pam Nichols by Mark O Rogers

Even though the idea of entering an artist’s studio seemed a little overwhelming at first, Kristen, I hear you might be tempted to learn a few new art techniques after your tour?

“I'm a bit of an introvert and tend to avoid situations that require me to meet new people and socialize, but when I walked into the studios and was greeted with 1) such ridiculously amazing world-class artwork (I wanted to buy all of it) AND 2) Artists who were warm and friendly and eager to show their passion, their processes and answer any questions about their art, techniques and/or themselves... well, I was intoxicated and inspired. I'm even eyeballing a course by one of the encaustic artists, she sparked so many ideas.”

That’s the beauty of the Washington County Open Studios tour.  It gives anyone interested or curious or even a little intimidated about art, a opportunity to find out first-hand how art is made.  It’s a chance to take an adventure and be inspired. 

 

Michele Bufton by Mark O Rogers

Just like this year’s tour photographers, Mark Rogers and Kristen Fierros, got inspired on their photo adventure on our tour this year.  And their photography has inspired our artists, too.

If you’re curious about photography, don’t be shy.

Mark said, “Feel free to visit my website at www.markorogersphoto.com to see some examples of my other work. I am always adding to the site and hope to have a new page up and running soon showcasing the candid event work of Kristen and myself.”

To see some of the tour pictures by Mark O Rogers and Kristen Fierros just click on the link  markorogersphoto.com/arttour2015

What inspires artists in Tigard?

“I walk everyday around a lake and through the woods.  This is always inspiring and my work reflects my love of buds, blossoms and fallen leaves in the handles on my mugs, stamps on my vases and vines on my masks. I love the feel of porcelain clay in my hands.  When I put my hands around a ball on the wheel, I close my eyes and relax.  The more I center myself, the easier it is to center the clay.  I don’t always plan what I’m going to make and, actually, the less I plan whether it’s a bowl, cup or vase, the better the piece turns out,” says ceramic artist, Susan Gallacher-Turner.

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

Encaustic artist, Pam Nichols says, “I have learned that creating art is a practice that inspiration comes to me when I am working. I don't wait to be inspired; otherwise I might not do anything.  I made it a habit to do something I enjoy first thing when I go into the studio.  I write in my journal for a few minutes about anything that is in my head at the time. When I am writing, I look around my studio and am so grateful to have the space I have and everything else that is in my life. Then I just start working, which leads to working on something else which leads to more new work.”

There's so much to see!  And it’s FREE!   So mark your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Tigard artists: Susan Gallacher-Turner, Pam Nichols, Virginia Parks.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

What inspires artists in Forest Grove?

“I LOVE a blank canvas.  I may or may not have an idea when I set a canvas on my work table - but it does not stay blank for long.   I use squeeze bottles filled with acrylic house paint to put paint on canvas.  Or brushes.  Or fingers.  Or spatulas.    I am fortunate that I never have "Painters Block."   I love to paint and ideas flow as easily as the paint for me.  

I am a fearless painter and often try new ideas that come to mind,” says painter, Helvi Smith.

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

Wearable art clothing artist, Paulina Kriebel says, “As for actual inspiration, my best ideas come early in the morning while I'm lying in bed in a semi-awake state.”

There's so much to see!  And it’s FREE!   So mark your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Forest Grove artists: Penny Forest, Helvi Smith, Paulina Kriebel.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org