Rare Earth: A Collaboration Between Artist and Mother Nature, at Loading Dock Gallery

This September The Loading Dock Gallery is gathering the talents of six artists who create art through one of the greatest collaborations, that of the artist and Mother Nature. The artists of Rare Earth interpret the world’s beauty through their individual media, some crafting their art via the use of natural materials found in nature. Rare Earth, will truly showcase the beauty of this wonderful planet. Our featured artists include:

Located at Hudson Art Studios in Hudson, MA, Rainie Barton, took up metalsmithing and jewelry making at the end of her career in education. Inspired by all things natural, she loves the way she can craft something that looks organic and alive from something as rigid as a sheet of silver or other metal. Recntly, Rainie has begun using metal to interpret and frame lovely, extraordinary stones that spotlight nature’s artwork and produces unique and elegant wearable art.

Windham NH’s John Baumann is a formally trained photographer, loves to explore the world around him, and is inspired by its natural beauty, especially that of the New England shoreline. His images evoke feelings of peace and tranquility while capturing the diverse colors and textures of the natural world. John’s goal is to draw the viewer in, inspire them to explore our natural surroundings, and hopes it will inspire the viewer to fight for their protection.

Potter, Nancy Barkman of Burlington, MA is inspired by the beauty of nature. She uses her potter’s wheel, carving and runny glazes to create her elegant, eclectic pieces. Nancy’s use of both brown and white stoneware, a natural, versatile element to create pottery that is both beautiful and functional. Her use of blue, green and brown glazes reflect the organic feel of her work.

An artist her entire life, Gillian Frazier’s emotions and life experiences are key influences in her artwork. Her artwork, primarily landscape paintings in oil media, is inspired by nature. She believes that nature is her best teacher, and observation is the first step in understanding her subject. Gillian’s mastery of color and technique make her reflective landscapes depicting the wonders of nature a joy to view.

Doreen Moscillo hails from Hudson Art Studios in Hudson, MA and is a graphic designer. Her interests and experimentation in many types of mediums makes her a very versatile and interesting artist. Doreen’s natural curiosity was awakened while exploring New England via kayak. She observed the abstract textures created by the decay of bridges along waterways. Using wooden panels, wire and layers of cement and sand, Doreen experimented and was able to mimic the textures of these structures made of wood and concrete. Her creations are fascinating and a must-see.

Bethany Peck is a New England contemporary abstract landscape painter. Bethany harnesses nature as her creative vehicle to express her emotions. Bethany describes it as “a world existing or operating in the mind beneath or beyond consciousness. The painting process is immediate and direct.” She paints intuitively, creating an effective state where emotions are experienced and translated from oils to various substrates such as copper, wood, & canvas. Her views of land, sea and sky are truly breathtaking.

Rare Earth runs September 1-26, 2021. Meet the artists September 4, 3-5 pm.

Loading Dock Gallery is located at 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851. The gallery is open Wednesday – Saturday from 12-5:30 pm, and Sunday 12-4 pm. For more details, call 978-415-9889 or visit www.theloadingdockgallery.com. Shop the gallery’s on-line store, store.theloadingdockgallery.com.