10% of the sales proceeds from the Opening Reception on August 27th, 6pm-8pm will benefit Open Studio Project - our featured non-for-profit.

Tatjana Jovancevic's Artist Statement: I left my native country of former Yugoslavia in 1991 to pursue an education in the United States. Art in the form of drawing has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. The first drawing my father saved was from when I was two years old. Art is how I most easily relate to myself, others, and ultimately with a power higher than myself. The majority of my inspiration comes from what surrounds me, inner reflection, but also from nature and salvaged/repurposed materials. This is reflected in my work which incorporates objects and materials found on my outings. In my daily walks and forages through the alleys and parks I'm always on the lookout for leaves, pieces of wood, old metal and similar objects that I can incorporate into my art making. It's like a game where I feel like a child, uninhibited and giving a new life to an object that was discarded and forgotten.

Rebecca Israilevich's Artist Statement: As an artist and art therapist I make art to reflect on my world and myself. I evoke deep emotions as I struggle to give form to actions and patterns. I work in paint and mixed media, including collage and found objects, using the materials to convey my thoughts and reflections while enjoying the process of manipulating materials to explain and release what is within. Over time, the bird has become an important symbol in my work. The bird can be both a guide and a wiser part of myself, as well as the narrator of the image. During my ongoing process of self-exploration the bird has become empowered and symbolizes other parts of the self. While using the bird as a guide, I also look to other artists for inspiration, often identifying with their images or content and incorporating my reflection into my work. This process supports a direct connection to ideas that move and guide me along the path of discovery.

http://www.artslant.com/la/artists/show/51067-tatjana-jovancevic

http://www.artslant.com/chi/artists/show/171300-rebecca-israilevich