Fredericksburg, TX
InSight Gallery, May 3-24
Jhenna Quinn Lewis, Old Novels, oil, 8 x 10.
This story was featured in the May 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
THIS MONTH InSight Gallery presents Heaven and Nature Sing, a two-person show featuring the splendid cloudscapes of Phil Bob Borman and the serene still-life works of Jhenna Quinn Lewis. Each artist displays eight to 10 works in the show, which opens with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 3.
While the lives and works of Borman and Lewis may appear worlds apart at first, they share several commonalities—including a lifelong passion for communicating through art and a deep connection to both the natural and spiritual worlds—that come through in their work in exciting ways. “Together, these two artists will provide a show that inspires introspection and joy in viewers by celebrating some of life’s purest wonders,” says the gallery’s Elizabeth Harris.
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- Phil Bob Borman, In the Quiet, oil, 10 x 20.
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- Phil Bob Borman, Dance of Light, oil, 30 x 49.
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- Phil Bob Borman, Expanse, oil, 11 x 27.
Borman began his art career as a sculptor, supporting himself by working as a cowboy on West Texas ranches. In 1993, he was called to the ministry and set art aside. Then one day, about 14 years ago, “the Lord said, ‘Start painting,’ and so I did,” he explains. Today Borman is known for both his sculpture and his paintings of vast skies and clouds, and he continues to expand his work in an ongoing and happy “pursuit of excellence.”
Recently, Borman says, he’s been integrating more figurative subjects into his skyscapes, including cattle and wildlife. He’s also been working on an even larger scale than usual and exploring elements of light, shadow, and color, depicting skies under different weather conditions and at various times of day. “I wanted to explore and have a different feel to each of the pieces in this show,” he says. “I’m having a love affair with new formats right now, especially the very large and wide canvases, because I can communicate so much with them.”
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- Jhenna Quinn Lewis, The Arrival, oil, 12 x 6.
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- Jhenna Quinn Lewis, Into the Garden, oil, 16 x 8.
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- Jhenna Quinn Lewis, Winsome Conversation, oil, 14 x 11.
Lewis also views her work as a form of communication and expression. “From my earliest memories, I’ve had this inherent fascination to express what I see and to translate it,” she says. In contrast to Borman’s expansive works, Lewis has always been drawn to simplicity of color, style, and composition. “My inspiration comes from Japanese masters such as Hiroshige,” she says.
Sadly, several tragic events in Lewis’ life have taken a toll on her lately, but she was able to channel her grief into her new works for this show, which “somehow turned out peaceful” despite the turmoil around her. Indeed, many viewers say they’re drawn to her paintings for their calming, meditative qualities.
Lewis plans to include a few pieces in the show from a new series inspired by her collection of old books with beautiful, intricate bindings and sentimental inscriptions. “I hope viewers of this show come away with a sense of the importance of appreciating and caring for the natural world,” she says. “We all live on this earth, and sooner or later we need to learn to do so in harmony.” —Lindsay Mitchell
contact information
830.997.9920
www.insightgallery.com
This story was featured in the May 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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