Andrea Corson

When I came across jewelry by NYC designer and artist Andrea Corson on Daily Candy last year I was wowed. Using sterling silver, gold and 18K vermeil she creates wonderfully unique wearable art. Given her MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy it's no surprise that the work is quite sculptural. To make it even more intriguing, each piece is slightly different from any other and, therefore, one-of-a-kind. Andrea's work has been featured in publications as varied as the New York Times and Bon Appetit, and she's had numerous exhibitions around the country over the last ten years. At the moment I am coveting this bird ring, but the hockey masks offer a sort of creepy fun, too. What do you think? For more information about Andrea Corson's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Bryan Nash Gill

I'm thrilled to exhibit the work of nationally-acclaimed artist Bryan Nash Gill. As evidenced by his beautiful woodblock prints and wood engravings Bryan is passionate about nature, specifically trees. He spends much time in the woods by his Connecticut home connecting to the source of his inspiration. Expressing his deep love for the process of finding just the right materials, Bryan marvels at the "memory" of bark and the "energy" of the changing New England landscape. His simple, elegant compostions reflect a deeper sense of poetry and meditation. In an interview published in Art New England (Dec/Jan 2002) he says, "A piece is good if it gets to that edge of sensual phenomenon, gets you outside of yourself - to that place where you say, something is happening here." For more information about Bryan Nash Gill's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Rachel Ann Austin

When I first saw Rachel's work I was immediately drawn to her colors and simple, bold compositions. Rachel resides in Portland and began her artmaking career building tables. She then went on to study woodworking at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. Over time Rachel decided to take her numerous sketchbook drawings and turn them into paintings. Since then she's had many solo and two person exhibitions in Oregon and around the country. Her work at YES Gallery + Studio represents two styles - oil paintings of abstracted lanterns and mixed media paintings (for which she uses a map as the ground). For more information about Rachel Ann Austin's work contact YES Gallery + Studio at yesgalleryandstudio@gmail.com.

Inaugural Exhibition! April 11, 2008

I am so excited to show off all the fabulous YES artists! I hope everyone who's in town can join us for the inaugural opening reception on Friday April 11th from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Why Yes?

When mulling over names for the gallery I came up with a random and various assortment of words. I wanted something short and snappy. I wanted something that spoke more to a concept and less to a specific image. Mainly I was inspired by Yoko Ono's "Ceiling Painting (YES Painting) 1966" (pictured here.) You can read about that piece here and its relevance to her relationship with John Lennon. This is a quote by Yoko that I think is great, “There have been so many negative elements in my life, and in the world. I had to balance that by activating the 'Yes' element. 'Yes' is an expression that I always carried and will continue to carry." I also loved the idea of someone driving down Water Street, mulling over a decision, then looking up to see the word 'YES' on the gallery building. Who knows what things could come of such a bold "sign"? At any rate, I hope 'YES' is an expression the gallery will carry from here on out. As in "Yes, I love it." "Yes, It's perfect." "Yes, I'll take it."

CREATING A SPACE

Here is the gallery sans artwork. Empty, yet beautiful. I view it as an artwork in and of itself, a sacred space complete with church pew and stained glass window.