Exotic Wood Vessels
by artist Robert Gauthier

Opening Reception: Friday, May 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit remains through June 1, 2014
Elaine Jacob Foyer
Gualala Arts Center

These large exotic wood vases, bottles, pots and amphora designed and crafted by Robert Gauthier are inspired by the aesthetic beauty and cultural influences of distant lands as experienced during his world travels.

Reminiscent of ancient utilitarian shapes found among Greek, Roman and Turkish relics and Native American design, the focus is on a balance between classic antiquities and the ultra-modern. The world's most precious woods are the cornerstone of Robert's signature style. Each piece in his collection is individually hand crafted in his studio in Mariposa, California, from selected woods grown throughout the world, observing certified, sustainable forestry methods.

The deep, earthy tones of Bolivian Rosewood and Lacewood from Australia enhance the smooth, curved lines of Persian influenced bottles. Wenge wood from Africa and Purpleheart from South America excite the intricate, yet playful, accent work with brilliant colors created by using only pieced, segmented work.

There is often the illusion of an iridescent or metallic quality in Robert's work. However, only the original wood colors are visible. To enhance the organic grain of the unrefined wood, no stains, dyes or paint techniques are applied. Natural finishes enhance the sensual feel and visual pleasure adding warmth and energy to any indoor environment.

Robert's current work addresses the need of the designer who is looking for grand-scale architectural pieces for their clients, and for those art collectors to whom elegance is always in style.

Since age 12, Robert has been painting and sculpting in several media. In the last twenty years he has studied art through the California College of Arts and Crafts and Santa Rosa Junior College. He has enjoyed the guidance of several private mentors including David Marks. This experience has been invaluable for Robert's woodworking projects and his work with woodturning / woodworking clubs, art guilds and art centers.

Whether creating 20 foot pinwheels out of metal that are then painted like giant flowers for clients, making 400 pound concrete apples to install in the city of Sebastopol, working on enormous paintings (most of which are 6-8 feet tall and incorporate various types of gilding, paints, venetian plasters, pastels, etc.) or turning out giant genie bottles, Robert has always had a deep appreciation for art and the creative lifestyle.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.