In the gallery: A Golden Moment
Paintings & Sculpture by Jeffrey Klinker;
Rings & Things by Melinda Risk and Vessels by Nicole Paraskevas
Jeffrey Joseph Klinker, a life-long artist, didn't discover painting on location until seven years ago. His first experience painting outdoors was in 1998 at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site (the annual Great Outdoor Art Contest). At this, his first contest, Jeff received a merit award and other artists encouraged him to enter the Hoosier Salon. As a first-time exhibitor in the Hoosier Salon in 2000, he received an award for the best piece for a first time exhibitor and described this honor as a great "shot in the arm". Jeff's artistic talent was first discovered in kindergarten when the school called Jeff's mother asking her to come witness what her son had just done. He had drawn a life-sized rendition of a cowboy complete with wrinkles, rhinestones, and holsters. To this day, Jeff still loves western things. Jeff continued to amaze his teachers throughout his school years. Despite family expectations that he work on the family farm, Jeff discovered oil painting while in high school and felt a need to pursue his passion. One of his teachers, Steve Swagerle recognized Jeff's talent and arranged to tutor him during study hall periods where Jeff learned techniques like going from thin to thick, and dark to light. Later, Jeff took art courses at Purdue University and later enrolled at Herron Art School. Currently Jeff is a Master welder for the Eli Lilly Laboratory in Tippecanoe County. At Lily, Jeff has been encouraged to pursue his art, with a company artist club and fund-raising art projects. With his more flexible work schedule, he is able to attend most of the IPAPA weekend paint outs, and produce the required paintings for the Painting Indiana: the Changing Face of Agriculture project and is able to paint on his own. Jeff's believes his painting talent is a God-given gift and that painting from nature is a passion that fuels his artistic journey. He tells us that he wants to create work that people can look at and really appreciate. When he paints outdoors, he tries to capture the essence of being there -- not so much the representation of what it is, but the feeling of being there".
Melinda Risk attended Kent State University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in jewelry/metals with a minor in graphic design. From there she moved around the country working for other jewelers while maintaining her own business. Working in her studio, she used metal techniques such as granulation, raising, forging, enameling and fusing. She has been designing and creating jewelry for more than twenty years and her work has been sold in galleries all over the country. Her ideas come from nature and her life experiences. Her work is very personal to her and the pieces she sells become very personal to their owner. From design to finished creation, each piece is designed and created solely by Melinda. This means that all of her work is virtually one of a kind. She has different collections, from more traditional jewelry to unique pieces of art. She enjoys creating them all. She asks that we enjoy looking at her work and seeing the inside of her mind!
Nicole Paraskevas is intrigued and mesmerized by the color, energy and infinite designs in nature. The act of creating beauty has been her inspiration since she was very young. She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in History of Ancient Civilizations and furthered her study with the arts in Greece, Turkey and Egypt in Study Abroad Programs. As a scholarship recipient, she studied at Triton College where she focused on drawing, painting and ceramics. Her vessels are a culmination of memories and dreams. The ideas of infinity and barakka* (An ancient concept of a blessing of the creator, transmitted through a one of a kind artistic creation) flow through these one of a kind pieces. Entwined throughout are many hidden codes and images. There are many stages to the process and as the vessel begins to reveal itself over many weeks of work, it takes on a life of its own that seems to guide her on to the finished work of art. The act of creating each work is her joy, passion, and purpose. These one of a kind pieces are made with delicate hand made papers and hand painted 18kt gold leaf. With proper care, these pieces may be enjoyed for years. As an artist, Nicole's only hope is that you enjoy the beauty of these unique art pieces as much as she has enjoyed creating them.
So now you have a glimpse of the amazing work of these three artists. Simply enjoy again and again.
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