When it comes to art, there are three things that fascinate wood sculptor Jonathan Fisher — texture, line and form. Three years ago, his interest in these qualities inspired him to begin experimenting with abstract, three-dimensional constructions formally called "structural reliefs."
"It was a way to deal with recurring themes that interested me — texture, line and form I observed in built structures, machinery and historical tools," said Fisher, a 25-year resident of Great Falls, and a board member of the local artists' consortium Great Falls Studios. "By using a limited color palette, I accentuate these patterns in my creative interpretations."
The term "structural relief" was first coined in the 1950s by Eli Bornstein, who at the time, was chairman of the University of Saskatchewan's art department. Eli Bornstein's structural reliefs, as well as those of his contemporaries Ilya Bolotowsky, Nikolai Kasak and Charles Biederman, were typically made of wood, and on occasion, aluminum. The three-dimensional constructions were the outgrowth of several different artistic movements.
Today, structural reliefs are somewhat of a rarity. However, Fisher — with his vivid colors and modern accents — has succeeded in reviving and updating this art form in his own personal manner. Throughout March, more than 40 of his colored wood constructions will be on display in his first solo exhibit "Bright Dimensions: 21st Century Structural Reliefs" at the Great Falls Community Library.
"As art exhibits go, it's a little unusual because the medium itself is unusual," said Fisher, a retired magazine editor with training in watercolor and printmaking.
MOST OF FISHER'S structural reliefs are designed to be hung on walls. Using boldly painted woods, Fisher sought to create pieces that simultaneously convey architectural precision and a sense of free spirit. He stuck to a limited but intense color palette of pure primaries, green, neutral grays, blacks and whites.
"These actually look great alone, or when hung among antiques and mixed in with eclectic interior design because they work as visual and stylistic counterpoints," said Fisher. "Their dimensionality and texture provide an unexpected and different feel that is still compatible with other furnishings and more mainline art."
Fisher's white "studio cat" is well acquainted with its owner's preference for bold colors.
"It jumps onto everything, and has accidentally been painted yellow, red, gray and black on different occasions," said Fisher.
Fisher's exhibit will feature a variety of pieces, including a series of small boxes which feature interlocking, circular bands of wood. Fisher refers to these boxes as "wood weavings," since he feels they resemble the weavings seen in the warp of a rug. Fisher's mobiles, stabiles and so-called "playable art" will also be on display, along with his contemporary baskets and wooden animals spontaneously constructed from the scraps found in his workshop. The majority of Fisher's pieces are screwed together.
"Some of my larger works contain more than 500 screws, and a few are so big that they couldn't be included in the show for fear that their sheer weight would bring down the library moldings," said Fisher.
Fisher builds his structural reliefs in a small, unheated barn located on his Great Falls property.
"The cold February weather has made preparation for my show a little difficult," said Fisher. "It's hard to paint when the temperature is below freezing."
Fisher's structural relief exhibit will run at the Great Falls Community Library from March 6 to March 30. A reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, March 24, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.