Author Charles Colton once wrote, "Imitation is the sincerest flattery." Perhaps there is another even more sincere — that of being recognized and chosen by your peers to share the spotlight of public recognition and appreciation.
That is the essence of a show that officially opens this Sunday, July 29, at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Studio 325 — home of "The Printmakers, Inc."
Entitled "Artists Choose Artists," the month long exhibit kicks off with an artist's reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. that is open to the public.
Each of the eight members of Printmakers has chosen another artist from within the Torpedo Factory whose work they find compatible with or complementary to their own. Examples range from pottery to acrylics on canvas to glass sculpture, as well as other mediums and interpretations.
Cora J. Rupp, one of the Printmakers who specializes in monotype prints explained, "We've done this at various times over the 30-plus years we've been a part of the Torpedo Factory because we feel it benefits everyone to see and enjoy complementary works."
In her case, she paints directly on an aluminum plate with oil-based etching inks, and will often add collage details before going to the press. After removing the paper from the press, portions of the print are worked over for a second time with a brush or brayer. This brings about hand finished details to her work.
"Others of us found artists who had done work totally different from theirs and yet was similar. I, for instance, love what Susan Simmonson does in shapes and colors," she said.
"The show holds together beautifully. It's very serendipity. It brings in some fresh air," Rupp said.
"IN SOME CASES our members chose another artist whose work was totally different from their own. It presents a chance for us to show our work with another artist we admire," said another of the Printmakers, Constance Grace.
That was buttressed by Printmaker Phyllis Cohen, whose work, "To See Birds," is featured on the wall with that of Lea Topping's "Two Wall Sculptures" under the title of the show. "I actually did my work with her work in mind," Cohen said.
"This show gives us a chance to connect with other Torpedo Factory artists. It's the seventh or eighth time we've done this," she said.
Located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Printmakers, Inc., is composed of — in addition to Rupp, Grace and Cohen — Judith G. Coady, Isabel Field, Zeki Findikoglu, Betty Kubalak, and Carolyn Witschonke. Their studio is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.