The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. -John Muir
I have a deep appreciation and connection to nature. Daily, I step outside of my studio to listen to the sounds the trees make and the songs the birds sing. This is one of many conscious choices I make to stay grounded and in the present moment. This piece titled “Nature is Calling” is 30″ x 30″, Acrylic Paint on Canvas. Email for details shiloratner@gmail.com
Artist Shilo Ratner_Nature is Calling_30x30in_Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Artist Shilo Ratner_Nature is Calling_30x30in_Acrylic Paint on Canvas
I love this event in Greenwich. It’s one of the largest and most exciting festivals ever organized in Fairfield County, the opening is set for Thursday, May 6, from 5:30 – 8pm. The evening launches a truly spectacular show. Entertaining musicians and street performers fill the street. All the art on display is for sale. A complete Map/Guide is available at participating stores and at the Greenwich Arts Council office at 299 Greenwich Avenue. I do have a piece at the Bendheim Gallery titled Desert Rising, 20 x 20″, Acrylic on Canvas (Shown Below). If you are in town it’s such a fun event and the weather is fabulous this time of year!
Additionally, I will be exhibiting artworks at the Tailored Home on 2 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT. I’ll post more about that in the coming weeks.
Curator’s Choice: Between the Night by Shilo Ratner
It’s no secret that life in the 2020’s can feel… chaotic. That’s why we’ve selected Between the Nightby Shilo Ratner for this month’s Curator’s Choice. An abstract geometric painting, it features panes of muted cool colors which are balanced by just a few pops of warm red, and seamlessly marries architectural elements with the vague familiarity of a landscape. Read on to learn more about the painting, and why we’ve chosen it as this month’s Curator’s Choice – particularly at a time when drowning out the hecticness of everyday life can feel borderline impossible.
What It’s About
“I strive to visually depict consciousness through the spatial organization of architectural and natural landscapes alike, with particular attention to color as a foundation,” the artist, Shilo Ratner says. “While my work may easily be interpreted as geometric abstract landscapes, my hope is that the still intensity of my compositions will demand attention to a centered calmness within the chaos of our present day.”
Blue, teal, neutral grey and bright red shapes are layered over one another to create this abstract geometric piece. The painting’s layers are numerous and varied, but frozen nonetheless, playing to the artist’s goal of juxtaposing chaos and stillness in a single frame.
Where It Works
At 48″ x 48″, this statement painting is ideal as a center focus – on large, open walls, or above a sofa or mantle. The geometric style pairs perfectly with mid-century modern or contemporary furniture, while the rich palette adds vibrancy to light, neutral spaces. For those with a bold color scheme in their space, pair it with deep, cool-colored furniture to help draw out the beautiful blues of this painting.
Why We Love It
First, we love that the palette is at once vibrant and balanced – the artist hasn’t shied away from taking risks with color, and to us, it totally works. But it isBetween the Night’sparticular use of line that we love so much. The planes of color are rendered in perspective, so that they recede into a fragmented horizon, giving the viewer a gravitational sense of an imaginary landscape. It is this visual depth where we find the tranquility that the artist has set out to create in a hectic, modern space.
Jumped out of my comfort zone with this vibrant color combination. My intention with this piece was to paint something that lifted my spirit every day in my studio. I hope the joy I felt creating this translates to the view and someday to a forever home. Enjoy each and every day my friend!
Beautiful Day, 60 x 48 inches, Acrylic Paint on Canvas
“Riches, prestige, everything can be lost. But the happiness in your heart can only be dimmed; it will always be there as long as you live, to make you happy again. Whenever you’re feeling lonely or sad, try going to the loft on a beautiful day and looking outside. Not at the houses and the rooftops, but at the sky. As long as you can look fearlessly at the sky, you’ll know that your pure within and will find happiness once more.” -Anne Frank
Painting Titled: “Beautiful Day”, 60” x 48”, DM for details
We all have the potential to be happy and compassionate people, and on the flip side we also have potential to be harmful to others. This potential is present within each one of us. Mahatma Gandhi once said “It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.” I see the truth in this statement.
Positive actions give us inner strength, less fear, and more self-confidence. This extends our sense of caring to others without any barriers, whether religious, cultural or otherwise. We all have the potential to grow the good. If we start with ourselves and lead with an open heart, imagine the type of world we would be living in. This painting leans towards a more minimalistic composition and is titled “Open Heart”, 36”sq, Reach out for details shiloratner@gmail.com.
