Reception – Sat, March 6th, 2010
Jean Bragg Gallery –
Art on display at gallery
Colored pencil drawing depicting young mouse looking out of a window of a structure reminiscent of a wooden cottage; winter scene with snow, holly, and red bows. Through the window a Christmas tree with decorations can be made out, along with a red candle in the window.
Instantly it reminded me of the style of Christmas card I’ve sent in the past: whimsical, peaceful, and charming.
Elderly lady warming herself by fire after coming in from snow. Cap, muffler, shoes are strewn about on the wooden floor. Two characteristics about Christian’s work: severe level of detail and an absence of color in places. There are pictures within the picture on the bookshelf and mantle that beg further study. Also, the mantle and hearth around the fireplace remain untouched with color. Multiple areas of shadow where the fire’s light bathes the furniture in the room.
The synopsis of the art read: “The director of the Grove thought Christian’s children’s characters dovetailed well with the Victorian whodunit’s aesthetic. Displayed in the theatre’s lobby, the pieces capture different pivotal scenes and contain vital clues necessary to determine the identity of the play’s villain. The play starred Julie Harris, Eileen Brennan, Carol Cook, Lou Leonard, Laura Esterman, and Christian LeBlanc. Julie Harris has the fifth piece.”
“Lucy in Disguise, Ladies in Retirement” – 1995 – Mixed media
At first glance, the female mouse is wearing a red feathered boa; however, on closer inspection, it is a Rapunzel-esque type of wig. Many details to consume: ruffles and bows of Lucy’s outfit, the ribbon under the chair occupied by a male mouse, fruit on the cedar robe displaying two dresses, and the list the male mouse is holding. It reads: “Steps to trap Aunt Helen; 1) dress up Lucy, 2) dim light (a lot?)”
Mouse in “flying nun” habit – unsure if male or female – pulling wooden wagon with “oil” can. Sign on left states “Estuary House”. The details are in the different flowers and grasses that flank the simple dirt path with a faint blue sky in the background.
Four mice – three female, one male (Lucy and Albert?); male and female dance as one sits restlessly in a chair and the other is depicted as a servant (embroidery on her dress); seashells on the floor with glue and more shells on the table. A newspaper is strewn,
Female mouse (Lucy?) sits at a piano with a purple cloth across the hood. Most of the background is colorless pencil as her red hair takes a life of its own and shows different objects among ribbons: a striped, lit candle, pitcher and cup, clock, book (“Mice and Men”), ship with sails, key, and a black teacup with spilt contents.
“Small Talk” – no date – Mixed media
“What’s Gnu?” – no date – Mixed media
“Watching the Day Burn Down” – no date – Mixed media
Female rabbit strolls in a garden of yellow daisies and red mushrooms with black dots. Is she in miniature or is everything around her larger than life? She pushes a doll carriage containing a doll of a rabbit and a teddy bear. The time is sunset as the sun goes down and the orange sky gives way to darker skies, stars, and a sliver of moon. The oblong shape of the piece allows the eye to focus naturally up and down, gathering more detail of the grass along a dirt path, and use of shadow behind the female rabbit.
Synopsis at art show: “One of a long line of early commissions for fellow teachers during Christian’s stint as a kindergarten teacher in
Upon closer inspection, part of the buildings in the background have pencil marks, but no coloring. Great detail in expressions on the character’s faces, the bow and wreath on the cannon, and the nearby basket. Beautiful sunset. T-boy is gesturing to a nearby maple. From the disapproval on the girl’s face, I suspect T-boy has a homemade parachute and announced he would jump out of the tree to try it out.
Synopsis from art show: “From the children’s novel, Tales of the Louisiana Moon”. In 1721, Adrian Pauger laid out the Place d’Arms (today’s
“Bon Temps” – 1996 – Pencil.
French for “Good times”. Simple sketch of an alligator carrying a fleur-de-lis embossed umbrella adorned with beads and carrying a drink in his hand. Uniquely
“Le Parrain” – no date – colored pencil
French meaning “sponsor”, but local Cajun refers to a parrain as a godfather. Elderly woodland creature (badger?) with spectacles, blue jacket, checkered pants and a cane with gold tip in front of a cypress tree. Unlike other works where most of the characters are engaged in activities, this rendering shows an aged creature with a bent back, looking melancholy at an autumn tree.
“Steppin Out” – 1996 – colored pencil
“Greener Pastures” – 1996 – colored pencil
Zebra adorned in pink bows on her mane and her blue dress with lace trim. She is either taking her pink sneakers off or putting them on while seated in a yellow chair. Different flowers and grasses surround her with a faint sketch of the carousel in the background.
Mouse in a blue dress with pink ruffles underneath, full bustle, wearing a feathered hat and gloves. She is carrying the bride’s train. Her expression reveals she has inadvertently taken a peek and discovered something unexpected.
Synopsis at art show: “Title illustration from the commission commemorating the wedding of Laura Lee Bell and her then fiancé Scott Martin.”
“Nicholas Goes Fishing” – no date.
“Baby and Bunny” – 1996 – Mixed media
Christian said the art show at home caused him to feel vulnerable since he’s showing a part of himself that few seldom see. I told him he was very talented and he would be successful in anything he did. I can’t remember a more absorbing and enjoyable evening.