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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 3, 2018)
4 Wednesday, October 3, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon New exhibit explores work of ‘desert artist’ In a small ghost town nestled at the edge of the vast landscape of Oregon’s Alvord Desert near Steens Mountain, artist John Simpkins has turned a one-room school- house into a working studio. For the past seven years, Simpkins, with only his dog for company, has lived and painted in the schoolhouse, one of the few buildings still standing in Andrews — a town that was home to a mere 150 people during its prime at the turn of the century. Simpkins moved there after living and creating for many years in Sisters. Though living in solitude, Simpkins’s connections to the region’s animals, weather and light patterns inspire paintings that weave together rich, sym- bolic narratives. Through his art, Simpkins tells his story and the stories that surround him, working intuitively, painting in the moment, free from plans or sketches. A new exhibit featuring Simpkins’ detailed and col- orful paintings will open at the High Desert Museum on Saturday, October 27. “Desert Mystic: The Paintings of John Simpkins” explores the art- ist’s inspirations and influ- ences, from religion and spirituality to folk art, sym- bolism and the tradition of anthropomorphizing animals. The exhibit also reflects on Simpkins’ creative process and considers his unique vision and perspective. “The impressive trove of accumulated paintings from the past seven years that fill Simpkins’ studio is a testa- ment to his robust work ethic,” said Museum Curator of Arts and Community Engagement Andries Fourie. “Personifying the tradition of the artist as a mystic and hermit, Simpkins has transformed the Oregon desert into a creative oasis.” Working with the artist, Fourie has created interpre- tive labels for each of the paintings within the exhibit to guide visitors as they con- sider the art’s colors, layers, subjects, stories and symbol- ism. The labels offer small snippets of context, allow- ing viewers an opportunity to explore a deeper under- standing and appreciation of Simpkins’ work. Additionally, Museum Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History Louise Shirley worked with Fourie and Simpkins, exploring the connection between the paint- ings and the creatures depicted within them to create a sec- ond set of interpretive labels. “We hope that includ- ing natural history labels with the artwork will lend an extra dimension to the visi- tor experience,” Shirley said. “Different aspects of the art- work provided the direction for the labels. For example, I wrote about range expan- sion in response to ‘Victor/ Coyote’ because the coy- ote featured in the painting has a map of North America across its body. The coyote Boys soccer falls to Newport By Rongi Yost Correspondent PHOTO PROVIDED John Simpkins’ “Bcood Moon” is one of many paintings that wicc be on dispcay at High Desert Museum. is also depicted alone, which prompted me to write about the species’ behavioral ecology.” Presenting an art exhibi- tion with a connection to natu- ral history lines up seamlessly with the Museum’s dedication to inspiring learning on differ- ent levels. “Wildlife and natural his- tory are quite subtle in the High Desert, where things are nuanced and camouflaged,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw. “Alternatively, Simpkins’ art is big, bold and bright. Connecting the two provides visitors a unique opportunity to discover an appreciation for both art and the natural resources of the High Desert landscape.” In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum will welcome Simpkins for an art- ist reception on November 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Find more information online at www.highdesertmuseum.org/ simpkins. “Desert Mystic: The Paintings of John Simpkins” will be on display through February 17, 2019. It is pre- sented with support from 1859 Oregon’s Magazine — Statehood Media and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. The boys soccer squad was shut out 0-5 by the Cubs on Thursday, September 27. Newport scored two in the first half and three in the sec- ond to secure the win on their home turf. Coach Rob Jensen noted that Jude Kokesh-Carhart and Skyler Larson played well at center midfield in the second half, and were able to get some good looks at the goal with combos from Jude, Kinnon Rutherford, and Colby Simeral. Sisters was still without Asher Bachtold, who has been out with a concussion. Jensen told The Nugget that the loss of Asher has affected the team, as he is capable of defending the opponents’ midfelders. “We really just failed to defend the counter well, and they had a couple of guys in the center that were able to make us miss,” said Jensen. The Outlaws were to play at home against Cascade on Tuesday, October 2. They will host Woodburn on Thursday. The Best Fence You’ll Never See. ® • Manage via Smart Phone • GentleSteps™ G Training • Aw Award-Winning Technology • Be Best Warranty in Industry • Am America’s Safest Dog Fence • 100% 10 Made in the U.S.A. SAVE $100 NOW Hair & Nails Natural & Artifi cial 541-549-6566 484 W. Washington Ave., Ste. B Th ere once was a cafe in Sisters, Th at served breakfast to all Missus and Misters, Th e fare was all yummy, Th e atmosphere chummy, But in back the chef worked like a twister... NOW OPEN 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 403 E. Hood Ave. | 541.549.2699 Serving Breakfast & lunch 5 541-771-2330 phantompetfence.com/save-now/ p PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE Opportunity to Meet the new City Manager Candidates Monday, October 8 • 5-6:30 pm City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of interest in an informal setting. Light refreshments will be served. For information contact Kerry Prosser at 541-323-5213.