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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 12, 2017)
OCTOBER 12, 2017 // 23 BONNY GORSUCH ELEVATES ‘JUNK’ Self-taught artist salvages thrown- away objects for new exhibition By PATTY HARDIN FOR COAST WEEKEND L ocal artist Bonny Gorsuch is preparing artwork for a joint project between Recology Western Oregon and Astoria Visual Arts. Gorsuch plans to have 15 pieces ready for an exhibi- tion that begins Saturday, Oct. 14, at Astoria Vintage Hardware. For the show, Gorsuch went to the Recology trans- fer center station at least 30 times over a three-month period, picking out objects she could use. Over the next few weeks, Gorsuch began her work in earnest, laying out pieces of her found treasures until things began to click into place, and gave new life to discarded objects. “Bonny spent months elbow and knee deep at the Recology transfer center, followed by sorting, rivet- ing, soldering and painting her fi nds at Recology’s on-site studio,” Lisa Smith, board president of Astoria Visual Arts, wrote. “She has elevated cast-offs, debris, rubbish and assorted detritus — whatever you want to call it — into eminently collect- ible pieces of art,” Smith continued. “Thus, the title of her show: ‘Junk, Elevated.’” Leaving the comfort zone Gorsuch said it was a “natural fi t” to have the showing at Astoria Vintage Hardware. “I already sell my Wear- able Art there and have a great relationship with own- er Becky Johnson,” she said. A Bonny Gorsuch creation The ‘real deal’ SUBMITTED PHOTOS Bonny Gorsuch MORE INFO What: Artist’s Reception and Exhibition When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, with artist-led gal- lery walk-through at 6 p.m. The show will be kept up indefi nitely. Additional View- ing Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Vintage Hardware (1162 Marine Drive, Astoria) Admission is free and open to the public “They ‘elevate junk’ just as I have done for the upcoming exhibit.” But unlike the items of clothing Gorsuch makes — items that can be used only by people who fi t them — everybody can use the art in “Junk, Elevated,” she said. The project has totally pulled Gorsuch out of her comfort zone. “I usually design garments,” she said. “My husband paints; our sons paint. Me? I feel very uncomfortable painting, so I do just enough painting to add color to these pieces.” Gorsuch gestured to her works in progress, such as “Trusting Heart,” which has just enough red to make the piece pop. She really likes the fi gurative (i.e., life): people, animals, birds. Material gathered at a transfer station is most often in need of cleaning, but Gor- such said she did a minimal amount, “just enough to remove surface dirt. I don’t want to ruin the patina,” she said. If this patina, in the form of dull brass or copper, for example, is polished away, the whole character of the piece in question can change. In some cases, cleaning a piece of art can actually have a negative effect. 2911 Marine Dr #B Astoria, OR 97103 503-325-3276 Gorsuch is a self-taught artist. “This is quite typi- cal of a folk artist, which I consider myself,” she said. “Also typical of such an art- ist: My materials are found easily and readily at hand.” She likes to tell a story. Twenty-fi ve years ago her house in Eugene was being re-roofed. She picked some of the old discarded shingles and added various bits and pieces to them. The tiles became art materials. “This was the fi rst time I did ‘serious’ art,” she said. “People paid $5 each for these shingles, so I guess that made me an artist.” “Bonny Gorsuch is the real deal, a true artist,” Smith said. “She has a fabulous eye, an exceptional wit, and an indefatigable Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm Sun 11 am - 6 pm Where Astoria Shops! Professional, friendly service along with an always fresh selection of the best Oregon brands and growers, including our own. AY X! WE L P SALES TA 3% LOCA S $ 10 PLU rd Punch! Rewards Ca HOME DELIVERY! FREE (Within Astoria city limits only.) To see our full menu, go to thefarmacy420.com INTRODU CING G 6 $ R AM SPECIALS While supplie s last Must be 21 years old with govenment issued ID. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of marijuana. Keep out of the reach of children. spirit — and all that comes through in her work.” Gorsuch and her husband, Richard, live in Cannon Beach. They have two sons, Colour and Stirling. CW The Franklin Apartments Providing Elegance & Efficiency to Downtown Astoria for Over 100 Years 1432 Franklin Avenue Easom Property Management, Inc. 503-325-5678
