"First Friday" grand opening reception (6 - 9 PM, March 2, 2011)


Coeleen Kiebert is a sculptor with a B.S. in art education from the University of Minnesota and an M.S. in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to a major interest in the psychology of the creative process, Coeleen has pursued the effects of oriental philosophy upon western art. Her search for the spiritual in art has led her to extensive study in Japan and China and has left a decided impression upon her sculpture. These pursuits have become a powerful influence as she digs deeply for personal and spiritual meaning in her sculpting process. She teaches ceramic sculpture in her private studio and through the University of California Extension, Santa Cruz. Coeleen is also author of “ALL OF A SUDDEN: THE CREATIVE PROCESS,” an exploration of the psychological stages of creating.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Building from one's own personal imagery is a big challenge, not only psychologically but technically as well. Each of these artists has worked long & hard, digging into their own vocabulary, to pursue subject matter that hold enough "juice" to inspire the necessary grappling with technique that will surely ensue.
This process of developing the expression of one's own voice into an artistic statement is one you can see in the individual choice of subject matter... sometimes figurative, sometimes abstract, but always consistently individual in form & style.
Technically the challenges are daunting. We begin with a small clay macquette that portrays the essential energy of what we are striving for. That is taken into a larger, more developed piece which presents it's own individual technical challenges, i.e. selecting the appropriate clay, exploring building strategies, coping with glazing, continued multiple firings and finally addressing the sculpture as a finished piece. All the while we develop what we refer to as "individual style", that mark each one makes that eventually becomes recognizable, no matter what the imagery.
Bringing our work together, here at the Felix Kulpa Gallery, is exciting for us. To see the sculptures out of the studio work area, to present them to the public with Robbie Schoen's sensitive & understanding eye, continues to expand the experience considerably.

The FELIX KULPA GALLERY’s address is: 107 Elm Street, Santa Cruz, California. The Gallery is located right behind STREETLIGHT RECORDS on Pacific Avenue, directly across from the METRO BUS STATION. The Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12 noon until 5PM. For Appointments or information call Gallery Director Robbie Schoen at (408)373-2854.

Address: 107 Elm Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (408) 373-2854 Hours: Thursday - Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm