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Published on 08/11/1997 All articles from this issue

Jewelry designer, painter both look to nature

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By Agnes J. Derbin

On the Arts

Two well-known local artists - painter Kathy Sharpe and jewelry designer Tove Norlander - are featured at the Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road.

Although Sharpe and Norlander express themselves through different media, both artists use nature and life for their inspiration and artistic subject matter.

"My appreciation for detail is drawn from observing nature, from my own interior design background and from a family tradition rich in artistic talent," Sharpe said. "My grandfather was a costume designer for the Vienna opera. My mother, who was also very creative with cooking and sewing, encouraged us to explore our creative nature. My father was a businessman and he guided us to business rather than art. My three sisters and I chose art for our professions."

Sharpe's 13 watercolors of gardens and landscapes on display are delightful explorations of color and texture.

Born in Norway, Norlander moved to the United States as an adult. Like Sharpe, she was encouraged by her father to go into business rather than pursue art. "My craft-oriented mother wove baskets and made her own dyes for fiber. I grew up with art," Norlander said. "My mother inspired me to work with my hands. I studied business but making art was always a big part of my life. I switched to making art for a career with no regrets."

Continually renewed through nature, Norlander has a deep respect for tradition and an appreciation for history that inspires her art.

Of special note is a large silver pendant (#15) with colored stones. The pendant is carefully modeled and precisely balanced, with minimal description to the surface. Four brightly colored stones provide color but also emphasize an underlying playfulness that permeates all of Norlander's architectonic jewelry.

The exhibition continues through Aug. 29. Call 941-7222 for more information.

ART BITS: Gallery 9, 143 Main St., features "At the Beach" through Aug. 23. Call 941-7969 for more information. "Summer Memories," the featured exhibition at Viewpoints Gallery,315 State St., continues through Aug. 31. Call 941-5789 for more information.

Sunbird Gallery, 333 First St., has a new selection of original paintings by Albrechtson, Berberian, Boatner, Brush, Cho, Frick and more on display in the gallery. Call 941-1561 for more information.

Artist/writer Louise Freund's exhibition of paintings and poems are displayed in the lobby of the Palo Alto Unitarian Church through Aug. 18. Call 967-3045 for more information.

The City of Mountain View Visual Arts Committee is accepting proposals for 1998 solo hanging exhibits in the Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, contact Barbara McBride at 903-6464, or John McGuirk at 961-0342.

Agnes Derbin is a Los Altos resident and artist.