Choosing a career as an artist is never easy. Most parents cringe at the thought of their child dreaming of having a career in the arts.
For Karrie Ross, there was never a choice. She had to paint. Art was part of her life from a very early age.
“I remember drawing for friends when I was seven years old,” Ross laughs. “It was my first commission.”
A Los Angeles native, Ross’ work has been featured in TV shows, movies as well as in commercial and retail spaces from hotels in Japan to design showrooms in the U.S. She has a strong history of being hired to create retail and residential commission artwork.
When Ross talks about her art, she refers to it as being “healing based.”
She strives to create a balance within the surrounding environment, which is part of her Feng Shui training.
“I am particularly drawn to spirals, not only in shape but in the concept of the continuous movement of energy,” she said. “At the inner-most workings of the atom is a vibration… that is what is the source…our generator of personal energy, the all that we are.”
Her art will be part of the group show “Test Pilots II” at Bleicher Golightly Gallery, which opened on Wednesday and continues through June 14.
Curator Om Navon Bleicher has selected “Multi Dimension” from Ross’ award winning Energy Blooms series for the exhibition.
The show will spotlight artists that are crossing into new territory with different approaches and techniques than explored in the past.
Brooke Harker is another artist constantly on the go.
She recently showed her latest series “Cityscapes,” at the Beverly Hills artSHOW.
Harker will be donating one of her paintings to the non-profit Project Angel Food for one of its upcoming benefits.
Giving the gift of her art to charitable causes is important to Harker.
She believes she gets back so much more and is happy to contribute. For more info about Brooke Harker, see her website at www.brookeharker.com.
Musician Geoffrey J is another local making his mark in Santa Monica.
He will be performing with guitarist James Elliot at Hinano Cafe on Sunday, June 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Located at 15 Washington Blvd, Hinano Café is an old Venice biker bar known for its inexpensive, and yet tasty burgers.
Geoffrey started playing bass in a band when he was just 14. He also started writing at a young age and taught himself various instruments such as drums, piano, harmonica, and guitar.
He recently produced his own music video for his song “Holiday.”
“You have to do it yourself… it’s up to the artist,” Geoffrey said.
The music of Geoffrey J offers an organic style of songwriting with a roots rock flavor.
For more information on Geoffrey J, visit www.geoffreyj.com.
These days, a creative person has to be pro-active.
Artists can’t afford to sit around anymore.
Artist Karrie Ross found out about the upcoming show on Facebook.
She submitted her work and is now looking forward to the opening.
When asked how her work has evolved, Ross said, “As the song says, ‘It’s getting better all the time.’”
Bleicher Golightly Gallery is located at 1431 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica. For more info, visit caporalebleicher.com. For more information about Karrie Ross, visit www.karrierossfineart.com.
