Expired Rachel Rothberg: Elegy
July 14 – October 15, 2022
Artist Statement
My larger-than-death oil paintings of deceased birds examine both the tension and tenderness that exists within mortality. I am drawn to the deaths of birds due to my personal experiences of loss and grief and the poignance of losing a small life. Observing environmental patterns reaching back for millenia reminds me of the beauty that can be found in death, and that life always finds a way to emerge. A Song Sparrow is surrounded by lush foliage and berries in its death. A Red-breasted Nuthatch laid to rest becomes larger than life, almost confrontationally. I intend to bring viewers face-to-face with the interconnected nature of the world to bring empathy towards these delicate avian subjects at a global turning point for ecological conservation.
My compassion and stewardship towards the environment can be definitively traced to my childhood amidst the biodiversity of the California Bay Area. I have always been driven to share my curiosity and concern for the natural world with others. I am influenced heavily by my background in biology and ornithology, and I use academic research, field observations, and outreach to the scientific community to inform my work. My paintings combine a background of detailed biological illustration with painterly techniques to communicate fragile ecological balances to my audience.
Artist Bio
Rachel Rothberg is an artist currently living in Bellingham, Washington. They earned a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in painting from Western Washington University in 2021. Rachel also earned a BA in Art and a minor in Biology with Honors in 2020. When not painting, Rachel can be found working as a tattoo artist in their private studio, leading birdwatching hikes, singing in the university’s a capella ensemble, listening to audiobooks, and spending time outdoors.
Artist Talk
August 25, 2022 | 6:00-7:00PM
We will begin at 6pm with a casual conversation and Q+A to follow. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Free admission.
Thank you to our generous sponsor:
Rachel Rothberg: Elegy
Aeterna
Oil on Canvas
44” x 72”
$5,000
Lacrimosa
Oil on Canvas
44” x 72”
$5,000
Lux
Oil on Canvas
44” x 72”
$5,000
Requiem
Oil on Canvas
44” x 72”
$5,000
Lights Off I (Wilson’s Warbler)
Oil on Glass Window
5” x 8”
$400
Lights Off II (Ruby-throated Hummingbirds)
Oil on Glass Window
5” x 8”
$400
Lights Off III (Indigo Bunting)
Oil on Glass Window
5” x 8”
SOLD
Lights Off IV (Lesser Goldfinch)
Oil on Glass Window
5” x 8”
$400
5″ x 8″
$400
Bonk
Oil on Glass Window
__” x ___”
NFS
Visit the Exhibit:
Free admission to all galleries.
Add a visit to your calendar:
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July 14, 2022 - July 16, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
July 19, 2022 - July 23, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
July 26, 2022 - July 30, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
August 2, 2022 - August 6, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
August 9, 2022 - August 13, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
August 16, 2022 - August 20, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
August 23, 2022 - August 27, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
August 30, 2022 - September 3, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
September 6, 2022 - September 10, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
September 13, 2022 - September 17, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
September 20, 2022 - September 24, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
September 27, 2022 - October 1, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
October 4, 2022 - October 7, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm -
October 11, 2022 - October 15, 2022
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Venue: Fine Arts Gallery
Address:
Description:
The Fine Arts Gallery at the Jansen Art Center is located in the SW corner of the Main floor:
Tag:current exhibit