Abstract Notions
at The SoHo Gallery
by J. C. Peters
The SoHo Gallery has brought the valley a wonderful new art show, “Abstract Notions.” This show is a blending of different disciplines in the abstract art world. Everyone seems a little leery about abstract art (even me). It’s a branch of art that people seem to love or hate (or just don’t understand). This show brought into the light a wide range of talented artists.
The classical abstract artist Chris-topher Cousins has great depth in his pieces. He puts layers upon layers of paint onto his canvases, then scratches designs into them, revealing the colors that lie beneath. This surprise of revealed color adds a new level to the subdued feeling of his paintings.
If you like a little more color with your abstracts, Justin Love is the stand out colorist of the group. His brilliant pastel pieces of whimsical animals and people bring life to the walls. The piece “Southwest Animal” is a strange multi-colored creature that brought a smile to my face.
The galley also shows many other styles. I was drawn to the wonderful realist bronze pieces done by the artist Emilo Loza (see right). He has captured the strength and power boxers, telling the story of their powerful bodies with their detailed facial expressions. The figures are frozen in time with their muscles poised to spring forth with a killer punch.
And this is only a small portion of the feast of art that awaits you at the SoHo gallery 12202 Ventura Blvd, Studio City 818-766-5569.

"Amelia Earhart" by Karen Schmidt
Showcasing
Women In The Arts
The Lankershim Arts Center ( LAC) presents an art show and stage play to celebrate 200 years of accomplishments of women in the arts. Timed to coincide with Women's History Month, the show also promotes the work of contemporary women artists.
The exhibition, Women's History 200 Years, features paintings and sculptures by 10 local artists from the NoHo Artists Union. Mahara T. Sinclaire, Yoshi Inman, Ione Citrin, Amy Davis Roth, Jo Robinson, Leonor De La Vega-Donato, Karen Schmidt, Melissa Hayes, Dover, and Dan Wooster have all contributed works to the exhibition.
The play, A Woman's Place, highlights the lives of 10 American women, focusing on their contributions to history. With weekend matinee performaces running from March 9 through April 14, it's a play worth catching - 5108 Lankershim in the NoHo Arts District, Tues, Thurs & Fri, 11am-5pm, Sat11am-6pm. 818-766-0529. For theatre tickets and reservations, call 818-382-2904. - BC

Local Artist: Legendary artist and logotype designer Rod Dyer enjoying a little sun. Rod's influence has been felt the world over; to his personal credit are such logos as Maverick, MCA, Big Ticket Television, Entertainment Tonight, Gramercy Pictures, Universal Records, EMI-Capitol, O'Melveny &
Myers, Wherehouse Music, Disney Interactive, Le Dome, Chin Chin, California Pizza Kitchen, Koo Koo Roo, and Hollywood & Highland, to name but a few.
Rod is the President of Ignition, a new Beverly Hills design firm, about which more can be found online www.creativeignition.com. In his free time, Rod is the co-owner of ever popular Pane e Vino Trattoria near the Beverly Center at 8265 Beverly Blvd., (323) 651-4600. Photo by Jay Matsueda.