Broccoli by Lisa Goesling
Colored Pussy Willows by Lisa Goesling
Excerpt from Jodie Jacobs Interview, Chicago Art Exhibits
Art aficionados listen up. Sure, it's fun to discover a gallery not on everyone's radar. It's also interesting to see artists at work. Up on the 15th floor at the Merchandise Mart you can do both.
In Studio 1562, six artists whose output has made it into galleries and shows around town, are painting, etching, drawing and using multi-media to create works for their next exhibitions.
The space became available as a juried-in-residency about two years ago thanks to a partnership of the Chicago Artists Coalition (think Hatch Projects' and Bolt Residency's West Loop Galleries and Art Loop Open) and the Merchandise Mart.
The studio was originally called "Works on Paper" according to CAC Executive Director Carolina Jayaram. She points out that the space dictated the size and materials used.
"We couldn't allow toxic chemicals because of limitations of space and in respect to other tenants," says Jayaram. She explains the space became available to CAC about two years ago as a six month renewable lease.
"It has far exceeded our expectations and time line. It's been a great partnership all around," says Jayaram.
What visitors will see near the entrance of Studio 1562 are works by the following artists: Lisa Goesling, Mark Moleski, Alexandra Lee, Jaime Lynn Henderson, Zach Mory and Barb Blacharczyk.
...LISA GOESLING...
A Palatine artist who said goodbye to publishing and advertising to follow her passion, Lisa Goesling, likes working alongside her fellow artists.
"It's a perfect fit." she says. "I love the idea of sharing space with all of this talent!"
She also likes having studio space in the Merchandise Mart of Chicago.
"I love being in the Mart. It's an iconic building," Goesling says. "The other showrooms enjoy having us here. They say that we bring great energy to the Mart. We're amongst designers who really appreciate our art. People from all walks of life visit our space," she says.
Visitors who stop by will see her black scratchboards so finely etched in naturalistic patterns that they resemble artistic photography negatives. Other boards have touches of colored inks. Goesling is currently exploring photography, mixed media and turning a volcanic ash mix into sculptural objects such as pussy willows.
Her choice of materials resulted from needing something artistic that was non-toxic to occupy her while undergoing cancer treatments. "I needed an outlet, these boards are portable and all I need is my etching tool," she says.
A former art director and graphic designer who studied drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, illustration at Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and communication/graphic design at Northern Illinois University.
"I did not want to do advertising and design anymore. I am happy creating my own art," she says.
by Jodie Jacobs, Examiner