Icons and Masks: Images of Saints and Sinners
Mon, 02/02/2015
You can meet artist Lis Wright Ivec at Burien Arts’ Opening Reception on
Friday February 6th from 5-8 pm at the Burien Arts Gallery, 826 SW. 152nd
St. in Olde Burien. Unfortunately, photographer Daniel McManus will not
be there as he is taking temporary residency in Venice, Italy to continue his
tradition of capturing images of the historically rich celebration of Carnival.
Saints: Lis Wright Ivec began painting at an early age in Couer d'Alene,
Idaho. Encouraged to paint by her father, Lis attended the University of
Idaho in Moscow and received her BFA in painting. She took her studies
to Florence, Italy where the images of Italian Renaissance altar pieces,
saints and holy men and women greatly influenced her style. Using egg
tempera and gold leafing, Lis illustrates some of the lesser-known saints,
such as Saint Margaret, the patron saint of reformed prostitutes and the
falsely accused, and Saint Dymphna, the patron saint of the mentally ill.
Continuing her European studies, Lis took residency in Amsterdam where
she showed in numerous galleries. Lis now resides in Everett WA.
Sinners: Daniel McManus’ relationship with the strange and unusual also
began in Idaho, where as a child, he witnessed the roar of a motorcycle
gang racing through town. Combined with his love of heavy metal music of
the 80’s, Daniel soon recognized that his father's dream of his son
becoming a lawyer was not for him. The wanderlust formed from that
original experience with the bikers, and Daniel soon found himself living in
Seattle, traveling and experiencing. Daniel captures the essence of
Carnival in Venice Italy with his photography. His photographs highlight
the vivid costumes and pageantry that is associated with the ‘feast’ before
the sacrifice of Lent. Daniel resides in Seattle and plays bass with Celtic
rockers Ockham’s Razor.
As a part of the celebration of Carnival, a custom “Plague Doctor” costume
is on loan from Daniel. This is a one-of-a-kind piece that was designed by
Daniel. Made from leather and red glass, this spectacular garment weighs
over 20 pounds and took over six months to create.
This exciting show will be up through March 1 at the Burien Arts Gallery,
826 SW 152nd. St. in Olde Burien.