In painter Edward Kellogg’s art studio, science and creation exist side by side. Two concepts of life and nature that typically cause discord and bitter arguments outside the studio, are unified in his art. And that’s only one of the reasons you’ll want to see Kellogg’s show “APPALACHIA” at the Tanner Hill Gallery in South Chattanooga.

The exhibit runs from Oct. 20 through Nov. 30. The gallery will hold an Artist’s Reception this Friday between 5:30 and 8 p.m.

The science part - biology mostly - is captured by Kellogg’s paint brush quite pleasantly: photosynthesis, organism growth and decay, erosion, and light reflection. But the second element, the wonder of creation, is so strongly depicted that it often reaches beyond the realm of earthly recognition.

It’s Kellogg’s shades of blue that will likely draw you in first: the silvery blues, the magentas and the deep purplish blues. Kellogg’s years on a surfboard in southern California must have contributed to his mastery of blue. The paintings where shades of blue are dominant, all have a visual intensity that pulls in the other senses. With the larger works (up to eight feet ), you could almost walk into them. They are that inviting.

Which is what I experienced the first time I saw one of Kellogg’s recent paintings - I was instantly transported back to my favorite spot in nature, a little private paradise near Enumclaw, Wash., midway between Mount Rainier and Seattle. After a hard day of traveling with an irritable companion, I ventured out behind the cabin we were staying at overnight and walked into a setting of lush, dewy green forest with a high canopy. It was everything I had imagined about the Cascade Range of the Northwest: soft, spongy forest floor, cooling fine mist, a hundred shades of green and just a little bit of last daylight filtering through the trees. My skin, my
hair and my sinuses never felt better - it was the perfect outdoor spa, where all complaints disappeared. I’m sure that Kellogg’s art will have that same effect on other people when they come upon his work - they’ll be reminded of their own positive experiences in nature. And that’s probably why so many health care facilities (like Erlanger East and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston) commission Kellogg’s art, because of its soothing, contemplative qualities.

Most of what you’ll see at Tanner Hill Gallery are Kellogg’s interpretations of natural settings within an hour’s drive of Chattanooga. The styles range from the straightforward leaf paintings (with titles that pay homage to the artist’s musical influences), to the eerily translucent “Rocky Stream” and “Creek Bank” that imply that there is something more exciting beneath the surface. But his novel technique of layering and replacing paint to adjust the color and shading, is evident in all of the styles.

Kellogg recently led a seminar titled “Singing Stars and Joyfully Shouting Angels: The Creation and Christian Artistry,” so it’s easy to understand how his empyrean dreams get channeled into interpreting earthly landscapes.

More than once during our conversation, Kellogg reflected on his blessings: his family (including a new grandchild); his job teaching Art History at Covenant College; the people, places and ideas that shaped his artistry; and, the opportunity to share his passion for nature with others. “APPALACHIA” brings all those blessings together.

Also, if you are in the Dalton, Georgia area, you can see more of Edward Kellogg’s work at The Creative Arts Guild (phone # 706.278.0168). He is one of 16 artists who each contributed three pieces to a show called “Still Doing It.” Gallery Director Waldo Vinces said he wanted to show the evolution of artists over the age of 50 to demonstrate that artists can still be vital, still creating, and in some cases, just entering their prime after five decades. Kellogg submitted paintings from 1964, 1978 and 1995.

The Guild’s website is www.creativeartsguild.org and they are located at 520 West Waugh St. in Dalton. “Still Doing It” runs through Nov. 10.

If you’re interested in further exploration of the regional flora that inspires Kellogg, you need only one resource: local author Jay Clark’s “Wildflowers of Pigeon Mountain.” I’m recommending the book and the website. Clark has included the wildflowers of Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga National Military Park and Cloudland Canyon State Park in his scope. The book ($29.95) is part art/coffee table book, and part hardback field guide.

Clark, a naturalist and retired science teacher, makes wildflower appreciation and identification easy. The book is thoughtfully arranged by flower color with understandable descriptions set next to impressive photography. A “Glossary of Terms,” a “Pictorial Glossary” and a “Flower Family” listing will get a layperson up to speed in no time. Features on the web site (see below) include the timely “NOW APPEARING IN A MEADOW OR ON A ROADSIDE NEAR YOU!” and the amusing “WEIRD STUFF.”

As the Chattanooga area changes seasons, it’s the ideal time to visit the Kellogg show and buy the Clark book. Tanner Hill Gallery (3069 South Broad St., Suite 3) is located on the backside of the old Southern Saddlery Building. Their hours are Wednesday thru Friday from 12-5 p.m., and by appointment. The website is www.tannerhillgallery.com and the phone number is 423 265-2760.

Jay Clark’s book makes a terrific holiday gift for both locals and the many out-of-towners who visit this area. And it helps explain why so many naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts keep coming back. You can purchase “Wildflowers” at the Tennessee Aquarium, The Chattanooga Regional History Museum, the gift shops of the various Parks and at www.pigeonwildflowers.com (see details on tax and shipping charges).

(Bambi Evans is a freelance writer in Chattanooga. She covers the book, film, music and art world in addition to writing an editorial column. Her e-mail address is stonyirons@aol.com)