“Parisian Door”, acrylic collage by Coyee Langston
Two artists, Coyee Langston and Barbara Murnan, have collaborated on a theme, “ Unbolted”, for the December front wall feature show at In-Town Gallery.
The show was inspired by a quotation of 13th Century Persian poet Rumi, “Sometimes you hear a voice through the door calling you…this turning toward what you deeply love saves you.” These artists turned towards their own doors finding the inspiration for their new works. Each looked for ways to best express what lies within themselves. One creates in color with brushes on canvas and one in jewelry design with smithed copper, sterling and stone. Painter, Coyee Langston’s acrylic canvas collages pair nicely with the handmade jewelry of Barbara Murnan.
Meet the artists at the opening reception Dec. 2, form 5-8 p.m. at 26A Frazier Ave.
Review for the artists:
Coyee Langston, a Chattanooga native, is a familiar name in art and education circles. The daughter of artist parents, Ms. Langston managed Art House Gallery for many years where she also taught classes. Her education in art was begun at Cumberland College in Lebanon, Tenn. and later courses in graphic and fine arts followed at Chattanooga State and UT Chattanooga. A member of Association of Visual Arts she taught art at East Ridge Elementary on a grant from Allied Arts. She is on the board for the Public Art Committee in Chattanooga and the chair for the ArtsReach program.
“The eye of the artist sees differently," said Ms. Langston. "It breaks through the surface and sees into the inner nature of things. My abstracts have become windows where my imagination can express itself. They evolve slowly as painter and canvas get lost together in a creative place."
In researching ancient doors many were painted turquoise, Ms. Langston's signature color and keyhole plates pulled from boxes of “junk” came together into a pleasing composition of colors, textures and layers of inspiration. Feeling new doors were opening for her, pushing her in new directions, memories of nature, childhood and all things ancient came together into these unique paintings.
Barbara Murnan says, “I’ve always loved unusual, striking jewelry. When I learned a friend in Atlanta had a thriving handmade jewelry business my interest was piqued and I took a class on earring making. Once I held the needle nose pliers and struggled to make a loop for the first time I was hooked.”
Beginning with beading on sterling silver wire, many classes and much experimentation led to metal smithing which has become her passion.
“The bends and swirls of sterling silver and copper create a free flow element to to my bold offerings," said Ms. Murnan. "In addition to the coolness of sterling and the warmth of copper, I’ve incorporated semi precious stones into my one-of-a-kind pieces.” Turquoise and a variety of stones and some fossils are framed in intentionally simple but dramatic compositions. Wearing these accessories provide a sure fire conversation piece.
Ms. Murnan is a member of AVA, Georgia Goldsmith Group and American Craft Council. As well as creating her own jewelry, she teaches classes in jeweled cuff and collar making for beginners to advanced students. This native of Wisconsin moved here from Duluth, Mn. and now finds her work in several states, and as far away as Hawaii and Italy.
In-Town Gallery, at 26A Frazier Ave. on the North shore, is open every day year round, except for major holidays. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday and until 8 p.m. on First Fridays. Call 267-9214, visit www.facebook.com/intowngallery.
“Talisman”, sterling silver, coper and turquoise by Barbara Murnan