** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this lot will benefit The Fowler Museum at UCLA **

Susan Venable (American, California), "Sunset Sage", Contemporary, ca. 2000s. A large-scale, nonobjective mixed media piece by the internationally recognized artist Susan Venable entitled "Sunset Sage" featuring an encaustic (molten wax and pigment) abstract painting of robust red and lustrous golden hues at its center surrounded by a stacked steel grid 'frame' woven with countless copper wires, a brilliant multi-dimensional work that elegantly inhabits the space in between painting and sculpture. Despite its minimalism, this work conjures a serene landscape that elicits a wide range of emotions. In the words of the artist, "My exploration is on a perceptual level . . .to elicit an abstract response from the viewer." Venable speaks to how her contemporary works relate to the realm of the ancient, "Archaeology, rituals, repetition, ruins, magic, and the art of indigenous societies, all inform my creative process. A strong link to ancient cultures is my use of copper, one of the earliest known substances used in art. Both the steel and the copper have been chosen for their properties, both real and symbolic, of strength, fire, and permanence. . ." Also to be appreciated is Venable's use of recycled materials and respect for honed techniques, "The craftsmanship, or evidence of the hand, is a critical element of my work. Used with an authentic and honest approach, and moving each piece toward poetically articulating the structural skeleton and the surface." (http://www.venablestudio.com/blog/about/) A wonderful piece of contemporary art that gracefully 'makes contact' with the realm of ancient art. Size: 23" L x 23" W (58.4 cm x 58.4 cm)

For more information about Susan Venable see the documentary about this artist entitled, "Inventing Shadows" photographed and directed by cinematographyer Ali Lassoued. This film does a wonderful job of exploring Venable's unique process and highlights from her 30 year plus career.

Provenance: Ex - Morgan Collection, Santa Monica, CA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116062

Choice.