During a visit back to California, I found Topanga and everything changed. When the time came to move back to California, we found a tiny secluded rental in Topanga, and for the first time in my life, I felt home. Topanga nourished my soul with its smell of oaks and ocean. It lulled me to sleep with the sounds of owls and coyotes. Topanga felt wise and caring; it was aware of me, acknowledged me, approved of me. Topanga wanted me, wanted a relationship with me, and I humbly accepted. I feel a deep gratitude to this place and a calling to honor it in the truest way I know how. My intention with these photographs is quite simple: I want to share with others the emotion and feeling Topanga gives so freely and unconditionally. I want the spirit of this land to shine through these photographs with the same stunning stillness I felt when making them.”
—Don Holtz, Artist, Photographer, and Topanga resident
Don Holtz is one of 18 artists in the show, “Does It Matter?” at Topanga Canyon Gallery, that runs through October 28, where four of his remarkable Topanga photos are for sale. The art of each of the 18 participating artists reflects in their work what matters…or not. Accompanying each artist’s work is a statement asking, “Does It Matter?” This show is mesmerizing.
Two artists reflect on the sun, in very different ways, while others ask, “Does Play Matter?” “Does Water Matter?” “Does Nature Matter?” “Does Shelter Matter?”
Kate Browning asks “Does Empathy Matter” with three large graphite drawings of workers and the heroes doing what they do: physical labor, a class often overlooked or scorned by the privileged.
Using plants as a metaphor, Moises Mendoza asks, “Does Nurturing Matter?” His brilliant collages made from his own painted works, represent the precariousness of life and the ability of nurturing to provide support for growth and the ability to flourish.
Two artists disagree, “Does Color Matter?” Jonna Gill, who displays a complex, three-dimensional collage in black and white concludes that color does matter. Kit Plumridge, in a painting awash in bright colors says, “not so much.” Come see their work and decide for yourself.
Do not miss this show! The captivating artwork and thought-provoking statements together provide beauty and nourishment for the mind and soul.
Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga CA 90290. For more information: (310) 455-7909; TopangaCanyonGallery.com. Gallery Hours: Thurs and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, Noon–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
