The Topanga Canyon Gallery presents “Juxtaposed Perceptions,” July 12-August 8, an exhibition of works by three artists with differing perceptions— Eugenia Shapiro, oil paintings; Idelle Okman Tyzbir, abstract multi-dimensional works and watercolors; and Connie Cambardella, photography.
“Our different interests and mediums make us an unusual and interesting collaboration, creating an exciting synergy.” says Idelle Okman Tyzbir.
Eugenia Shapiro is intrigued by the uniqueness and harmony she sees in people’s faces. Idelle Okman Tyzbir, (aka The Metal Wrestler), creates musically inspired abstract sculptures and watercolors that speak of her everyday life; she says she has a “split personality.” Connie Cambardella will tell you “that through her passion, her images propel you into feeling every beat, movement and the beautiful daily rhythms of life’s journey.”
Eugenia Shapiro discovered her interest in art when she was very young while visiting art museums in Russia. She is largely self-taught having spent much time studying the figure at life drawing and painting classes at Scottsdale Artists’ School, California Art Institute and Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. She studied with remarkable artist—Ignat Ignatov, Millie Green, Christina Cooper—gravitating to portraiture and figurative art. What intrigues her most are the uniqueness and harmony of the faces of people around her. She is an associate member of Oil Painters of America and a member of Portrait Society of America. She is also active in the local artist communities, California Art League and SFVAC. (eugeniashapiro.com)
Idelle Okman Tyzbir draws from everyday life experiences when creating her art. Her sculptures use a variety of metals, glass and other mediums where she contrasts flowing movement with structured elements to enhance the narrative between these aspects and the viewer. Creating pieces by hand, she develops a relationship with the work, allowing for spontaneous modifications. Her hand shows in every piece. Juxtaposed with her work in metals are watercolors that share her visual world. She is passionate about making art accessible and an integral part of people’s lives.
Tyzbir is academically educated in fine art and design, autodidactic and believes in pushing limits through counsel with other skilled artists and craftsmen. A teaching artist for 19 years, she periodically teaches metal sculpturing at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita and currently adult small group watercolor classes. An international award-winning artist, she also exhibits locally and nationally. She includes public art projects and personal commissions as a part of her business practice. (idelleart.com)
Connie Cambardella currently resides in Topanga, “where the mountains meet the sea.” She is inspired daily by the seasonal surrounding splendor of its lifestyle, nature and deep music roots. Through her passion, she strives for her images to transport the observer into feeling every beat, movement and the beautiful daily rhythms of life’s journey. Her wish is to capture the essence of our world through her lens and share it. (www.conniepix.com)
Topanga Canyon Gallery is located in Pine Tree Circle, 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Ste. 109, Topanga, CA 90390. (310) 455-7909; topangacanyongallery.com.