Desta Gallery Presents: Shifting Tides

About

Robin Denevan’s work is about process with an emphasis on the organic properties of the materials he uses and how they mimic nature and landscape. He does not render a landscape as much as he allows the materials to naturally create one. Robin never works from photographs. He feels strongly about generating images that are personal to him and wants to capture the immediacy of the landscape in his drawings. Robin’s sketches are mostly done on the move, in a boat, on a plane, or while hiking.  It would certainly be easier to paint from photos but he would lose the movement, spontaneity and emotion integral to drawing. Robin has been been working with encaustic for 20 years.

Phyllis Thelen - Sculpture

Phyllis Thelen is an experimental artist creating sculptural forms out of organic materials, including barks, pods, plant stalks, banana leaves, bamboo shields and shells.  The materials themselves suggest an idea, they tell her their stories, and she captures them in the form that the materials suggest.

Phyllis’ sculptures seem to take three basic forms:  vessels, creatures, and sanctuaries.  The vessel, a symbol of passage and transformation, suggests imaginary journeys of the spirit.  The creatures appear as unusual beings encountered along the way.   The sanctuaries are places of refuge for the soul in search of serenity in a turbulent world.   

Phyllis lives in the process, and takes her own journey as she creates.  It is her hope that there are others who dream as she does.  Through her art they may escape to serene places of the planet and the mind, and take peace and pleasure from time spent there.

Public Information: Artist reception is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit www.destagallery.com or call 415- 524-8932.

About Desta Gallery

Desta Gallery is a unique conceptual gallery focusing on the beauty of the creative arts, showcasing artists and artisans, many of which are renowned. The Gallery offers a design inspired balance of select paintings, photography, sculptures, ceramics and functional art. Desta is also known for its custom-blended organic teas and premium quality organic single-origin loose leaf teas which can be found in many Bay Area restaurants. The gallery hosts artist receptions, art workshops and private tea tastings with the idea of connecting communities, artists and collectors in an atmosphere that inspires creativity and stimulates the senses.