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Nautical artist turns Lux into a marina
Most art exhibits with works depicting the water can leave viewers wanting the real thing. But at Lux Art Institute, the exhibit of Santa Barbara artist Rick Stich satisfies that itch.
That's because Stich has turned the gallery into a small lake with a pier over it and a real boat bobbing on the water. Water-inspired classical music will play in the background. This site-specific installation, which Stich built after consulting with engineers, serves more than one purpose.
"The site works as a little marina," he explained. "It's like a meditation on water. My most current work is painting reflections on the water. At Lux, I'm planning on creating works that show the reflection of figures reflected in the water. So this is like a lab. It's an art installation, but I'll also use it to study."
Water has always fascinated Stich. He grew up in Newport Beach and started surfing at the age of 11, 50 years ago (he still surfs). In L.A. in 1976, he had his first one-man show, and he painted water in all the different forms it takes and ways that it's used.
"My works on water have spanned from abstract to landscapes," he said. "I've also done two other installations about the ocean."
In addition to watching him create a 4-by-6 foot painting, visitors can enjoy 18 of his complete works. He hopes to tap that part of his audience that is naturally connected to water.
"It has a link to all of us," he said. "Everyone has had an experience with water, whether it's watching a sunset over the water or seeing light reflect on it. It's something we can all relate to. This show taps into the times that we are by the water. Think about how people go to places with water for vacation."
Stich has had exhibitions at the Carnegie Art Museum, Edward Cella Art & Architecture, the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, L.A. Louver Gallery and the Ruth Shaffner Gallery. His work is on permanent display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Bank of America and the Eli Broad Foundation.
Stich's connection to water is so strong, it continues to be the main focus of his work. In fact, he still has many sketches of water that he has yet to paint.
"We're seven-tenths water, like the Earth is," he noted. "That's got to be important. So I've barely scratched the surface with what I plan to do."
The public is invited to meet with Stich at a Studio Series reception from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday. A half-hour wine reception will kick off the event, followed by a lecture and slide show. Tickets to the reception are $10 ($5 for Lux members).
Rick Stich
When: 1-5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; through April 23
Where: Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas
Tickets: $10 for two visits; under age 21 and members, free
Info: (760) 436-6611