Solo Art Exhibition (Free)

Join us for a Solo Art Exhibition with Maine’s acclaimed artist and painter Brian Kliewer. This event is free to the public. Brian will share his story and speak about his process. We look forward to gathering together as a community to champion a local artist. Art will be available for purchase.

Join us after for a family style dinner made in our wood-fired clay oven from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Tickets for dinner will be available for purchase following the show.

About Brian Kliewer

Art is my life. I decided to forgo a traditional bio. Instead, here's where my work comes from along with a few thoughts on painting... I'm self taught, been drawing and painting since childhood. I don't really think of myself as a "landscape" painter, per se, though I do enjoy it. However, due to an inherited condition that limits the time I can spend on my feet, I don't do much plein-air (on location) painting. For me it's not much of an option. I can do some but I have to be careful. Doctors warned me early on, "sedentary employment or nothing."  So how do I work?

I'm largely a studio painter. I often paint local subjects (within walking distance), using either photographs or sketches for reference. Rather than being a slave to photography I try to interpret my photos, adding from memory or leaving things out as I go.  I'm not driven by beautiful landscapes or grand vistas. While I might enjoy it, that kind of subject matter doesn't really interest me for painting. I need more and feel my best work comes from the places I know well and have a strong connection to. So I don't really feel limited by not getting around as other artists do. In fact, I see it as an advantage. How?

My condition slowed me down and forced me to look more closely at things. It caused me to become keenly aware of the light at a certain time of day or season; to understand the decay and dignity of a tree. It's given me a greater appreciation and perspective. It helped me develop my memory skills. I think it's also why I prefer grittier scenes to "pretty" ones.  With many of the scenes and subjects I paint there's an intimacy I can't really explain, but feel is directly tied to my background.  It's for this reason that I think it's benefited my work greatly.  Life, like art, often requires a certain tenacity.  I like to think that's reflected in my artwork. 

Work

View Brian’s work at briankleiwer.com | follow @briankliewerart

Cost: $150  per person or 2 at $125/each

Includes:

• Tools & Materials to create your own handmade ceramic platter

• Clay Oven Fired Pizza Dinner

Join Campfire Studio at the historical Squire Tarbox Inn in Wiscasset, ME for an afternoon of foraging around the beautiful property for wild flowers & textures.

We will then retreat to the barn for a ceramic workshop where Kristen Camp will teach you hand building techniques to create your own handmade ceramic platter with a botanical print design using your foraged flowers and stems. 

After the workshop Joe Camp will be making pizza dough from scratch and you will be able to enjoy a clay oven fired pizza paired with wine to finish out the day. All pieces will be fired over the next 2 weeks and available for pick up at Campfire Studio on Washington Ave. or arrangements can be made to ship your piece.

Register in-store at Campfire Studio on Washington Ave. or online.

TICKETS: $150 each or 2 tickets for $125 each

About Kristen and Joe Camp

Campfire studio is a collaboration by the Camps; a husband and wife ceramic design team centered around creating a collection of ceramic heirlooms designed to inspire the art of entertaining. Their ethos is to create contemporary ceramic designs that bring people together- inside and outdoors. Campfire is not only their name, but a visual representation of their roots and brand identity. A campfire is the oldest art of human-gathering. It also symbolizes the outdoor environment where their Raku (Japanese-style ceramic process) is executed. Their goal is to share their love of travel, food and entertaining through their collection of high-end, handmade products.

The Campfire Studio has a shop located at The Black Box on Washington Ave. in Portland, Maine. Their art studio is located in the historic Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook.

Kristen and Joe have lovingly welcomed their newest member of Campfire Studio, Florence Camp!

Shop Campfire Studio | Follow @campfirestudios