Two artists showcase nature's beauty at Old Rock School

At first glance, the two artists whose works open on exhibit at the Old Rock School galleries this weekend may seem to have little in common. But a closer look reveals both men have unique connections to the natural beauty found in western North Carolina.

The men themselves, Steve Brooks and Danny Bernard, have very different backgrounds and life experiences. Brooks, a Georgia native, spent his youth camping, working on the family farm, and hiking the hills around Table Rock and Linville Gorge. During his college years in Virginia, he worked in watercolors and eventually in oils. Now, his focus is primarily in landscapes.

Morganton native Bernard, who has been creating art for most of his life, concentrated on painting, sketching, stained glass, and sculpture, before turning to wood carvings of large totem poles and animals.

LIGHT, WATER, AND WOOD

While trees are prominent features in Brooks’ landscapes, the series of paintings he is displaying at the Old Rock School asks viewers to focus on light and reflection.

“Many think I paint trees because I have a particular affinity for trees,” he stated. “I like trees, but this series is really about light and its interruption.

“The tree becomes a tool to slice up the space in the composition,” he said. “Recently, I have started to paint images of rocks and water. Again, I see this as an opportunity to explore light, reflection, and space.

“I am not sure where all this exploration will lead, but it is work I enjoy and am delighted to share,” he added.

For Bernard, art is a form of therapeutic expression he says has kept him grounded for his 68 years. After focusing on more traditional forms of artistic expression, he started working with wood carving. Most recently, he prefers to use upcycled or scrap wood from furniture, excess lumber, or fallen trees to create relief carvings.

UPCOMING RECEPTION

The works of Brooks and Bernard are on display in Galleries I and II, as well as in the Old Rock School’s new Hallway Gallery, through Feb. 14. The men will be honored at an Artists’ Reception on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 2-4 p.m.

You may view their works at the Rock School Arts Foundation (RSAF) website, rockschoolartgalleries.com. The Old Rock School is at 400 Main St. W. in Valdese.