Artist Charles Bremer has explored a wide breadth of creative medium in his career ranging from photography, drawing and sculpture, to theater stage sets and experimental sound. His work has been exhibited in art centers, galleries, and private collections both in the United States and internationally. His figurative graphic work explores a synthesis of the natural elements with the human body in a highly developed method of hand painted photographic prints. His images of objects and art supplies stand as unique allegories of creativity, conscience, playfulness and aging. He is an accomplished master in the technique of encaustic wax glaze. Recent exhibitions have included studies of old art supplies, collaborative projects exploring text and image, a photographic series Two Dancers at the National Museum of Dance, and his new image work: body & clay.
Beginning in the mid 1980’s, in collaboration with his wife Martha, they conceived and hosted a series of regional exhibitions at their upstate farm exploring the natural elements in art. These large exhibitions; Art on the Wind, Waterways, Earthworks, and Art on Fire brought together many artists to share themes related to environmental concern and issues important to the upstate New York region. Much of Bremer’s sound work has aimed to educate and celebrate the importance of protected natural spaces both urban and rural. He has designed unique teaching programs for young students emphasizing the art of listening and unique outdoor instruments activated by the natural forces: wind, fire, and water.
In the artist’s own words:
“My artwork in this exhibition combines photography with encaustic wax and other media including lampblack ink wash, silk dyes, graphite, gauche, and a selection of natural colors. Encaustic wax is made with a combination of beeswax, damar resin, and carnauba wax and is one of the oldest and most archival mediums ever used by artists. The surface of the glaze shows textures and markings from the palette knife with which the hot wax is applied. All the images in the show are mounted on hardwood maple-ply panels except a few of the figurative images which are on black walnut and cherry boards, plus another three that are framed prints behind glass.
This selection of art is a cross-section of my work. Living in our rural area of New York state, the natural landscape is a beautifully inspiration and great pleasure. This past year with its many challenges has only made me appreciate it more. The work focuses on sharing and preserving that sense of wonder. The well-being and durability of our lives is closely woven into our balance with nature.”
