Opening Reception: Friday, March 8, 5-9pm
The work shown here is built on pilot artist-in-residence Alan Eaker’s time at Tusen Takk in 2020-21, during which he explored painting as a major force for creative expression. His formal background was in ceramics and sculpture; however, he views this work more as constructions using paint. When making them, he feels that they are affirmations of being and representative of a moment in time. Some of the elements used in the process of expression were as follows:
- Creating visual space rather than copying what he sees
- Making change happen on a static surface from light and the viewer's movement
- The challenge of making something happen with a limited pallet; black, white, and silver
- Transcending the status quo in image-making
- Making paintings out of the imagination
To the degree that Eaker is successful, he invites you to be the judge. Take your time to enjoy them as they unfold slowly.
Learn more about Alan Eaker and his practice here via an interview conducted by Director Geoffrey Peckham during Eaker’s pilot residency in 2020-21.
Photo by Geoffrey Peckham
ARTIST BIO
Alan Eaker is an artist, teacher, pioneer in art production, former farmer, and ex-marine who now lives in Northwest Michigan. From 1969 to 1990, Alan worked his way through the ranks at the University of South Florida, becoming Chairman of the Art Department and, in 1990, was appointed Director of Graphicstudio. Throughout his career, Alan has worked alongside many artists of great renown, including Carlo Zauli in ceramics in Faensa, Italy, and in co-founding Pyramid Arts, Ltd, a publisher of prints and sculpture, he assisted in the creation of works with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, and Jim Dine, among others. Alan has shown in over 50 group and solo exhibitions including solo shows at 112 Green Street and Getler/Pall, both in NYC. Commentary on his work can be found in publications including Ceramic Monthly, Artforum, Art in America, and The New York Times. Alan received his BA in Ceramics from San Jose City College and an MA in Sculpture from University of California, Berkeley. In 1998, he purchased and moved to a 105-acre farm on Michigan's Leelanau peninsula and planted 10,660 grapevines to start Longview Winery, creating many great wines that won numerous Best of Class awards. In 2015, Alan sold Longview Winery and is currently making art and enjoying life, with a particular focus on painting over the last two years.
THE TUSEN TAKK CHANNEL: AN ARTIST ENGAGEMENT SERIES
The Tusen Takk Channel is a partnership with Alluvion Arts @ 414 at Commongrounds in downtown Traverse City, MI. The Channel will feature Tusen Takk’s artists-in-residence in rotating exhibitions and in live programs at the Alluvion, all serving to anchor Tusen Takk’s public programming in the region.
Commongrounds is a real estate cooperative cultivating a more empowered community through cooperatively-owned places that connect people and actively integrate wellness, arts, family and food. The pilot project is a four-story mixed-use building at 414 E. Eighth Street, hosting a variety of nonprofit, business, and residential tenants; visual arts programming; and events and activities.
Featured Artist