Ayn Riehle looked to familiar surroundings to take inspiration for her upcoming show at Bajo el Sol; the water.
A six-by-three-foot triptych of waves cresting is the centerpiece of Riehle’s January show and opening reception on Friday, January 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The initial spark of inspiration was lit about three years ago when Riehle attended an artists’ gathering on the North Shore of St. John, she explained.
“My fascination with waves coming ashore revisited my days spent at sea, absorbed in their ebbing, geometric patterns,” said Riehle.
After growing up in metropolitan New York, Riehle migrated north to Burlington, Vermont where she graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in fine arts.
After raising her two sons and building a career in the art world, a life change introduced the artist to the Caribbean.
“What followed were 14 winters sailing these waters, complimented with summers back on Lake Champlain,” she said. “Five years ago I washed ashore to make St John my permanent home where I have been showing my art at Bajo el Sol.”
It’s no wonder that Riehle was inspired by waves, which initiated numerous water colors before she attended an annual retreat with fellow artists at Small Point, Maine.
“The rolling open water waves, their shoreline interface complete with turbulence and foam, combined to focus the project for me,” said Riehle.
The artist continued to look to the water — both in Maine and on St. John — and this year created the engaging triptych which centers her Bajo show.
“This year the Small Point gathering was the genesis of the acrylic triptych that centers the project,” said Riehle. “Subsequent time on Boatman Point watching waves throwing themselves onto unforgiving rocks yielded larger and more dramatic works that along with the six foot triptych will be featured at my show.”
Don’t miss the chance to checkout Riehel’s acrylics and watercolors focusing on waves at Bajo el Sol in Mongoose Junction. The opening reception for Riehle is on Friday, January 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening will also feature classical guitar by David Laabs.
Riehle’s work will be featured during the month of January at Bajo el Sol, located upstairs at Mongoose. For more information, call the gallery at 693-7070.