SONIA ROMERO: The Lion's Share, a one-person exhibition, is on view at The Folk Tree gallery from July 12 - August 9, 2008. A reception for the artist is scheduled on Saturday, July 12, from 2 - 6 P.M. Romero is a Pasadena resident, the daughter of noted artists Frank and Nancy Romero, and granddaughter of Frank and Edith Wyle, founders of the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum.
For this exhibition, the artist wanted to create work reflecting the interesting environment of The Folk Tree, which focuses on Mexican folk art, including many wooden animal masks. "My artwork has always been influenced by folk arts from around the world, stemming from my family's extensive collection. I wanted to create a show that addressed this influence, as well as the idea of importing and selling these goods to the public." "All animal images fascinate me, but the giant stone lions of Europe captured my imagination while I lived in Rome in 2001-2002.ÝHistorically, they are a symbol of power and royalty.ÝI like to think of the lions as my ferocious masculine counterpart, a creature to accompany and protect me throughout my artistic journey...And, yes, I'm a Leo." As the viewer leaves The Lion's Share, they will face a souvenir stand created by Romero. She views the souvenir store as part of the American experience and comments,Ý"Ironically, the merchandise sold in these stores is often manufactured on the other side of the world. I wanted to hand craft each and every one of my souvenirs, so that the viewer can really bring away part of the experience." The dynamic creative environment of her youth encouraged Romero to develop her own artistic voice - resulting in a recognizable and ever-evolving body of work incorporating folk art, fables and children's stories, and technical experimentation combining painting and printmaking. Her work often reflects the surrounding world and that within her imagination with the wonder and innocence of a child. Sonia Romero is currently creating art full time and exhibiting widely in Southern California and beyond, including her recent self-titled debut solo show at the Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park. Public works include the Metro Neighborhood Poster Award, and a permanent tile mural installation at MacArthur Park Metro station (in progress). A Los Angeles native, she received her formal education at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, with an emphasis in printmaking. Currently her work focuses on fantasy, environmental and food industry concerns, and her local community. The Folk Tree is located near the heart of Old Pasadena at 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Gallery hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5.Ý For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at 626/793-4828 or The Folk Tree at 626/795-8733. |
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