By Jeff Britton | SDUN Art Critic
Bruno Bosardi is looking to kick off October with a blast of synergy at his new Hillcrest Pilates studio, Body Alchemist. The unique photo mosaics of Adam Lewis Smith’s “Nature ReInvented” studio surround the second floor studio, located at 1253 University Avenue. The beautiful homage to nature makes the perfect setting for Bosardi’s fitness sessions.
Many photographers take intact shots of nature but “Nature ReInvented” attempts to stitch together different photographs to create many patterns that suggest the raucous ways of nature unspoiled. Rick Pyles’ custom framing uses old wood for an eco-friendly backdrop to each of these amazing works of art.
An experienced hiker, Smith has a special appreciation for the textures, light and patterns that nature randomly creates. His technique creates a collage of these patterns from some of America’s most beloved unspoiled parks, along with hidden finds the devoted nature lover happened across. “Nature ReInvented” focuses on our state and national parks and is trying to educate the public through art about what is endangered.
Guests will see a variety of his works, starting with a rather expansive study of the dramatic cliffs and seascape at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Originally commissioned by a Solana Beach socialite whose husband disapproved of the concept, Smith found another client happy to purchase it, but wanted a much larger version. He has since become his biggest patron.
In one composition, from the Hawaiian island of Kauai, luscious flowers opening to the sunlight surround a red center with beautiful green buds on the verge of blossoming. The faces of red devils pop ominously and incongruously from its crimson center.
A huge study of blooming succulents that creates a kaleidoscopic effect dominates one wall and was featured at the 2009 NAACP Spirit Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. It is juxtaposed with a subdued black and white collage of two trees with bare branches near Taos, New Mexico that seem to herald the start of spring.
In one piece, a quilt of lotus blossoms appears in hushed grays and neutral colors, while in another a coyote pokes its head out of a Sierra meadow, its long grasses a sea of earth tones that provide perfect cover for the animal.
Out in the desert a riot of purples and blues alternate with close-ups of the trunk serving as the perfect border on a striking piece, while several agave works seems to convey decorative belts and buckles, especially the Agave Study in Blue & Green. It is on loan to the San Diego Museum of Art.
Another large construction of earth, sea and sky is goGreen Hollywood, centered with the iconic Hollywood sign. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley acquired it for its permanent collection, a tribute to his movie star past.
Steve Noll has produced this grand opening with the aim of exposing Uptown residents to a completely new art form along with a chance to learn about the benefits of Pilates classes and a special offshoot called Gyrotonics, a fitness method that emphasized circular patterns to increase range of motion and strengthen ligaments. They want the public to enjoy this art and fitness alliance on Oct. 1 from 7-11 p.m., where a large crowd is expected to enjoy plenty of food, drink and music by DJ Jerrod Stovern.
For more information: body alchemist—(619) 542-1321 or Nature ReInvented—(858) 866-6869.
