​“Immersion”

Artist’s Reception, Friday, July 21, 5-8 pm
July 21- August 14, 2017
 
 
Immersion
by Leti Wesolowski, contributor
 
 
Dan and Kathleen Krucoff, a husband and wife duo, are Commonwheel’s guest artists for the month of July. Dan is a photographer and Kathleen is a metalsmith and jeweler. They have longed to do a joint show featuring both their artwork.
 
Dan came up with the idea for “Immersion” to allow them to relay their love of the water-infused sights in Colorado and other areas they have visited through their respective media.
 
For this show Dan’s work consists of digital landscape photography with water as a central theme. From drops on leaves to ocean vistas, along with roaring waterfalls to still pools, he explores water in its natural forms. His goal is to leave the viewer with the feeling of being in these remarkable, inspiring places. He is focusing primarily on areas around the Pikes Peak region, but is also including subjects from other parts of the state and country.
 
As Kathleen began to develop new works for this show, she sought and found stones that represent water to her. Some pieces incorporate lush green Ocean Jaspers with emerald and gold accents that remind her of ocean waves. Other stones such as Leland Blue or Larimar evoke images of ponds and tranquil lakes. Kathleen has employed a variety of metalsmithing techniques such as Chasing and Repoussé to create seashells, and texturing to create sandy backgrounds in her works.
 
Celebrate with the artists at our opening reception on Friday July 21 at our Creekside Gallery from 5 to 8 pm, as part of the Manitou Springs ArtWalk.
 
This show will be on display and for sale until August 14.
 
 
 
 
 
When Kathleen and Dan were discussing the possibility of doing a joint show, the theme “Immersion” came from him. He thought that both of them could create art work representing water elements. For Dan, it was a great opportunity to share his digital photography and work in partnership with his wife. For Kathleen, an opportunity to incorporate to her work stones that signified water to her and enhance their natural
beauty.

Dan, How did you get interested in photography?

I started in photography in my teens. I was inspired by my mother and her father, who both were interested in photography as well. In addition, my father’s love of the outdoors and wilderness helped push me towards landscapes.
 
What does making art mean to you?​

Making art for me is about sharing a part of my life with others. Whether it is faraway places that I visit or just sharing the experience of something close by and familiar, it is always a small piece of myself that I have the benefit of showing.

"Bear Lake" by Dan Krucoff

"Cub Lake" by Dan Krucoff

What has inspired your artwork for this show?​

As a landscape photographer inspiration is all around me. I always see it that God has done all the hard work and I get the privilege of getting to bring that to others. The water theme of this show ties into this, not only as a subject itself, but also as one of the primary forces that shape the landscapes around us.

"Helen Hunt Falls" by Dan Krucoff

"Rampart Reservoir" by Dan Krucoff

What intentions or emotions do you want to express in your artwork?

The intent of “Immersion” for me is to both use water as a focal point of each image and to communicate the feeling of being there. The power and sound that come from a waterfall, or the sense of scale from looking out at the ocean, or the quiet solitude in a still reflective pool, all elicit different feelings to the viewer.​

 
What is your favorite piece at this show and why?

My favorite piece is “Garden of the Gods Reflection”. It is my favorite because it shows how you can always find something new in locations you have been many times before. It was a bit off the beaten path and it was just so peaceful that morning with the refection of the rock formations in the pool of water from rain the night before. This image was done using the technique of High Dynamic Range (HDR). This is where multiple photos are taken at different exposures and combined to be able to show the darkest and lightest parts of the scene in all their detail.

"Garden of the Gods Reflection" by Dan Krucoff

Dan Krucoff at work

"Alberta Falls" by Dan Krucoff

What is your proudest achievement as a photographer?​

I consider my proudest achievement as an artist to be anytime someone decides to make one of my photos a part of their home.

"Saint Vrain Cascade" by Dan Krucoff

"Coquille River Lighthouse" by Dan Krucoff

Where else can we find your artwork?
 
Currently you can see more of my work on my website: www.sufferingfomexposure.com and on my Facebook page: facebook.com/sufferingfromexposure
 


 
Kathleen, tell us about yourself.
 
I’ve always been involved creating art. I dabbled with oil painting and fell in love with doing stained glass. Then, in 2007, I started to experiment with fused glass. I would wire wrap the glass cabochons I made. Through those pieces, I met a metalsmith who said she could take my work to the next level. In 2008, I took lessons from her and things just sort of grew from that.
It’s important to me to continue to learn and grow as an artist. Living where I do, I have had the good fortune to take a number of workshops from masters in their field, which has helped my work to improve.
 

What does making art mean to you?

Being an artist is an essential part of who I am. It is as important to my life as breathing is. I am able to express myself through my work. I have always loved working with my hands; metalwork provides some of the fulfillment I seek in my life.

Pendant with Turquoise by Kathleen Krucoff

Earrings with Amethyst by Kathleen Krucoff

Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff

Where does your inspiration comes from?
My work is very organic because I am heavily influenced by nature. My dad did landscape work so he would take me with him on some of his jobs. I learned an appreciation for plants and trees by observing his care of them. He would explain their importance and I think that instilled a lot of my love for the unique beauty I find in leaves, bark, anything organic.
 
Are you exploring a new theme for this show?
Yes, I definitely explored a new theme for this show. Initially I thought the bulk of my work would be in Chasing & Repoussé. However, I discovered that I could use stones like fossilized coral and sand dollars, among others to convey meaning. I decided to add little touches of gold and faceted gemstones to emphasize the beauty of the natural stones. I even created some new earrings that signify waves to me. They are lightweight and sort of shimmer like water in the light.

Fossilized coral cuff by Kathleen Krucoff

Sea Trails with Emeralds by Kathleen Krucoff

Ocean Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff

​What intentions or thoughts do you want to express in your jewelry?
The goal with any of my pieces is to create something as unique as the wearer. Just as no two leaves are alike, neither are any two of my pieces. I strive to create one of a kind, wearable art.
A little bit of me is embedded into each of my works. I tend to make each piece as if it was meant for me… I work to ‘listen’ to a stone so I am guided to create (what) is destined to become.
 
What is your favorite piece at this show and why?
It’s hard to pick just one. I have to say the turquoise pendant that I call “Ocean Blue” is my favorite. It blends all the elements that came together as I worked on the pieces for “Immersion.” Tranquil light blue in the turquoise, a flush set Sapphire and then gold accents. This one even has a gold bezel around that luscious turquoise. Rich, sand like texture reminds me of a day at the ocean.

Kathleen’s favorite by Kathleen Krucoff

Pariba topaz gold earrings by Kathleen Krucoff

Sunrise Jasper Pendant by Kathleen Krucoff

What’s next for you?

I have tentative plans to go to Florence, Italy next year and take another Chasing & Repoussé workshop from the Italian Master Fabrizio Acquafresca. That would be a dream come true.

One of the many things my preparations for the exhibit taught me was to be prepared for change. I am so grateful to see the growth in my work and as an artist. It has been wonderful to collaborate with my husband Dan as he is one of my biggest fans and supporters. I feel very blessed.
 

Where else can we find your artwork?

My work is carried at Boulder Arts and Crafts in Boulder, CO and also at Luma at the Broadmoor here in Colorado Springs.

My website: http://www.kathleenkrucoff.com
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenKrucoffArtJewelry/
And my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenkrucoff/
 
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