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Gentlemen,
let the bidding begin!
The
auction will occur over the weekend at our big dinner. Bid often, and bid $$$'s, no paddle required.
We are
honored to have Jim Toia’s original masterpiece, “Traveler” up for auction.
Besides being one of the most admired classmates, Jim is an accomplished artist, with pieces exhibited in shows nationwide,
and appearing in a number of important collections.
The “Traveler"
was created in 2003. Measures 19" x 28" (framed dimensions 24" x 32")
We already
have an opening bid of $4,000.00 (awesome!)
JT's Bio for download
Jim Toia began producing spore drawings five years ago
and is continually experimenting with the process. The procedure of creating spore drop drawings is one that mycologists
use to help identify individual species of mushrooms. They will take a sample species, put it on a clean sheet of paper
and protect it from all disturbances so that an accurate, uninflected mapping of the mushroom's dropping of the spores is
taken. Toia is not interested in documenting spore patterns, but instead strives to collaborate with nature to
create individual works of art. He encourages interaction between the mushroom, chance, and himself by creating air
currents around the mushroom. He also layers the activities of different species, and moves the mushrooms around to
activate the full surface of the paper. Because the spores themselves are microscopic and therefore impossible to see
until they have landed in quantity on the paper, the artist literally works in the dark with only his prior experience to
guide him. The results are eerily beautiful images that encompass both space and time.
Donna Gustafson
Director of Exhibitions
Hunterdon Art Museum
Clinton, NJ
2000
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