More than Feathers
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Chris Johnson, better known in the artistic community by the moniker of IceBear, hangs one of his painting Tuesday in preparation for the "More Than Feathers" exhibit that opens Friday at the Jacklin Arts Centre in Post Falls.</p>
POST FALLS - In the cozy confines of the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, world renowned artist IceBear is getting ready to show off pieces of his work to the general public.
"My day has been up and down," IceBear said. "Going up stairs and down stairs to move all the sculptures and paintings into place."
Tonight, the "More than Feathers Contemporary American Art Show" will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The pieces of art will be available to view and purchase until Sept. 9.
More than 50 artists will be showcased at the art show, with many original pieces, as well as re-creations. This year's art show will feature the most original pieces in IceBear's recent memory.
At the "More Than Feathers Art Show," visitors viewing the art will be able to talk to the creators of the pieces and hear the stories behind the painting and the meaning from their point of view.
IceBear said he is influenced by the creations and paintings of Michelangelo, and his own works stem from his visions.
"I have visions, not dreams," IceBear said. "When I see a painting I don't see a pretty picture, there is much more to it than that."
IceBear said he tries to reflect his cultural heritage and mythologies of other cultures into his work. His work reflects his beliefs about the necessity of understanding the natural world, and respecting the Earth.
IceBear has done hundreds of pieces and sculptures, and doesn't necessarily specialize in any form of art.
"Galleries want specialists, and to me art isn't about that," IceBear said. "We do not all go down the same path, and make the same decisions."
IceBear has done everything from painting on canvas, using acrylic, watercolor and oils. He creates sculptures in soapstone, wood and winterstone.
He said one particular piece of his art was the hardest challenge of his life. It was called "the Four Winds" in Victoria Harbor, and it weighed nearly six tons. A chunk broke off and nearly landed on top of IceBear while he was trying to sculpt the piece.
"Some things in life that are the most difficult, in the end tend to be the best things you ever did," IceBear said.
Some of IceBear's work has been featured in four continents, and the Dalai Lama owns a piece of IceBear's work that is held in one of the orphanages he owns.
The "More than Feathers Art Show" and the artist reception is free and is sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort.
Information: 457-8950 or www.thejacklincenter.org