Join us for a talk by Doris Betz in the gallery at BKMW, Sunday Sept. 17, 3 pm.
Betz is traveling to the US from Germany for her solo exhibition A Fine Line, comprised of jewelry and drawings, at Gallery Loupe.
Betz’s organic oeuvre is informed by vegetation – flowers, fruits, plants, and pods. Clusters of tiny blackened silver, quartz or ceramic beads recall seeds in several of her elongated pendants; small buds festoon a necklace of tombac, silver, and gold. Moths and butterflies appear to have flown onto stick pins, their wings formed from cast off bits of silver that Betz had formerly rejected but infused with new life by squeezing them through a press.
Billowing lines underpin all of Betz’s work. Whether derived from hanging tendrils, interlacing foliage or undulating scrolls, the graceful rhythm of the arabesque permeates all she makes. Her jewelry may, in fact, be viewed as drawings rendered in three dimensions – lines forged from thin wire or narrow ribbons of silver – often chemically patinated or colored with lacquer. Minute metal spirals form loops, nests, and knots that result in curvilinear bracelets and necklaces; calligraphic twists of silver form rings. Though they possess a strong theoretical foundation, Betz’s jewels, nonetheless, adorn the body with élan.
A FINE LINE: Doris Betz can be viewed at Gallery Loupe, 50 Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey from September 16 – October 14, 2017. An Artist’s reception will be held on Sat. Sept. 16, 6-8pm.