I Will Wait by the River - Benny Sanders

For the month of August, the beautiful art of Benny Sanders filled the Harrison Gallery. Instead of the rich landscapes done in oil, this show features a collection of gorgeous drawings created with charcoal and inks, and the effect of this color scheme and the imagery throughout the show is both subtle and striking.

Doe on a Beach, Willow Charcoal on Canvas, 36” x 36”

When I viewed the work with a dear friend who happens to also be an artist, we definitely had our favorites. The piece called “Doe on the Beach” reminds me of the intentionally blurry images of artists like Gerhart Richter or Phillip Barlow, as if the artist took a snapshot in a rush and captured a moment in time that is made more lovely and poetic because it is out of focus. The drama that Benny is able to create using these materials and the muffled contrasts he employs make for work that creates an emotional impact on the viewer.

The show features a variety of “moonscapes” such as the one that hangs above the hearth in the gallery right now. With only gray scale the artist is able to create a sense of atmospheric perspective that makes the softly glowing image come alive. These dreamy pieces inspire introspection for me, as if by viewing them I can actually go to these quiet places in my mind to find healing solitude.

Full Moon Rising, Willow Charcoal Drawing, 16”x 20”

Rumor has it that Benny made his own charcoal medium and mixed his own inks, which is no small feat of itself. It also makes me feel as if the artist metaphorically poured his heart and soul into this work, giving it the feeling of being highly personal and expressive.

Changing Weather, Willow Charcoal on Canvas, 36” x 36”

Though this show was only on exhibit in August, click here to view and purchase the pieces on our website for the next three months. I encourage you to take a few moments out of your day to meditate on these lovely works from one of the Harrison Center’s favorite artists.