Talented Twosome
Two
Madison artists earn
Indiana Artisan designation
Phagan,
Bladen join six others
on the prestigious list
Staff
Report
(August 2012) – Paintings by Eric Phagan and
wood art by Ed Bladen, both of Madison, Ind., have been selected to
be part of the Indiana Artisan Brand. Indiana Artisan promotes
fine and handcrafted art as well as value-added foods and wines
made in Indiana.
“My work is a good representation of what Indiana Artisan means,”
said Phagan, who paints in mixed media on paper and canvas. “It
uses the historical aspect of the Indiana scape as subject matter and
gives it a fresh contemporary feel using old ideas and techniques, along
with new materials.”
 |
|
Photos
provided Artisan
Eric Phagan (above) |
|
|
“I like to get a contrast of natural imperfection
in the wood and organized symmetrical lines in the design, what the
Japanese call ‘wabi-sabi,’ to get a combination which pleases
both sides of the brain,” said Bladen. “All of my pieces are
handcrafted from indigenous hardwoods found in southern Indiana using
simple designs with soft lines and fine joinery to create one-of-a-kind
products which combine function and beauty.”
All applicants to Indiana Artisan are juried by a standing panel of
business development, retail, arts, and culinary professionals. Selection
is based on a unique link with Hoosier history or heritage, originality,
quality, price/marketability and technique. The guidelines and
applications, for both artists and value-added food producers, are available
at www.IndianaArtisan.org.
Phagan and Bladen join six other Indiana Artisans from Madison’s
growing art community: Larry Rudolech, Matt Hicks, Clint Bear,
Maryanne Imes, Tami Hagemier, Sandy Palmer and Steve Thomas.
Two new studio/galleries have recently opened in Madison – Eric
Phagan’s Gallery 115 and Geoff Crow’s Studio Crowe in the
Greiner’s Brewery Gallery, Cash for Barley building. Seven
galleries and studios are now located in the historic downtown, along
with 20-plus businesses that feature gallery shows and local art. In
addition, there are 20 plus artists and craftsmen who are open by appointment.
There are artists of all sorts in Madison – confectioners, wine
makers, brewers, and writers along with our fine artists and craftsman.
For the second year, September is Arts Month in Madison. Every
weekend, you can find a selection of art shows/openings, demonstrations,
workshops, music, author readings and performance art. The grand
finale of September Arts Month is Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art,
this year scheduled for Sept. 29-30.