TWO ROADS GALLERY
a hybrid gallery of contemporary art
4348 Tujunga Avenue
Studio City, CA 91604
ph: 818.762.2282
alt: 310.773.1585
director
Press
Valley artist celebrates Black History Month at Two Roads Gallery
(published in The Sun papers,
March 7, 2008)
BY MELANIE SAXE
Guests gathered for a cozy reception February 10 to celebrate the latest exhibit at Two Roads Gallery, “Ruminations: The fine art of Toni Scott.”
In honor of Black History Month, Scott’s collection of abstract paintings captures the beauty of African and Native American cultures, and features many pieces now on display for the first time.
Sophia Lee, curator and director of the gallery, said this was the first solo exhibit Two Roads has hosted since its grand opening in November.
Warm, vibrant colors and captivating faces comprise Scott’s work. Her larger paintings make viewers step back to appreciate the grandeur of her forms.
A more intimate look reveals Scott’s ability to depict the human form in all its strength and fragility, while allowing each subject’s spirit to shine through.
She employs a free form method of painting, without having any preconceived ideas of what she will produce.
Each piece, such as “Life in Transition,” takes viewers on a colorful journey through life’s struggles and desires.
“They are my abstract reflections of my day-to-day interactions with people,” said Scott.
The Ruminations collection includes paintings from as far back as 15 years ago, as well as pieces finished just last year.
Despite gaps in time between some of her works, faces continue to be a recurring image throughout the years, said Scott.
The artist explores her subjects through a variety of media, including sculpture, photography and digital design.
Many of her sculptures are life-size, including a bronze statue of a Nubian Eve. Scott hopes her idea to create a 99-member army of the Eve statue will be funded through a grant.
Her insightful study of history and culture provides a glimpse into her own appreciation for the beauty of both the human body and the face.
Scott resides in Chatsworth, where she works out of her home studio.
Ruminations: The fine art of Toni Scott. Two Roads Gallery, 4348 Tujunga Ave. Studio City. (818) 762-2272.
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Two Roads Gallery opens with vivid, abstract show
(published in The Sherman Oaks Sun, Studio City Sun and Encino Sun papers, November 16, 2007)
BY ANDRES CRUZALEGUI
The stage of the Two Roads Theatre in Studio City was devoid of actors the night of November 4 – most of the seats in the house were empty and unclaimed. Still, spectators packed the quaint theatre nestled within the trendy Tujunga Village neighborhood.
They came for a glimpse of another art form: abstract paintings.
In what is perhaps best described as a marriage of the arts, theatre owner Rick Shaw has converted the once sparse lobby of the Two Roads into a small yet elegant art gallery equipped with track lighting and glacial white walls.
The new gallery celebrated its grand opening by kicking off its “Transcending Transitions” exhibit, a diverse collection of abstracts created by artists Robert Reece, Edward Wilcox and Sophia Louisa Lee (also a contributing writer for this publication).
“All of the work is so different,” said Lee. “But in a way, it’s still cohesive.”
Lee, the show’s curator and director of the Two Roads Gallery, teamed up with Shaw to create the gallery. The renovation took about three months to complete.
“The title of the show is so appropriate,” said Lee. “This project has really been a transition.”
As spectators enter the gallery, they are greeted by an eclectic mix of abstracts. Lee’s vibrant work of blended hues radiates a densely atmospheric quality saturated with emotion, while Reece’s entropic compositions employ a combination of geometric constraint and organic unpredictability.
“There’s a common thread in my work,” said Reece. “There’s an order of geometry in a lot of the pieces, but there are also elements of randomness and chaos.” Reece said his work is primarily inspired by life’s chaotic nature and uncertainty.
The exhibit also features the contemporary figurative works of Edward Wilcox, whose dark and mysterious pieces exude an almost gothic feel. Wilcox was awarded “Best in Show” in 1999 at the Northern National Art Competition at the LRC Gallery at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
The exhibit extends into the theatre house, where smaller pieces are displayed along the stage. To honor Black History Month, the gallery will feature the work of local artist Toni Scott, whose art vividly captures African and European cultural traditions.
Established in 1988, Two Roads Theatre is known for its productions of original musicals and plays, housing only 55 seats for a close and intimate experience. Located on Tujunga Avenue between Moorpark Street and Ventura Boulevard, the theatre neighbors the trendy boutiques and cafés that comprise Tujunga Village.
“The show’s location couldn’t be more perfect,” said Reece. “There is a wide range of generations here. It truly is a great neighborhood.”
All work is available for purchase and will be on display through January 6. Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. (818) 762-2272.
Political Ruminations, Toni Scott,
Opening night, Ruminations: The Fine Art of Toni Scott
The Journey, Sophia Louisa Lee, 2007
Travels, Robert Reece, 2007
Red Legs, Edward Walton Wilcox, 2007
ph: 818.762.2282
alt: 310.773.1585
director
