Sidestreet Arts is thrilled to present the show In Form for its July featured show. 

Portland painter Jennifer Kapnek creates luminous paintings with botanical themes. Her paintings, however, move beyond the 2D by using branches to add sculptural dimension. She cleverly extends these branches beyond the painting substrates, but also seamlessly incorporates these natural elements with the surface of each of her paintings. Fig branches, maple branches, and apple branches are some of the trees represented in Ms. Kapnek’s work. Among these branches are lush leaves which are lovingly rendered by Ms. Kapnek. These stunning paintings are sure to be appreciated by all lovers of mother nature.

Portland ceramicist Denise Krueger calls herself a “podmaker.” Her pods are of the sea; they look like they have been plucked from the tidepools of the Oregon coast. Appropriately, Denise titles many of her works with names like: "Juicy Abalone Pod”  and “Turquoise Sea Bloop Pod.” Many collectors of Ms. Krueger’s work report buying her pieces and hanging them on their walls in a swooping design -- as if they had been found swept ashore after a storm. Like many things of the sea, her work is peaceful, beautiful, and might even bring serenity to the viewer’s soul.