Charlotte C. Clark’s photographic works are among the works now on display at Taylor Books Annex in downtown Charleston, W.Va.

After dishing on Vivian Stockman’s photos on mountaintop removal in West Virginia , now on view at the Taylor Books Annex in Charleston, W.Va., Sweet and Sour turn to review two other photographers on display there: Charlotte C. Clark and Sarah Brinegar

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Sweet: “These are two new names in the local art scene to me. Sour, don’t go look at the labels or read the bio info at the table about them. Just looking for the first time, what to do you think of their photographs?”
Sour: “Looks like the work of someone who has just graduated with a B.A. in photography.”

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Sweet: Perusing the bio info: “Uh, you are entirely correct.”
Sour: “I bet they got A’s though. It’s pretty competent work for the freshly graduated.”

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Sweet: “I think it’s rather adorable that they listed their grade point averages (high 3 pts.) in their vitae. Well, I agree they are competent and I look forward to seeing how they progress in further forming their individual artistic voices as they mature. Good luck to them. Nice effort and keep up the good work.”
Sour: “Kudos to Taylor Annex to shopping for new artistic blood.”

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Sweet: “Anything else on display catch your attention, Sour?”
Sour: “There’s some great stuff on display here at the Annex, old, medium and new blood. My favorite “old blood” artist represented here is Rev. Herman Hayes, the highly noted folk sculptor from Hurricane. See, he’s got some new things and some old things on display. He’s a West Virginia National Living Treasure. My favorite “Medium Blood” artist here is Eric Pardue, Milton potter and graduate of the prestigious Alfred University in NY. His pottery is some of the best in the state and has a fresh contemporary form, decoration and feel. This guy deserves more exposure. He’s one of the best WV has in my opinion. New blood would have to be Jamie Miller. She’s really done some great expressive rich work lately. How about you, Sweet?”

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Sweet: ‘I there is a preponderance of excellent art on display at Taylor Annex. Some of the outstanding works to me are Marc Blumenstein’s sculptures (see example at right–click to enlarge). People always refer to them as “whimsical” (which they are) but they are also solid and really inventively put together. His stuff has been consistently great for years.

The stuff from the Kentucky Folk Artists is outstanding. And of course, Blenko is internationally renowned with good cause. Katherine Cox’s drawings are a wonderful mix of economy of method and expressive statement. This series of hers I’ve always found outstanding. Charley Hamilton has a new one, titled something to the effect of James Brown playing with Steve Himes and group at
Taylor Books in January 2007. It’s one of his best efforts. Somebody I’d like to find more about this Bozena Plucin of Poland via Morgantown. Taylor has displayed examples for years and it always has innovative form and a completely individual style.

The huge abstract free form canvases of Paula Clendenin’s in the coffee area are always monumental and a reminder of her excellent installation at Sunrise in the ’90s. Perhaps the best piece on display in Taylors of all time is David Riffle’s 3-D painting of the Mystery Hole in the coffee area. Maybe even one of the best pieces of art ever created in WV.”

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