“Abstractions, Contractions, Intersections”

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

A Magical Collaboration Between a Painter (Fran Scorzelli) and a Sculptor (Joan Rosenberg-Dent) will be on view at GraySpace Gallery (219 Gray Ave.) from Sept. 23– Nov. 20.

Rosenberg-Dent and Scorzelli have collaborated in a series of pieces inspired by Santa Barbara’s urban landscape. The driving force behind their collaboration stems from elements of the city as seen through the eyes of two artists working in contrasting media and separate studios.

Each work has been molded by both artists simultaneously, yet independently in each artist’s respective studio. In some instances, individual elements or entire pieces were created in Joan’s studio and then painted in Fran’s. In others, the painting and sculpture were created separately then joined together for completion.

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

Painting/Sculpture collaboration by Joan Rosenberg-Dent and Francis Scorzelli, courtesy photo.

This collaboration began when Joan’s sculpture was placed next to Fran’s painting in a juried show. It was obvious to the artists that there was a connection, as the forms in Joan’s sculptures mimicked the painted shapes on Fran’s canvas. The artists had never before met, yet recognized creative potential as they contemplated this collaboration.

This series opens at GraySpace in Santa Barbara’s’ Funk Zone Arts District, where the entirety of the gallery will be transformed into one of Santa Barbara’s city streets.

An opening reception will be held on Sept. 23 from 5-8 p.m. and the work will remain on view through Nov. 20.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 22, 2016.