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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Group Show @ Tea Leaf Gallery
Friday 02 May @ 13:12:56 |
 by Valerie Valentine
Zen is a great place to be, if you can find it. Maybe it’s a fleeting state of mind to some; for others it’s a way of life. Inner peace has become an outward expression for Tea Leaf Gallery owner Kelli Fifield, who has carved an out-of-time soul space to share her artful vision with other seekers.
Charcoal drawing by Karla Mirick
The gallery is converted from a grocery store that operated in southeast Minneapolis from 1904 to 1956. After a long vacancy and some serious renovation, the Tea Leaf opened a year ago. It’s a room-collage dedicated to more than just visual art. The centerpiece of the airy space is not so much the paintings and sculptures as it is a palpable feeling of well-being. Local artists come to Fifield to sell their paintings; thus the varied art does not mesh in concept or design. Eastern classical prints mingle with neon sculpture and watercolor realism; quasi-expressionism shares a wall with pastel portraiture.
The seeming randomness does have a theme, however. Fifield focuses on community artists without the opportunity or inclination to work with mainstream galleries, and gives them a chance to exhibit their work. For three months, they can get feedback on their work, and also, hopefully, sell some. Her intention was to create a space where neighbors could meet and share each other’s artistic endeavors.
The highlight of a visit to Tea Leaf, though, undeniably involves a little tea. Health benefits of tea tie directly into one’s state of mind. When your blood pressure lowers, you can more easily relax. Extend your lifespan with a cup of “Precious Eyebrows” while contemplating Jeanne Fish’s “Protector.” The image of a biologically accurate but unnaturally luminescent human heart with a keyhole, bordered by a dangling key, is spiritually grounding. Earthy tones warm the eyes; the simplistic symbolism is familiar to anyone who has known love.
John Oltmann’s horizontal landscapes are oversized abstracts, restfully flowing in neutral palettes. Use of rice paper and traditional sumi ink adds to the space’s Eastern feel. Handcrafted Chinese Yixing teapots are on display as well. The pots, with names like “heart sutra” and “cycle of life” contextualize the shop’s overall vibrations: joy-of-being realized through artful living.
Fifield operates the shop with the understanding that when you come here, “Whatever you think matters, doesn’t.” Slow down here for a stress-free spell; you might even get your tea leaves read, to predict and elicit some positives in your life.
The current exhibit continues through May 18. Tea Leaf Gallery, 1000 26th Ave. SE, Mpls. 612-623-1947.
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