Artist Dan Gordon: "Meditations and Symphonies" at the Watchung Arts Center

“Meditations and Symponies”, an exhibition of paintings by Berkeley Heights artist Dan Gordon will be on display in the Heinz W. Otto Gallery of the Watchung Arts Center during the month of June. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 4 from noon to 4 PM. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

Dan Gordon uses oil paint on hard board to create abstract paintings that often celebrate nature. Many of the works are inspired by the landscape of Northern New Jersey. Mr. Gordon says, “We have beautiful sunsets that reflect off our native trees, right here in Union County. I can see this dramatic light right from my shop windows. I see beautiful sunrises as I drive North on route 287 each morning to teach woodworking and furniture making at Mahwah High School. On my drive home I pass through the incredible Great Swamp. The fall and spring foliage there is truly amazing. The natural light can rival the most beautiful views I see up in Cape Cod, each summer.”

A graduate of Drew University, Mr. Gordon is essentially self-taught in the mediums of inlay/marquetry, paint and carving. Although his parents were not artists, he gives them the credit for giving him the core ingredients to work as an artist. “They gave me a sense of the possibility and joy that can be found in each day. My work is the physical manifestation of the yearning, tenacity and exuberance for life that I felt as a child and feel now as an adult. For me, art really does allow one to express that which cannot always be articulated; a lifelong pursuit for spirit and technical ability, one I embark upon-- with gratitude and dedication--each day.”

The Watchung Arts Center is located on the circle at 18 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ. The Gallery is open Tues.-Fri. noon-5pm and Sat. 10:00am-3:00pm. For more information go to watchungarts.org or call 908 753 0190.

Image titles: 1) She and He 2) Force of Nature 3) Tony’s Woodpile - Sunrise