For Artists in “Continuum,” It’S Who They Know

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“Lambertville Flea Market,” oil on linen, by Glenn Harren

Sunday LifeFebruary 23, 2014 D

For artists in “Continuum,” it’s who they know — and what they know.

By GWEN SHRIFT Staff Writer hree years ago, the New Hope Arts Center Tlaunched “Con- tinuum,” an annual invi- tational exhibit in which established artists bring in newer names whose work they support. In past years, artists have exhibited intellectual connections — and at least one blood relationship. This year’s show, which runs through March 2, includes all kinds of artistic kinships. In a tribute to network- ing at its best, Jay Eisenberg introduced Lauren Rudolph, whom he taught as a child. Glenn Harren and Merle Citron have known Heather “Resilience II,” oil on carved Petrosky and Jennifer Finch, wood, by Robert Noonan respectively, since the latter were (above), “Revolution” by kids. Joy Kreves is the mother of Ivia Sky Yavelow. Robert Hansen (right) and What matters most is the breadth and quality of “Desensitization,” mixed the exhibition the connections produced, as well as media, by Susan Moloney individual accomplishment recognized by the show’s (below) organizers. Stacie Speer Scott, for instance, had a remark- In any case, Noonan’s technique able year in 2013, producing works such as “To the produces amazing works such as Etruscan Mound,” a collage-painting on canvas depicting an abstract landscape. “Resilience II,” a study of smoothly The artist, and viewer, seem to fly to the heart of something great; the mood is angular jagged edges overlaid with anticipatory. textural brushstrokes. In “Etruscan,” Scott’s composi- Eisenberg, represented here by tion and technique mesmerizes the several delicate portraits of musicians eye into a slow recognition of an with their instruments, shares sub- earthy yet ethereal human form. ject matter with Rudolph, his former Her works in this exhibit signal student. In “Continuum,” she exhib- an ever-deeper, more-dimen- its spirited and mystical pictures of sional and inviting turn in her women; Eisenberg also offers a surreal oeuvre. self-portrait entitled “The Self-Fulfilling I’m familiar with the Prophecy.” dynamic abstracts painted As previously mentioned, Citron knew by Robert Hansen, and Finch as a child. Their careers developed in grateful for the introduc- different directions, but in at least one case tion to the three-dimensional works here, they take similar whimsical tangents. of Robert Noonan, whose pieces defy easy Among Citron’s works on view is a won- categorization. derfully painted still life with a tongue-in- Are they sculptures that you hang on a cheek title: “Onions at Twilight.” Nearby is wall? Installations in the form of paintings? Finch’s “Hello Nellie,” which captures an exuberant canine personal- ity in the form of a leaping, longhaired dachshund. It’s one of several dog portraits distinguished by the painter’s sensitivity to each animal, “Beautiful Dreamer” by Lauren Rudolph See Continuum, Page D3

This path to happiness is paved with pleasures, large and small I once heard a wise and spunky we shifted our focus from meeting the sumptuous meals that sur- woman say flirting is the art of the needs and expectations of oth- prised us at restaurants we stum- enjoying one’s self in the ers to exploring, among bled into to the men who engaged presence of another. other things, what brings us in conversation everywhere we Now I’m no expert in Naila us joy and fulfillment. went, we wove a spell simply by the art of the coquette, Francis Luxuriating in a bath or being ourselves. T and I, along but those words have nap or any other type of with two of her friends, had dived always stuck with me. pampering, playing and into this adventure, making plans We don’t flirt to get dancing to our favorite and arranging logistics with little something — atten- music, savoring the con- guarantee of how anything would tion, acknowledgment nections in our intimate work out. Even committing to the or any other goal — but relationships, giving into event seemed a bold, and poten- to savor the pleasure those urges that seem tially risky, step. of being fully alive and too daring or fanciful — But almost every moment fully ourselves. And in Life in we were encouraged to unfolded with exhilarating ease. the moment, we revel in LaLa Land pursue anything, big or And while we certainly weren’t how much fun that is. small, that would bring looking to attract male attention, The truth of those more pleasure into our words was recently affirmed lives. And in tuning into those what we experienced over and for me when my friend T and I desires, we unleashed an infectious over was the alluring appeal of spent a weekend in New York at brand of magic. our joy. The taxi driver who chat- ted us up as he ferried us to day an event geared toward celebrat- From the cab driver who cut My friends — (clockwise, from right) T, Kristy, Thomasa — and I were ing the beauty, sisterhood and across the city to return T’s phone two of our event and appeared amused by all the attention we received along every step of our New power of women. For two days, when she realized she’d lost it to See lala, Page D3 York adventure without even seeking it. Life Sunday, February 23, 2014 the intelligencer Bucks county courier times D3

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘3 DAYS TO KILL’

“Etruscan,” a mixed media work by Stacie Speer Scott Continuum

Continued from Page D1 as well as energetic background colors such as coral, golden yellow and sky blue. “Continuum” also contains work by Harren in the best Pennsylvania Impressionist tradition — a snow scene, “Pine Run Road,” redeems recent winter weather all on its own. His “Lambertville Flea Market” is set on a sunny day, showing people browsing among used picture frames and old chairs. It’s a definitive ren- dering scene of a landmark that should be a magnet for painters, if it isn’t already. Harren brought in Petrosky, whose works could not be more different than Harren’s poetic representation- Kevin Costner stars as a CIA assassin in “3 Days to Kill,” a race-against-the-clock adventure from director McG. alism. Petrosky’s lively abstracts include “Big City,” a composition executed in a candy-colored, folk-art sensibility. Artists, by nature, take ideas and forms to new levels in their work at large, as well as in individual This action thriller travels a tired track expressions. So by working backward, this critic divines Kreves narrative convenience: one last The film and its makers seen enam- is a highly accomplished potter who stretched that Grade: C mission. ored of the violence that’s never more boundary to devise extremely detailed installations, Starring: Kevin Costner, Amber He has been assigned to hunt down than a moment or two away. Which and Susan Moloney is a talented painter with a knack Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie a ruthless terrorist while looking after is why the film registers as a glorified for three-dimensional shadowbox compositions. Nielsen, Tomas Lemarquis and his daughter — by himself because his shoot-’em-up, punctuated by equally Kreves incorporated numerous elements, includ- Richard Sammel; directed by McG wife is out of town — for the first time obligatory incendiary explosions. ing scent, into “Craving Nature,” which takes the form Running time: 113 minutes in a decade. Costner, who handles the fight of table settings of moss, twigs, faux rocks and other Parental guide: PG-13 (intense What Renner wants at this stage scenes quite well, is in the midst of objects in what the artist calls “a feast of non-edible sequences of violence and action, of his life, as he nears retirement, is what certainly feels like a second-act nourishment.” some sensuality and language) more of an active relationship with comeback that aspires to but falls short Yavelow, Kreves’ daughter and the youngest artist his estranged wife (Connie Nielsen) of what might be called the Matthew in the exhibit, explores McConaughey maneuver — which, in By BILL WINE and teenage daughter Zoey (Hailee space, form and ten- Correspondent Steinfeld), whom he has more or less the latter’s case, involves quality proj- sion in a series of works ects that are artistically embraced. If only Ethan Renner was as skilled protected over the years by keeping his wrapped, cocoon-like, in distance. But it can be said that although thread and string. at handling family business as he is at the killing business. But that distance has robbed him of Costner hasn’t quite reinvented his Moloney offers sev- a relationship with his child — one he cinematic self, he has put his star is eral works, the most But, oh, the life of a CIA agent. “3 Days to Kill” is a shallow action obviously wishes he had — and with back in play. This lead role comes vivid of them the mixed- thriller with an uneasy mix of brutal his wife, as well. on the heels of a couple of effective media “Desensitiza- fight sequences and sentimental fam- His latest issue is the medicine he’s supporting performances in “Man tion,” which references ily-reunion scenes. taking causes hallucinations at criti- of Steel” and “Jack Ryan: Shadow King Kong against a Kevin Costner stars as Renner, a cal times that do not exactly make his Recruit.” background of repeti- killing machine of an agent who has work any easier, to say the least. And Costner’s track record travels tions of the phrase “after The one-final-mission thrust — with him: This is, after all, the star of repeated exposure, your long since given up trying to juggle family and work. Once he determined which is so tired, it should be banned “Dances with Wolves,” “JFK,” “The emotional response will from screenplays for a few years — Untouchables,” “Bull Durham,” “The diminish.” it was impossible, he simply gave up. Eventually, he left his wife and daugh- gives the film a been-there-done-that Bodyguard” and “Field of Dreams,” Moloney’s work, tiredness early on that it occasionally just to name a few. however, has the oppo- ter, for which they still resent him bitterly. rises above. But not enough. And his comfort and presence in site effect, as does The director, McG (“This Means the lead role remains obvious and the annual return of Then the trained assassin finds out he has a terminal disease and only War,” “Terminator Salvation,” “We effective. “Continuum.” Expect to see a lot of him as he’s got months to live. Are Marshall,” “Charlie’s Angels”) — The New Hope Arts a number of high-profile films in the He is offered an experimental drug whose real name is Joseph McGinty Center is on the second can: five in 2014 alone. that could save his life by a mysterious Nichol — with his pause-giving floor at 2 Stockton Ave. But that’s later. résumé, works from a script by Luc Information: 215-862- operative (Amber Heard), who seems For now, “3 Days to Kill” offers a Besson (who co-wrote “Taken,” which 9606; NewHopeArts.org. to be from another planet, keeps turn- daze of kills to those with two hours to ing up, and with whom he has a hellish this resembles in outline) and Adi kill. “Hello Nellie,” Gwen Shrift is a feature writer at relationship. Hasak based on a story by Besson. Calkins Media. Phone: 215-949- Bill Wine is a ﬁlm critic for KYW Newsradio. His acrylic and oil on masonite, 4204. Email: gshrift@calkins. But in exchange for this medical McG takes an almost sadistic reviews can be read at cbsphilly.com/movies or by Jennifer Finch com. help, he must agree to that overused delight in the fisticuffs and gunplay. heard two, three and four times a day on 1060AM.

disappointing and frustrating the entire process can be, I want to turn LaLa and walk away. Perhaps that’s been Continued from Page D1 their experience and I don’t want to discount that. But I’d rather not be reluctant to have us leave his cab; the daunted by their attitudes and beliefs. waiters at our restaurant in Little Italy I don’t expect dating to be a chore who were so solicitous to please and or a challenge, nor do I subscribe lingered at our table, laughing and to the notion a good man is hard to bantering with us — especially amus- find. If anything, my work as a wed- ing was the one who saluted my hearty ding officiant has proven otherwise. appetite with a high five and an enthu- Every time I’m with a couple who siastic “Now that’s the kind of woman shares how they met — so often in I love”; the men on the train ride a moment neither expected — and home who injected themselves into am gifted with a glimpse of the ways our conversations, eager to share in love has blessed and expanded their our giddy, good humor: We did noth- lives, I am reassured this is no elusive ing to invite their interest. fantasy. Instead, the more immersed we Even the relationship I’ve just were in our own fun and pleasure, the ended serves as a reminder of the deep more irresistible we became. and satisfying love it’s possible to find I needed that reminder — and not when we give up the hungry, arduous because I’m ready to date. Having search and commit, instead, to pursu- just ended a long-term relationship, ing what lights us up. For he would romance is the last thing on my mind. often say it was how happy I looked What I do need is time to heal. Then, dancing in my own world the night we when the days no longer begin and met that drew him to my side. end and string together with thoughts I will grieve the loss of that partner- ship, and I know there will be days TM of him and us, the possibility of any- ©LITTLESTAR one else stepping into that space won’t where sadness and longing are my seem so unfathomable. only companions. But I will also be But what I took from all those open to the magic life bestows and the moments is when I am ready, mov- joy that is a natural compass for steer- FEBRUARY 25–MARCH 2 ing on won’t have to be a struggle. ing me onward. Sometimes it feels like ACADEMY OF MUSIC Well-meaning friends have tried to the only true armor against a world, buoy my spirits with all kinds of sup- cruel and chaotic and bent on convinc- KIMMELCENTER.ORG/BROADWAY • 215.731.3333 port in recent weeks, but when some ing us we’d do better to settle for less. of them tell me how difficult it will Life in LaLa Land appears every other Sunday in be to start dating again, how hard it the Life section. Naila Francis is a feature writer Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively at Calkins Media. Phone: 215-345-3149. Email: by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and is to find someone decent and how [email protected]. Twitter: @Naila_Francis. The Shubert Organization.