On view March 20–April 11, 2019

Inspiration can be an elusive muse for an artist, and is often seen as pitted against hard work. When both are combined we are witness to the stunning results of human output. This exhibition presents the skill and gift behind two artists’ work in two separate genres: sculpture and painting.

In Michael Obermeyer’s work we see captured landscapes. A plein air artist (painting outdoors), Michael travels to locations and searches for the perfect composition, lighting, and feel. Because he paints outside, it is a fight against time as the light can quickly change and the scene will be different. He describes it as, “paint like your hair’s on fire.” He often presents framed views in his work; the perfect angle to view a scene through tree leaves, branches, buildings, or a coastline.

Christopher Slatoff is a sculpture artist who creates monumental works. On display you can see original small clay figures he used to begin his works, and how they evolved into larger bronze and plaster pieces, sometimes years later. Subtle things have changed, but all with significance. His piece “The Illustrated Man,” developed through a long and close friendship with the author Ray Bradbury, and their conversations inspired the creation and design of the work. Other pieces to see include a series of steps in the process that led to the famed “Hecuba” sculpture on USC’s campus.

This exhibition was created to coincide with The Representational Art Conference (TRAC2019), a California Lutheran University Arts Initiative.