“Alma’s Buoy”
By Ken Hill

• The quality of the water in this painting is so interesting, appearing like a veil at first glance, then like concrete or marble. The quality of the light also brings to mind that elation one experiences when moving fast can feel like standing still, whether in a boat, car, or riding a bicycle. 

   –    Claudia Paraschiv, Salem Public Artist in Residence

“Native Sun at Home”  
By David Jaramillo

• The composition showcases the beauty of each material as an individual element, and as part of the whole. The strength of the wood shown through its lacy quality and also the form of the triangle – the most stable shape. The shell, a circle at the center. The leather to tie the corners just enough. The chosen materials juxtapose textures in a thoughtful way that is not over-wrought. Together, the dialogue between these materials speaks to a deep history.

   –    Claudia Paraschiv, Salem Public Artist in Residence

“Pixie Starflower 1”
By Jessica Murdock  

• I love the human form’s unique ability to communicate through the language of human gesture. This piece is a classic pose seen here through new eyes. The child’s pose, showing the back and leaving the subject vulnerable as the fingers and toes trail off, and merge with the implied ground, show a compelling fragility, openness, and stillness.

   –    Claudia Paraschiv, Salem Public Artist in Residence

“Sunrise in Mallorca”

By Francois-Xavier De Costerd

• The palm tree against an ambivalent urban-nature reminded me of my home in Los Angeles. Sometimes there too, in early June mornings, the clouds come down to the ground. This great composition helps me feel the weight of this place, the heaviness of light mixed with clouds, while the spunky palm tree looks on.

   –    Claudia Paraschiv, Salem Public Artist in Residence