Local Art Seen: Kathryn Lenz Breathes New Life Into Milton's Hell

During the month of April Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library is hosting an interesting set of events with historical roots in John Milton and William Blake, along with a series of paintings by local artist Kathryn Lenz. The exhibition and lecture theme is Milton's Hell: A Prequel to Genesis. Though the opening reception was April 3, there are a pair of events coming later this week with info set at the end of this blog post.

"Flight through Chaos"

In addition to Lenz' paintings there are twelve 8.5"x11" prints of William Blake's so-called Butts Set of Paradise Lost illustrations along one of the walls inside Karpeles. Blake illustrated Paradise Lost three times and the sets are referred to as the Thomas Set (published in 1807), the Butts Set (published in 1808) and the Linnell Set (published in 1822).

Ms. Lenz has also shared prints of five photos she took of plates in the 1762 Howard's edition of the St. James Bible housed in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Ramseyer-Northern Bible Society Museum Collection. These prints are displayed courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, Kathryn A. Martin Library, University of Minnesota Duluth. They serve both as a reference for the artist's Milton paintings (because Milton drew from the Bible) and as examples, along with the Blake prints, of English art work produced about 100 years after "Paradise Lost" was first published. It's not inconceivable that Milton's work influenced the artists who made these Bible images.

Kathryn Lenz's paintings are evocative, and at times surprisingly complex. For those unable to make the visit to Karpeles during the next few weeks I'm sharing  few select images here, somewhat weaker in impact than what you will find in person.

"The Ptolemaic Universe"

EN: What was it that prompted you to become so involved in Milton's work?

Kathryn Lenz: The project began as an opportunity to collaborate with my sister Karmen Lenz, an English Professor at Middle Georgia State University. Paradise Lost is heavy reading, but conversing with Karmen about various passages made it easier to digest. Additionally, although I've read through the whole work, my studies have mostly focused on only the first two of the twelve books. The work is full of imagery, and I found myself taking notes and making sketches as I read. Several famous artists have illustrated Paradise Lost, most notably William Blake and Gustave Doré, and their illustrations also inspired me. I enjoyed tracking down images on the web of pagan gods mentioned in the epic as well as European artwork that could have influenced Milton's imagination. It seemed that the more I worked on the project the more I was drawn in by both the epic and the images of famous works of art.

EN: How did you choose which passages to illustrate?

Detail from "Pandemonium"... an experession
of futility. Nothing brings satisfaction

KL: I chose passages to illustrate based primarily on their appeal and secondarily on whether or not images of those passages by other artists were available. For example, I did not illustrate Satan holding a council with his top advisors in their palace in Pandemonium because I was satisfied with the John Martin and Gustave Doré depictions of this scene (see attached images).

EN: You mention the influence of Hieronymus Bosch to some extent. What other artists influenced this series of works?

KL: Famous visual artists who I think influenced this series of works include Hieronymus Bosch, John Martin, William Blake, Gustave Doré, Salvador Dali, M.C. Escher, René Magritte, Georgia O’Keefe, Arthur Dove, Odilon Redon, and the cartoonist Gary Larson. I'm sure that this is not an exhaustive list.

EN: What kind of reaction have you had from those who have come to see the exhibition?

KL: Thankfully, anyone who had a bad reaction to this show has kept it to themselves as far as I know. Reactions that people have expressed to me have varied from "great show!" to "What an imagination!" to "I'm impressed with how much work you put into this!" to "I don't understand your paintings and I was confused by the video, too." But let me add that the person who expressed confusion then went on to discuss Milton's perspective on the concept of free will, and that was a great reaction to the show.

"Flight to Earth"

"Satan Presiding at the Infernal Council" by John Martin.

Gustave Dore's interpretation of the scene depicted above. 

* * * * 

Peter Spooner will be giving a talk at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Kevin A. Quamby's talk will be on Friday, also at 7:00.

Noteworthy Trivia

On this day in 1452 Leonardo da Vinci was born.

His father was unable to attend the birth because

he was too busy trying to finish his taxes.

Meantime life goes on...

April Arts Happenings -- Spring Is Definitely in the Air

It's April in the Twin Ports and a lot of art is already flowering. Even though it's snowing today, we know from experience there are sunnier days coming. Big events and small are cited here. In a separate post I will try to list a all the galleries and restaurants where you can see art by locals. So much is out there that I doubt anyone has a comprehensive calendar of events or list of spaces and places, but a good starting point will be the Gallery Hop later this month.

FWIW the Tweed has a website that lists current and upcoming exhibitions. Also, here is a page that shows the Duluth Art Institute has some new exhibitions, including a special show in conjunction with Homegrown. Most of the rest of what you find here is provided courtesy Esther Piszczek, Zentagle-inspired and officially sanctioned local Zentangle® artist.

* * * *

Thursdays Thru Memorial Day Week, 6-9 p.m. 

Magnolia Salon with nature photographer Dudley Edmondson.
Oldenburg House, 604 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton
-->Last night nature photographer Dudley Edmondson discussed his new project "Document Spring," a collaboration with area high school students to capture the annual rebirth of beauty at Jay Cooke State Park, the Munger Trail and the Oldenburg House. Magnolia Salon is an evening of drinks, light food fare and entertainment ranging from speakers to artists, musicians and beyond. Inspired by the Salon gatherings in the home of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas. (The French word "Salon" means "living room" in English.)

Upcoming gatherings include Poco Baroquo (April 12), Cynthia Lapp (April 19), WoodBlind (April 26) and Tom Rauschenfels (May 3). Big shout-out to Emily, Glenn and Yvette for creating these events.

Friday, April 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Zentangle® as a Contemplative Practice, Center for Spirituality & Enrichment, St. Scholastica Monastery, 1001 Kenwood Avenue
A note from Esther Piszczek: -->Join us for a retreat where 'art meets meditation'. Anyone can create beautiful, intricate line patterns 'one stroke at a time' using the Zentangle method. Various centering techniques will be taught throughout the day to help us enter a quiet, creative space. By the end of the day, you will have spent time in meditation and learned multiple patterns. No previous drawing experience necessary. Facilitated by Esther Piszczek, CZT, and Rev. Cindy Peterson-Wlosinski, an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, and retreat leader. Cost: $70 (includes snacks, beverages, and take-home materials. Please bring your own lunch. There are still seats available in this class!

Friday, April 6, 6-8 p.m.
Arts for Activism, UMD Kirby Ballroom, 1120 Kirby Drive
"Minnesota Public Interest Research Group" is hosting Arts for Activism at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Artists from the community and the University of Minnesota-Duluth show-off their artwork 'that is inspired by an issue that is affecting our society.' Art of all mediums, spoken word and song submissions will be presented. Donated pieces are available for sale at the event. Any proceeds raised go to MPIRG, a grassroots activism group that focuses on making lasting change in the state of Minnesota. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the event. FB event page.

Saturday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.
Opening Reception for The Rooster, a rooster and chicken themed show at the Lakeside Gallery, 4431 East Superior Street
See paintings and drawings by 20 local artists, including one by ennyman. The show will be on display thru end of April.

Sunday, April 8, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street Adeline Wright of Adeline Inc. hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be four featured storytellers: Meredith Wynn Cornett, Parnell Thill and Kelly Harth and musical guest Toby Thomas Churchill. Member of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an open mic journal-sharing segment. This is an opportunity for anyone to read a journal entry, or other hilarious, serious or heart-wrenching writing from their youth or to simply share a story. This event is free and open to the public - all are welcome! Donations to Zeitgeist are appreciated. For more information please contact Adeline Wright at: adelineofduluth@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 8, 2:30ff

During April Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library is hosting an interesting set of events with historical roots in John Milton and William Blake, along with a series of paintings by local artist Kathryn Lenz, Milton's Hell: A Prequel to Genesis. The opening reception was Tuesday April 3, but several other events are scheduled. Sunday the 8th they will be showing the Milton's Hell video followed by a concert by Sam Black & Friends featuring Music of Rebellion and Divine Creation.

Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, 6-8 p.m.
Duluth Song Circle, Beaner's Central, 324 N. Central Avenue (on Beaner's web site: scroll down to calendar for event listing) "A free night to sing old-timey folk songs with new and old friends. Start your week off on a good note! Everyone welcome. No training needed!"

Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30

Tangle by Linda Farmer

Tangling Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Organized by Esther P., this group meets in the the old Yarn Harbor space, which was taken over by the library awhile back (on the left when you walk in). It is open to anyone, but primarily focused on pattern drawing. Bring your supplies and something you want to finish or start. No instruction, no fee, no organization. It's wonderful to tangle together, if schedules align, and lovely to tangle alone. If you find yourself alone, no worries, another Monday is right around the corner. Enjoy!

Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24, 12:30-3 p.m.
Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free).

Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East
"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted."

Monday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.
Empty Bowl Preview Night: Sea of Bowls, The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street
Choose a fine-art bowl at this gallery-style showing complete with wine and cheese reception. This event is FREE. Bowls range in price from $25—$100. This event features beautiful bowls made and decorated with love by local artists, accomplished and amateur. They are truly unique treasures as so many hands went into creating the final product.

Tuesday, April 17, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

25th Annual Empty Bowl, The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street
Empty Bowl benefits Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, providing food for more than 4.7 million meals annually to people in need throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Enjoy a delicious soup meal FREE of charge. Buy beautiful handmade bowls for just $20 each.

Wednesday, April 18, 6-8 p.m.
Creative Expression Evening, Yoga North, 4628 Pitt Street, Suite 208
This two-hour class includes a brief discussion on the creative process, one hour of gentle yoga with guided imagery followed by an inspirational art project to take home. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month. Class cost: $35

Wednesday, April 18, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle® & Wine, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road
Experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Friday, April 20, 7-10 p.m.
Opening Reception: Ojibway & Nordic Flowers, Vines, & Leaves: Honoring Mother Earth, Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
Artists: Alison Aune, Wendy Savage, Rosemary Guttormsson, Karen Savage-Blue, Carolyn Olson, Tashia Hart, Julian Curry, Karen Keenan & Arna Rennan will show work inspired by nature with a focus on Northern Minnesota. Open for the Earth Day Gallery Hop on April 21, 10 am-5 pm. FB event page.

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop, Multiple Locations, see website for parking details and to download brochure.
"In honor of the 48th Anniversary of Earth Day several downtown Duluth galleries, Armory Arts & Music Center, Tweed Museum of Art and UMD Department of Art & Design will be hosting free receptions and open studios. Also participating: Art Dock, Duluth Pottery, Joseph Nease Gallery, Lake Superior Art Glass, Lizzards Art Gallery and Framing, McTavish Quilting Studio, Siiviis of Sivertson, Studio 101, Tischer Photographic Gallery, Washington Gallery, and Waters of Superior. Tour local galleries, visit with studio artists and watch demonstrations at this fun event. For more information, call (218) 722-1451." FB event page.

Friday, April 27, 6-9ff
Goin' Postal 2018 Spring Art Show
Another fine show is slated. This is one not to miss. OK, it is my "home gallery" so I am biased--though based on head counts each year this has become a go to event. 15-20 local artists, food and music with an after-party featuring Laura Velvet & the Bookhouse Boys.

Friday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Leah Yellowbird: Dimensions, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd Street
Leah Yellowbird’s new art exhibition, Dimensions, will feature artwork that is cross-dimensional, with 3-D painted animal busts, a 9-foot bear sculpture constituted by pom-poms, a collection of black velvet bead work designs, and a selection of her signature pointillist paintings. The event is free, though there is a suggested $10 donation. For more information contact Moira Villiard at moira.aicho@gmail.com.


Art Exhibits
April 2018
Transmutation: Art of Growth and Love
New Works by sculptor/painter/photographer Eric Dubnicka, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street.
Eric Dubnicka was raised in a small-town in NW Wisconsin. After a number of years with the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau, AK as a “destructive data collector”, he returned to the Midwest and attended the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN where he received his BFA in 2002. For sixteen years he has called Duluth, MN home and has exhibited photography, paintings and sculptures regionally, received numerous grants and awards and has been collected widely.

April 2018
New Drawings & Paintings by Stephanie Wilcox
Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S. Lake Avenue (DeWitt Seitz, downstairs)
Colorful pattern artist Stephanie Wilcox debuts new work sure to tantalize the eye and inspire creativity.

April 2018
The Illusion of Control
Paintings and sculpture by Robb Quisling's Hermantown High School art class at Beaners Central. Thought-provoking imagery on a relevant theme. Whether you drop in at Beaners for coffee or lunch, be sure to take in the student art this month.

April/May 2018
Sweep

Art Exhibition Opening, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"Joseph Nease Gallery is excited to announce its second exhibition, “Sweep," presenting the latest work of a group of experienced painters at a high point in their craft, “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters: Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Robert Bingaman, James Brinsfield, Marcus Cain, Peter Granados, Christopher Harrison, Rachel Hayes, Matthew Kluber, Don Kottmann, Kay Kurt, Adam McCauley, Karen Owsley Nease, Heidi Pollard, Warren Rosser, Eric Sall, Rabbett before Horses Strickland, Jonathan Thunder, Mimi Chen Ting and Leah Yellowbird." Exhibit runs through May 31, 2018.
See my interview with Joseph Nease upon the opening of this new gallery.

* * * *

TWO ADDITIONAL EVENTS related to Milton's Hell
Wednesday April 18 at 7 pm. Peter Spooner will give a presentation on William Blake's art, especially his "Paradise Lost" illustrations, and his influence on visual art. After his presentation we will again show the Milton's Hell video.

Friday April 20 at 7 pm. Professor Kevin Quarmby, Saint Scholastica English Department, will give a presentation on Milton, Shakespeare and the Origin of the Specious in Paradise Lost. After his presentation we will show the Milton's Hell video.

* * * *

Meantime art goes on all around you. Engage it.

Milton's Hell, the Prequel to Genesis @ Karpeles

Blake-inspired ceiling detail: home of Aethelred Eldridge

In April Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library is hosting an interesting set of events with historical roots in John Milton and William Blake, along with a series of paintings by local artist Kathryn Lenz, Milton's Hell: A Prequel to Genesis. The opening reception will be Tuesday April 3 at 7:00 p.m. which will include a video presentation of Milton's Hell in voice and imagery. Preceding this opening reception there will be a lecture at 4:00 p.m. featuring Susan Sink, Oblate of St. John's Abbey, at UMD. The following Sunday Sam Black and friends will perform the Music of Rebellion and Divine Creation at 3:00 p.m. with a video preceding at 2:30.

Paradise Lost, was composed by the blind and impoverished Milton from 1658 to 1664. A portion of this epic has been translated into images by Kathryn Lenz. In addiition to Lenz's paintings there will also be reproductions of William Blake's artwork inspired by Milton's epic poem by the 17th century English poet.

The first version, published in 1667, consisted of ten books with over ten thousand lines of verse. A second edition followed in 1674, arranged into twelve books (in the manner of Virgil's Aeneid) with minor revisions throughout and a note on the versification. Considered Milton's major work, it solidified his reputation as one of the great English poets of his time. The poem concerns the Biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's purpose, stated in Book I, is to "justify the ways of God to men."

The visionary poet and painter William Blake (1757-1827), author of Songs of Innocence and Experience, later illustrated Milton's work. A portion of Blake's work on Milton's theme has been reproduced and will also be on display at Karpeles in April.

Illustration by William Blake

What interested me in part were some of the recollections it generated from my four years at Ohio University. One of the associate professors in the art department from the late 1950's till 2014 was a Blake enthusiast, Æthelred Eldridge. If I remember correctly, his home was featured in the magazine Home and Garden. He welcomed people to visit and swim in his rural pond/small lake. According to Wikipedia he is best known "for his black and white art accompanied by esoteric writings inspired by William Blake, and the founding of a "Church of William Blake" not far from his home in Athens, Ohio."

What I best remember is that Seigfried Hall, home to the art school, had a wide arch  upon which Eldridge a few years earlier had painted a massive mural that sprawled overhead and down to the top of the entrance. There were evidently complaints about the mural so that by the time I attended school in 1970 he had whitewashed it and covered that with a lengthy script which probably no one read in its entirety without a neck injury, but that evidently satisfied the authorities.

I asked Kathryn Lenz, whom I met through one of Kathy McTavish's events, what prompted her to do this series of paintings on Milton's Hell. She replied that "several years ago, my sister Karmen Lenz, a professor of English at Middle Georgia State University, employed an image of one of my cartoon paintings in a class-activity to get reluctant students to write. I found this very appealing and wanted to collaborate with her on a project that would have an educational application for her as well as serve as a catalyst for my development as an artist. She often includes parts of John Milton's "Paradise Lost" in her courses, but it is heavy reading and can be difficult to follow. Images could potentially help students understand Milton's origin story for Sin, Death and Hell. I have found the epic to be full of passages that spark my imagination and challenge me artistically."

Lenz began working on her first sketches for these paintings three years ago. "I started working on the first of these paintings two years ago," she noted.

Additional events have also been slated as well. Wednesday April 18 at 7 pm. Peter Spooner will give a presentation on William Blake's art, especially his "Paradise Lost" illustrations, and his influence on visual art. After his presentation we will again show the Milton's Hell video.

Friday April 20 at 7 pm. Professor Kevin Quarmby, Saint Scholastica English Department, will give a presentation on Milton, Shakespeare and the Origin of the Specious in Paradise Lost. After his presentation we will show the Milton's Hell video.

All of the above are free and open to the public.

Related Links
Milton's Hell in Paradise Lost.
Aesthetic Rapture Between Heaven and Hell: William Blake Illustrates John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”