534 Tomberg Road | Knife River, Minnesota
Shelley Getten, Host Artist
Primarily a poet and printmaker, I draw inspiration from the big lake and surrounding rivers and woodlands. My desire to be immersed in a wild place brought me to the North Shore of Lake Superior nearly twenty years ago. Since then, I have exhibited and taught (both printmaking and poetry) at locations throughout the region. I love sharing the process and the ultimate joy that comes from bringing something new into the world. I hope that my art will make you smile, think deeply and at times, laugh out loud. It will take you on a journey through your own heart to a
place of deep connection with the Earth and its inhabitants.
Some images are cropped. Please click on each photo to see the entire artwork. All images copyrighted & may not be reproduced without permission.
James Ellis, Guest Artist
The Artist, Tradition, and the Untamed Shore
I am James Ellis, a contemporary realist oil painter whose work is rooted in the dramatic landscapes of Northern Minnesota, particularly the North Shore and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Drawing upon the tradition of 18th and 19th-century Realism and Naturalism, my paintings explore the wild and ever-changing beauty of the Lake Superior region. My artistic journey began unexpectedly—sparked by a personal disability that opened the door to my profound passion for painting. Years of intimate observation along the rugged coastline have given me an intimate knowledge that translates into emotionally resonant works of art.
Technique, Preservation, and Philosophy
My technique is rooted in the tradition of careful observation and accurate representation. As an oil painter using the alla prima technique, my brush and palette knife transform the blank canvas into a visual short story, each stroke preserving a memory. I utilize this expressive approach to create unique, tangible textures that capture the raw, untamed nature of the landscape—from the textures of papery birch bark to the dynamic forms of the wave-worn geological history.
The Central Role of Preservation
Preservation is central to my work. I seek to document and preserve the irreplaceable nature of vanishing places, capturing scenes destined to be lost or forgotten. My featured pieces tell stories of Lake Superior’s constant reshaping of the shoreline, highlighting both natural forces and human influence. In select works, I share Ojibwa oral traditions, emphasizing the significance of natural elements to their culture. Through this blend of observational accuracy and expressive interpretation, my aim is to evoke a sense of awe and a deeper understanding of the natural world, inspiring viewers to cherish and protect this fragile natural scenery.
Some images are cropped. Please click on each photo to see the entire artwork. All images copyrighted & may not be reproduced without permission.
September 25, 26, & 27 