ERA Landmark proudly announces our current Guest Artist showing in our downtown Bozeman office! Stop by to view Carrie French's beautiful representation and abstract collages and oil paintings now through the month of April! Join us Thursday, April 20th from 5:30-7:30 pm for an opening artist reception to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

 

About Carrie

Carrie French is a Bozeman native, who studied at Montana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Painting. Working in oil paint and frequently incorporating collage, her paintings begin with gestural marks, often without a preconceived plan, and develop through enhancing shapes and moments of interest she finds on the canvas. For Carrie, discovery is essential to her process. Her paintings mirror the color palette of the Gallatin Valley’s rivers, lakes, mountains, and fields, while her longing for connection to urban environments is evident in themes of bustling energy, suggesting buildings, grids, and city streets. Since landing back in Bozeman to care for her mom in 2016, Carrie has been happily living and creating in her hometown.

Carrie's Artist Statement

"Every day I see impactful imagery that I squirrel away for my paintings. Often, they are dramatic shapes from natural landscapes or from built environments. A dark creek carving through a snow-filled canyon, the blocky outline of buildings against the blue sky, the bold, graphic look of winding streets. I find satisfaction in creating my own abstracted landscapes, emphasizing the elements that intrigue me the most. I’m not looking for accuracy or logic. I’m looking for a sense of wonder arising from imagery I can’t quickly label. For me, it arises from surprises, from unknowns. I invite you to find some of each in this body of work; some recognizable landscapes, some elements of cities, or developments. You will also encounter many images you cannot define, and I hope you’ll explore them. These are works that came about during free-flowing moments of improvisation and spontaneity. They are made during inspired exploration using color, and celebrating a feeling of freedom."

Our Pledge

ERA Landmark has always approached hanging artists in our office a little differently - instead of taking a commission from art sales, we ask our artists to donate a small percentage towards a local charity or nonprofit near and dear to their hearts. Carrie has pledged to donate 15% of her art proceeds from any sales to Gallatin Valley Food Bank whose mission and vision is to, "create a healthier, more resilient, food-secure community in which all of the members are empowered and have the means to nourish themselves. We will continue to advocate and support our community through our work, partnerships, and commitment to improving food security." To further help support Carrie's cause, ERA Landmark will be price-matching a donation of up to $250 as well towards the same association.

Gallatin Valley Food Bank  Carrie's Website  Carrie's Instagram  Carrie's Facebook