magine, a word that invites us to sense, to see what is not yet visible. Imagination is the space of inner freedom. In the quietness of our hearts and minds new impulses arise with a will to be. The artist’s studio has been termed “Imagination’s Chamber.” Here quick silver ideas are shaped by an interplay of hands, media, and tools. With work, imagination becomes visible expression and its forms enter the social / cultural world as a gift. “John and Laura, the work you have been doing is beautiful and inspirational.” Paul Missal, painting professor emeritus PNCA magine invites you to stay in touch. We believe art, architecture, interior design and the living of everyday life belong together. Site Painters is dedicated to an evolving, collaborative art of place making. Please subscribe here and we’ll include you in occasional updates from the “imagination’s chamber.”

fresh paint

Hermiston Headstart Center Our challenge: to transform a strictly functional building into a welcoming home away from home. We re-designed the architecture into varied sequences of four wall colors. Then we carefully arranged 14 playful paintings in relationship to the wall colors, doors, windows, etc. We used industrial enamels on 1/8" aluminum panels for maximum longevity. See another Headstart Center -- Click Projects > Mulino Headstart Center. 1300 Shannon Way Hermiston, OR Oregon Child Development Coalition, client show me more go to top

Providence St. Vincent Skybridge Who doesn't tense up in a hospital? And if you're a child not doing well... The Skybridge connects the Gerry Frank Surgery Center to the Imaging Department. The formerly "stark institutional hallway was transformed to a calm and welcoming environment" Rose Marie Curley RN-BC, Nurse Manager. Two columns at either end of the hall received painted panels that glow with vitality. Above, the soffits are stenciled with gliding and perched birds. Also see work in the Gerry Frank Center. Click Projects > Providence St. Vincent Childrens Surgery. 9205 SW Barnes Rd. Portland, OR 97225 show me more go to top

Artwork for Healthcare and more -- a Sampler Just out -- our CD format portfolio of selected project images filled to the rim with art that integrates, connects, and rewards viewing. Fresh visual ideas that will suggest possible directions for your current projects... Great for your resources file, to share with colleagues and clients. Includes reprint of Site Painters profile published in Healthcare Design magazine, list of the many media we can work in, previous clients and more. Sound useful? Email john@sitepainters.net to have one sent to you. go to top

Recognition John Early and Laura Bender (Site Painters partners) were among those artists selected through a juried process organized by the Oregon Arts Commission and the Regional Arts and Culture Council to be included in the new Oregon Public Art Roster. The Roster "provides a pool of highly qualified artists" for local, regional, and state agencies to draw from for Percent for Art commissions. Over 500 artists from the US, Canada, and EU countries applied to the review process. More juried recognition: John -- Washington State Art Commission Public Art Roster Laura & John -- Shortlist Roster, TriMet Portland-Milwuakie Light Rail Project Laura & John -- Regional Arts and Culture Council, Design Team Roster. go to top

flashes from the studio

More paintings When not busy with our commissioned projects, we pursue personal work in the studio. Both spheres of creativity feed, support, and enlarge each other. Here are some recent paintings. They are all for sale! In Honor I A new exploration in collage-- Laura combines painted canvas and a vast array of printed fabrics in celebration of the natural world. More work Laura Bender paintings Carnival by John, from the series Steam, permutations of one object -- acrylic paint, collage, drawing. More work John Early studio art go to top

inspiration

Awakening Creativity Chinese American artist, Lily Yeh, heals broken hearts and places with art. Awakening Creativity, Dandelion School Blossoms by Lily Yeh New Village Press This extraordinary book -- beautiful in content and design -- is a moving and detailed case study of Lily Yeh's methodology for employing hands-on art projects to uplift embattled communities around the world. The book focuses on her 5 year engagement with a school for the children of migrant workers in China. "Awakening Creativity should be read by every educator, artist, activist, architect, and parent as it will change the way we understand education, parenting, healing, and social change." Nina Simons, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Bioneers. go to top

creative connections

A Man Named Pearl, directed by Scott Galloway and Brent Pierson A documentary we discovered on the shelves of Movie Madness on SE Belmont. You will be humbled and inspired by what one man has created -- a topiary garden like no other, in a small town in SC. Without training, grants, or outside encouragement, over many years after his shifts in a metal can factory, Pearl Fryar has nurtured and shaped a highly original sculpted garden. The essence of the man is summed up by the words he pruned out of shrubs sprawling across his lawn, "love, peace, good will." go to top