“Silences Seen,” a collection of watercolors by Bob Callahan, is a visual journey of a return to his first passion, the art of the watercolor sketch on exhibition from March 10 through April 30, 2010 at the University of Connecticut Stamford Art Gallery. After over 50 years of working as an award-winning graphic designer with clients including IBM, GE, People’s Bank and Yale Repertory Theatre, Callahan has prepared scenes inspired by his love of the outdoors for a one-person exhibition at the UConn, Stamford Art. The artworks are composed of the artist's travels to Bermuda, Jamaica, Stowe, Vermont, Watch Hill, Rhode Island along with scenes derived from his own Stamford backyard.
Callahan values "freshness" and loves the elements of surprise that watercolor allows. "You have to figure out what happens when a wet brush hits wet paper -- what kind of accidents are going to occur. The challenge to bring the paint under my control and to express my vision. You plan the watercolor in your mind and then execute it quickly. You learn little tricks as time goes by, such as letting the background dry to a certain point and then putting in the mountains in so you get a bit of softness between the mountains and the sky." In doing this, he raises a simple landscape to iconic status. Critics have called his work free, expressive, and spontaneous.
The artist has been drawing since he was a teenager and originally thought of becoming a cartoonist for Disney. He's a man who is known for his community spirit, having donated his artistic and acting talents to a multitude of arts organizations. It was his association as designer with the Stamford Symphony that led to his performance as narrator of "Peter and the Wolf." "The kids loved it," says Callahan. "I painted a picture with words."
Bob and his wife of 51 years, Lucile, live in North Stamford. They have six children, eight grandchildren, three rescued Bichon Frises and a Russian Blue cat.
The University of Connecticut, Stamford Art Gallery, is located at One University Place, Washington Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut, 06901-2315. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to noon. There is free parking on the second level in the UConn garage on Washington Boulevard. The show runs from March 10 through April 30, 2010.
