Secret Garden

Secret Garden features the work of six West Coast artists exploring the mystery and magic of the natural world. For some, nature is a respite from life’s insistent noise, and for others, it holds mystical power and allure in which they feel most comfortable in their own skin. The artists also point to our disappointing negligence of our fellow earth inhabitants. Through the show’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textile pieces, personal and communal relationships with nature are shared in honor of its incredible power and intelligence.  

Exhibiting artists include Maija Fiebig, Kendra Larson, Robin McCauley, Brooks Shane Salzwedel, Martha Shade, and Wesley Younie.

For inqueries, click here for the Secret Garden viewing room. You can see installation views here.

About the artists:

Seattle-based Maija Fiebig is known for her intricate paintings of abstracted plant forms and patterns. She recently expanded her work to include yarn sculptures and complex, embroidered textile pieces with sequin and beaded detailing that echo the complexity and intensity of her paintings.

Kendra Larson engages historical depictions of landscape with insinuations of environmentalism and a contemporary relationship to nature. Lush and magical landscapes are portrayed as if there has never been human intervention and the inherent intelligence of the natural world reigns supreme. Her paintings and ceramics are also influenced by folklore, magical realism, feminism, and awe of nature.

Robin McCauley’s realistic graphite drawings of animals and crows spotlight the intelligence and grace of her majestic subjects.

Created through a unique process of layering acrylics, resin, and wax, the mixed media works of Brooks Shane Salzwedel focus on natural and unnatural landscapes to evoke feelings of both familiarity and dislocation. His imagery juxtaposes recognized terrains with unexpected interruptions that challenge our understanding of place. 

Through her embroidery and woven work, Martha Shade explores tales of mythology and warnings of humans’ lax stewardship of the animal kingdom.

Deeply influenced by the traditions of chinoiserie, Rococo design, fairy tales, cartoons, and natural history, Wesley Younie creates nature-based paintings that explore links between the ancient and modern, organic and human-made. His work addresses the loss of reverence for nature as it is increasingly eclipsed by rampant over-development and inauthentic simulacrum.