i am drawn to the woods
its endless rhythm of vertical
holding spaces within
unexpected windows of view
i am drawn to the woods
flecked in luminous patchwork
and corridors of darkness
veiled in mystery
i am drawn to the woods
and its quiet embrace
there for me
in casual grandeur
For over 30 years, Edward has worked on the design side as owner and creative director of JOED Design, a Chicago-based package design firm. In 2017, Edward relocated to his lake house near Saugatuck, Michigan. Together with his wife Joanne, a ceramic artist, joannerebek.com, they continue their lives as full-time artists.
Education
BFA from Northern Illinois University in 1982.
Exhibitions
Here’s the Thing / June 24, 2023 - July 8, 2023
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Unfold / March 11, 2023 - March 25, 2023
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Conceal/Reveal / October 8, 2022 - October 22, 20022
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
In Cahoots / July 30, 2022 - August 13, 20022
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Emerging / May 21, 2022 - June 21, 2022
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Liminal / October 16 - November 12, 2021
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Mix it up / October 25 - November 22, 2019
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Eye Opener - alternative views of summer / August 9 - September 6, 2019
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Open Ended: a continuation / June 7 - July 3, 2019
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
the significance of the moment - an exhibition of paintings by edward rebek
May 28 - July 19, 2019 / Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Revive / April 26 - May24, 2019
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Hold Dear: Objects to Collect & Cherish / February 15 - March 16, 2019
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Coalesce / November 30 - December 29 2018
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Collective / February 9 - March 29, 2018
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Perception & Intention / November 17 - December 31, 2017
LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Michigan
Continuity / May 6 - June 7, 2017
Water Street Gallery, Douglas Michigan
Reverie - a solo exhibition / January 9 - February 12, 2017
University Club of Chicago
Seminars
Advanced oil painting / August 2015
outdoor workshop with artist, Richard Kooyman
Painting the Landscape in Oil / August 2014
outdoor workshop with artist, Richard Kooyman
1200 Sheets of Paper with Richard Kooyman / July 2012
non-representational drawing work shop with artist, Richard Kooyman
The Structure of the Visual Moment / June 2011
an outdoor painting intensive with artist, Stuart Shils
Painting Retreat with Parke and Kooyman / September 2008
plein air work shop with artists, Melanie Parke & Richard Kooyman
Influences
Tom Thomson, Alex Katz, Forrest Moses, Lois Dodd, Fairfield Porter and Wolf Kahn.
Artist Statement
The woods and dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan inspire me as an artist and provide an endless source of subject material for my paintings. Although I often wander many of the same trails, my experience is special each time due to the ever-changing light from season to season. While I appreciate the grand, scenic overlook, I am drawn to the subtle details on the periphery and the spaces in between. I find curiosity and wonder in the interplay of foreground and background and the shifting emphasis caused by light and shadow. When I interpret my observations with paint on canvas, the medium brings a layer of depth and gesture to the scene. My work focuses on creating an intimate connection and appreciation for the natural world.
Please feel free to contact Edward with any questions or comments. Edward Rebek is represented exclusively by LaFontsee Galleries in Grand Rapids, Michigan