Gharan Burton: Releasing The Form Within

Artist Gharan Burton (right) discusses his work with a guest at the opening of his exhibit, "Artassination," at ROTA Gallery on Saturday evening.

PLATTSBURGH CITY

Gharan Burton recycles nature.

While walking through the forest his artistic eye seeks out a log or broken tree that can be transformed into a work of art.

Sometimes the shape of the wood triggers an idea.  He visualizes a form that he can carve out.  But as a creative artist he can also improvise, changing his mind.

"The Loud Voice" by Gharan Burton.

One of his sculptures now on display at ROTA Gallery – "The Loud Voice" – started out as a human figure but Gharan realized that material was better suited as an abstract work.  Instead of a figure the sculpture is a tall white oak cylinder with rectangular openings (mouths?), its length slowly twisting upon itself.

Gharan is originally from the Caribbean island nation of Dominica.  He came to Plattsburgh through the local university, majoring in computer science at Plattsburgh State.  Along the way with his studies he changed majors, deciding that he wanted to do something else with his life.  You could say that computer science was the wrong career form for him.

He earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts, his concentration on painting.  Later he discovered wood sculpture, teaching himself how to carve living art from dead wood.

Both his sculptures and paintings are featured in the exhibit, "Artassination," which is running for two weeks at the ROTA Gallery, 50 Margaret Street.  ROTA is usually open daily from 12 noon to 5 PM. For more information about the exhibit you can check out the ROTA Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/rotagallery.

2D and 3d work by Gharan Burton on display at ROTA Gallery.